Assistant Observer 2

NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

We seek individuals who can thrive in a culturally diverse environment. The Telescope Operators are members of the CTIO Telescope Operations (TelOps) Team and perform a number of essential duties in the Observatory’s operation. The successful applicant will have demonstrated organizational and communication skills and possess initiative and the ability to understand the principles and functions of astronomical telescopes, instruments and observational data in acquiring proficiency. The successful applicant will also possess excellent teamwork skills to work collaboratively with NOIRLab staff and visiting astronomers in our international community.

The 1.5-m telescope is operated from the summit of Cerro Tololo. The telescope is at an altitude of 2200 m. We offer a development path that will allow 1.5-m telescope operators to be trained to operate the 4-m V. M. Blanco and SOAR Telescopes, and potentially others as well.

The essential job duties include the following:

- Operates the telescope, instruments and computer systems during night-time and day-time science and engineering use.
- Is responsible for the safety of the personnel, telescope and instruments while working at night.
- Detects and reports technical issues, and supports diagnosis and resolution of these issues during the night, as practical.
- Assists visiting and staff scientists and engineers in their use of the telescope, instruments and computer systems, and performs queue observing on scheduled queue nights.
- Develops familiarity with instrument configuration and set-up to provide back-up for absences of other support staff.
- **This position does not include time nor funding for personal research.**

**Job Requirements**:

- Ability to work night shifts. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as needed.
- Responsible for the safety of people and equipment while working at night.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to learn quickly required. **Must be fluent in English**, while command of the Spanish language is an advantage.
- Reliable, dependable, and flexible - excellent attendance and commitment to work scheduled shifts is necessary.
- Must be a self-learner and self-starter; requires above-average initiative.
- Requires outstanding judgment and ability to communicate clearly and firmly when issues of safety of personnel or the telescope are apparent.
- Ability to work productively in a multinational team.
- A good working knowledge of personal computers and the Unix/Linux and Windows operating systems is preferred.
- Requires a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and the ability to drive 4WD vehicles.

**Education Required**:
**Desirable Experience**:
Any or all of the following:

- Experience with telescope operation and/or astronomical observations
- Hands-on laboratory experience, for example electronics or optics
- Relevant computer software experience, such as Python programming and/or astronomical data reduction
- Master’s degree in a relevant field

**Other Requirements**:
All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

**Physical Demands**:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- Must possess - sufficient mobili