Research Program Administration Officer I, Steward Observatory (Safford)
About The Position
Steward Observatory is a University of Arizona research unit that supports ground- and space-based astronomy through research, education, and outreach. Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO) is a division of Steward Observatory and the research arm for the Department of Astronomy. The Research Program Administration Officer I assists the MGIO Director in managing operational aspects of MGIO’s Base Camp and telescope site near Safford, Arizona. The role provides financial and administrative support, including budgeting, expenditure monitoring, purchasing, billing, reimbursements, and reporting. It also supports daily base camp operations, maintains records, assists visitors, reviews time sheets, and helps ensure compliance with university and external policies. The position coordinates and supervises the annual MGIO Summer Youth Work Program. The work is primarily indoors, with no heavy lifting or routine exposure to outdoor weather or challenging environmental conditions. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interact professionally and effectively with others.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Responsibilities
- Prepare cost and salary projections and analyses, and financial and administrative reports for planning purposes.
- Analyze and interpret financial data.
- Monitor and approve program expenditures to ensure budget allocations are not overspent.
- Review and authorize purchases of supplies, services, and equipment within budgeted limits.
- Process p-card purchases, expense reimbursements, monthly billing, requisitions, purchase orders, and payments to outside vendors.
- Provide daily administrative support at the base camp office for MGIO research operations.
- Compile, store, and organize appropriate records.
- Greet and direct visitors to the base camp for research and business purposes.
- Review weekly time sheets and approve them in the director’s absence.
- Keep informed of university and external governing agency regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Facilitate and supervise the annual MGIO Summer Youth Work Program, including advertising, recruitment, hiring, and record keeping.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability programs
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
- Retirement plans
- Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
