UH/IRT Telescope System Specialist

Full time Regular Employment at University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy

Category: Engineering

Location: Hilo

Open date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Closing date: Friday, February 21, 2025

Job number: 255070

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Summary

UH/IRT TELESCOPE SYSTEM SPECIALIST - ID #225070

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the University of Hawai‘i/Infrared Telescope (UH/IRT), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Position is exempt from RCUH Policy No. 3.620 – RCUH Vacation Leave and does not accrue vacation hours. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

DUTIES: Operates the UH/IRT, related computers, instruments and sub-systems including data reduction. Responsible for the observatory during operational shift, the safety of personnel and of the facility. Ensures observatory is safely closed and secure, and observing system is shutdown properly. Drives a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the observatory/telescope when needed. The position is interactive, requiring the employee to interpret, assess, and carry out observational sequences created by observatory staff and astronomers around the world. Improves and broadens their knowledge of the telescope, instrumentation and other associated equipment by taking an active part in the training process, which will be provided by the UH/IRT. Attends meetings in Hilo, particularly Operations Meetings and/or end of day briefings with observatory scientists. Attends training courses when necessary. Position involves working at night and without supervision at the UH/IRT control room in Hilo, remotely operating the UH/IRT at the 14,000 ft. summit of Maunakea, on a schedule requiring approximately two (2), five (5) night shifts at the office per month.

Requirements

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Physical Science, Computer Science, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering or closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of experience operating a major telescope.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of computer systems beyond basic office applications.

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Good interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills. Skilled with working on computer systems beyond basic office applications. Demonstrated skills and knowledge of operating international class telescopes and/or astronomical instruments. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment to drive to observatory/telescope. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must sign University of Hawai‘i intellectual property provision. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination and maintain proof of high- altitude clearance throughout the duration of employment.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Technical background and experience in the operation of scientific facilities. Familiarity with the principles of astronomy and electronics. Competence working within the Unix/Linux operating system.

Additional Information

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4714 - $4914/Mon.

CLOSING DATE: February 21, 2025 or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by RCUH (whichever comes first).

Inquiries: Watson Varricattu, w.varricatt@ukirt.hawaii.edu (Hawai'i)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.

About University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy

The Institute for Astronomy is one of the world's leading astronomical research centers. Its broad-based program includes studies of the Sun, planets, and stars, as well as interstellar matter, galaxies, and cosmology. IFA operates the University of Hawaiʻi 2.2-meter telescope atop Maunakea.

Website: www.ifa.hawaii.edu
See all available opportunities with University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy.