Research Technologist I (UPDATED) (Multiple Positions)

The Mountain Operations group at Steward Observatory is currently seeking candidates for the position of a Research Technologist I. Mountain Operations currently provides both maintenance and operational support for observatories at Kitt Peak, Mt. Graham, and in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The successful candidate will assist Site Supervisors in support of telescopes, domes, dormitories, buildings, grounds and utility systems, primarily at the Santa Catalina Mountain sites. This includes mounting, servicing, and removing astronomical research instrumentation, performing standard instrument performance checks, and maintaining and troubleshooting telescopes and domes. Candidate will also perform maintenance of telescope buildings, associated dormitories, and immediate grounds, as required.

This position involves working for extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 11,000 feet. The position also requires working at heights in excess of 90 feet off the ground, the ability to climb stairs and ladders, lift/transport up to 50Ibs, and operating heavy equipment primarily used for snow removal. On their duty days, the successful candidate must be on call to respond to telescope and maintenance problems outside of regular business hours.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of a variety of telescopes and related domes (including dome wind screens, mirror covers, drive systems, etc.).
• Assist with preparations of telescopes and complex instrumentation, ensuring proper operation of the telescopes and related equipment. Confers with engineers to define and refine procedures.
• Assist with maintenance of research facility equipment and operations support of research instrumentation.
• Assist with installation and removal of complex and sensitive astronomical instrumentation and conduct basic-level performance checks.
• Interact with engineers, technical staff, and faculty on status of research facility equipment.
• Transport instruments, cryogenic liquids, compressed gases, supplies, and equipment as required.
• Assist with removal, handling, and installation of delicate, large astronomical optics used for astronomical observations.
• Assist with transport of delicate mirrors to and from mountain to mirror aluminizing facility in Tucson, AZ.
• Assists with the cleaning of delicate and large astronomical optics (primary and secondary).
• Assist with maintenance of buildings as required to keep the research sites operational. With the direction and guidance of the supervisor, this could include plumbing, basic electrical and carpentry installations, maintenance and repairs such as replacing solenoid valves, switches, relays, and thermostats, rewiring appliances, construction of walls and partitions, installing plumbing pipe and related plumbing fixtures, drywall, and painting.
• Assist with maintenance of grounds as required to keep the research sites operational.
• Operate and assist with basic maintenance of heavy equipment including road graders, front end loaders, and fork lifts.
• Clears site of brush and snow as required, which can include chainsaw use and shoveling.
• Prepares site for fire season, which can involve digging fire lines, laying sprinkler lines.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to perform basic computer activities including email, word processing, zoom meetings, and network connectivity.
• Ability to safely hook up, haul, and back a trailer for transportation of water and materials.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain weed eaters, chainsaws, pumps, and other hand/power tools.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work long, irregular shifts and have the ability to take occasional after hours call-outs, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift/transport up to 50 lbs. and routinely climb stairs and ladders at altitude.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 11,000 feet.
• Ability to work in extreme mountain weather conditions.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience and a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to
  the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
• Experience in troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems, basic electrical circuits, and basic plumbing.
• Experience with machining and welding.
• Experience with Linux.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications.