Support Astronomer Job at New Mexico State University
The
Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University is seeking a Support Astronomer for the SDSS 2.5m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory (APO) in Sunspot, New Mexico. The Support Astronomer is responsible for safe and efficient operations of the SDSS 2.5m Telescope. APO is located in the Lincoln National Forest 16 miles from the village of Cloudcroft, NM. The observatory sits on a ridge overlooking White Sands National Park, White Sands Missile Test Range and Alamogordo, NM with great seeing, dark skies, wide field optical/infrared imaging and spectroscopy. Working at APO employees have the opportunity to lead/participate in research on the telescopes, tuition waivers to take classes at NMSU, or attend/present at conferences for professional development.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Support Astronomer (SA) is responsible for nightly operation of the 2.5m telescope and instruments, quality monitoring the data streams, tracking system performance and observing efficiency. The SA works closely with Astronomers and external consortium faculty and students, operating the telescope and instruments remotely, to efficiently take observations and debug issues. They work with other night staff to monitor the facility, weather and safe and proper operation of the telescope.
The selected candidate will perform setup/instrument preparations and calibrations, service observing and monitoring of remotely operated telescopes. Monitoring the performance of equipment and effectively communicating any problems with the day engineering and IT staff is required.
Other essential job functions include understanding of astronomical coordinate systems and time keeping.
Classification Summary
The selected candidate will perform setup/instrument preparations and calibrations, service observing and monitoring of remotely operated telescopes. Monitoring the performance of equipment and effectively communicating any problems with the day engineering and IT staff is required.
Other essential job functions include understanding of astronomical coordinate systems and time keeping.
Operates telescopes and/or associated instrumentation to obtain astronomical data and/or assists Assists visiting astronomers in obtaining high quality observational data. Provides technical, scientific and logistical support to astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs a the telescope, including assistance with data analysis. Performs general and specific commissioning of the telescope and instruments. Conducts astronomical research.
Classification Standard Duties
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Plan observing strategy for facilities where applicable. Perform quality assurance tests of telescope, instruments, and acquired data. Collaborate with colleagues in survey project preparing scientific results where applicable. Operate facilities to acquire scientific data. Develop commissioning plans for facilities and operational procedures. Perform commissioning tests, prepare reports. Perform periodic engineering tests and procedures, analyze and interpret results. Work with engineering staff to maintain and improve facilities. Interface with other project staff a different institutions regarding survey issues and progress. Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge
University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation, telescope control systems, analysis of CCD images/spectra.
Skills
Short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication, technical, mechanical and engineering, computer, electronics.
Abilities
Direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information, operate large astronomical telescopes.
Required Education
Master’s degree in a related field.
Required Experience
Three (3) years of professional experience with modern astronomical spectrographic and/or imaging instruments, moderate to large telescopes, and astronomical data reductions with demonstrated successes in astronomical research.
Equivalency Doctorate that includes observing experience (no additional experience needed), or Bachelor degree in a related field and five (5) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined. Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience operating telescopes and astronomical instrumentation. Hands-on experience operating small to medium (0.5m to 3.5m) telescopes and the associated mechanical and computer systems.
Proficiency in Unix/Linux and IRAF; a background in imaging and spectroscopic data reduction, as well as CCD instrumentation and electronics.
Previous experience programming in one or more of the following programing languages applied to astronomical problems or data: IRAF, IDL, Python, C is desirable.
Proficiency in Unix/Linux and IRAF; a background in imaging and spectroscopic data reduction, as well as CCD instrumentation and electronics.
Previous experience programming in one or more of the following programing languages applied to astronomical problems or data: IRAF, IDL, Python, C is desirable.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree with additional experience and PhD’s are encouraged to apply.
Required Certification/License Special Requirements Other Departmental Requirements Standard Work Schedule Shift: Other Shift If not a Standard Work Schedule, please describe
Night shift, sunset to sunrise hours, early morning, late afternoon, weekends or holidays will be required
Physical Work Location State NM-New Mexico Physical Work Location County, if in New Mexico OT-Otero Work Site Apache Point Observatory, Sunspot, New Mexico Contingent Upon Funding Contingent upon external funds Bargaining Unit Eligible Posting Announcement Statement This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Tenure Track No Posting Date 02/10/2023 Closing Date 03/20/2023 Anticipated Job Begin Date (optional) 04/17/2023 Anticipated Job End Date, if applicable (optional) Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the
official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/49179
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment
Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Physical Effort
Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
Lifting Requirements
Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
Risk
Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
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