Description:
An OA typically works a 6-night shift in a 15-day rotation, residing in dormitory accommodations on Kitt Peak for the duration of the night shift. There may be deviations from this schedule in the event of a need to cover for absences. The two OAs, one at each telescope, are responsible for supporting operations at night, and regularly confer with each other about weather conditions, telescope or instrument problems, unusual events or emergency situations.
Essential Functions
- Conducts a walk-through of the facility prior to operations to verify the integrity of automatic systems, safety, and to inspect for unreported failures.
- Carries out safety briefings for on-site observers.
- Acts as the Kitt Peak safety watch 4pm until sunrise
- Operates the telescope at night for the observing astronomers, evaluates suitability of weather conditions for observing and continued operation, monitors telescope and instrument performance, and tracks data quality.
- Verbally communicates clearly and effectively with on-site and remote observers operating the instruments during nightly operations.
- Provides clear and accurate reports concerning technical, safety or facilities problems, and for initial troubleshooting, workarounds or solutions implemented.
- Assists technical and engineering staff with verification of proper telescope and instrument performance.
- Provides basic services including supplying and requisitioning gases and cryogenic liquids, upkeep of consumable material stocks, maintaining on-line documentation, coordination of observing logs and observing statistics.
- May assist daytime technical staff with instrument installation, maintenance or preparation for observing operations; becomes familiar with data acquisition techniques and rudimentary data quality assessment.
- Participates in emergency medical training to at least First Responder level, learns to man the fire response station and how to run the ambulance and fire truck.
- Takes appropriate action with site safety and emergency procedures.
- Reports possible snow or obstructions on observatory road to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as necessary.
Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, engineering or related field is expected; however, substantial experience with the operation of complex computer-controlled opto-mechanical or similar equipment may be acceptable.
- An understanding of, or practical experience with telescopes, optical or infrared astronomical instruments, electronic detectors, or astronomical observing techniques are preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
- Ability to work night shifts up to 15.5 hours in length for up to 6 consecutive nights in a typical 15-day rotation, and reside on site during the shift.