GBO - GB Telescope Ops - Operations Specialist I

Associated Universities Inc. • Green Bank, WV

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education.
At GBO we are seeking a Telescope Operations Specialist I to safely and efficiently monitor and operate one or more telescopes. Monitor the performance of telescope systems and assist engineers and technicians in diagnosing telescope equipment failures.
This position is located on-site at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV.

Requirements

• You have a minimum of an associate’s degree (A. A.) or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school with training in math, physics, science or a related technical field.
• You have a valid driver’s license
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• While not required a bachelor’s degree preferred in a science related field.
• While not required, you may experience operating equipment in an industrial environment

Responsibilities

• The operator receives a schedule of observation programs or technical activities, reviews the objectives and requirements, enables required equipment, and then initiates and ends the observations.
• The incumbent communicates with on-site or remote observers, receives observing instructions from them, executes their program, monitors their data collection, and makes changes and adjustments as needed. Archives data via computerized storage.
• May set up and run previously scripted observations without contact with the scientists (performs "service" observations).
• May assist scientists with basic analysis of data.
• Monitors data collection for radio frequency interference, aids in the identification of the source, and communicates this information to appropriate specialists.
• Initiates action to correct software or equipment problems. Notifies appropriate personnel for assistance if necessary.
• Monitors the weather conditions and takes prescribed actions when weather conditions exceed operating parameters.
• Maintains a detailed shift log of operating activities. Notes failures and abnormal conditions.
• Operates equipment for engineers and maintenance workers during maintenance periods. Serves as the work control contact either on site at each telescope or may be required to do this from the main control room. Reviews and revises existing operating procedures. Develops procedures and even schematics for new equipment based on technical information supplied by engineers or supervisor. May also develop technical reports to describe operating characteristics, abnormal conditions, and functional limitations.
• Performs inspections and servicing of telescopes, supporting equipment, and data collections systems.
• May assists in the training of other telescope operators.

Benefits

• AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment.
• AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave).
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree