Associate Observatory Manager (Safford, AZ)

The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) on Mt. Graham, Arizona, features two 8.4m-diameter mirrors on a single mount and two adaptive secondaries making it the first adaptive telescope of the 8m class. The LBTO has a record of innovation in high-angular-resolution astronomy, leveraging new Adaptive Optics (AO) technologies and the telescope's 23-meter optical baseline. With these attributes, the facility can be considered the first of the new generation of Extremely Large Telescopes.

Based in Safford, Arizona, this position will supervise and perform work on a variety of complex equipment including electrical, mechanical, structural, instrumentation & controls, HVAC, and cryogenic systems. The candidate will work a varying shift schedule at the telescope on Mt Graham at 10,500 feet. The primary role of this position is the management and supervision of daytime maintenance and operations of the observatory as a Shift Manager during multi-day shifts, accountable to the Observatory Manager for ensuring the observatory and telescope are ready to support science and other scheduled activities, enforcing policies and standards, resolving conflicts, and responding to emergency situations that may arise. This position will rely on the application of the incumbent's significant experience in a craft discipline as well as their in-depth technical knowledge of the LBTO, and familiarity with LBTO and University of Arizona policies.

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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Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the activities of all staff, contractors, and visitors on-site at LBTO per approved schedule and priorities. This includes resolving schedule conflicts; identifying and resolving emergent critical issues; identifying and addressing safety concerns; ensuring work sites are left in a safe condition; responding to emergency situations; and consulting with appropriate off-site management and resources as needed.
• Ensure compliance by all staff and visitors with applicable LBTO, MGIO, University of Arizona, State and Federal policies and regulations.
• Keep Observatory Manager notified in a timely manner of any violations or safety incidents. Provide first aid when needed.
• Safely drive in winter conditions on winding mountain roads without guardrails up to 10,500 feet.
• Vehicle maintenance and safety inspection, including checking vehicle fluids and refilling them as necessary; checking tire pressures and adjusting as necessary; inspecting and verifying all necessary safety equipment is ready for use; installing and removing vehicle tire chains as needed.
• Participate in the ongoing development of the facility, telescope, and instruments, through design reviews, engineering change reviews, and identification of issues through existing processes such as Issuetrak, and project proposals.
• Supervise, plan, coordinate, and work in your area of expertise (mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and controls).
• Train and develop junior personnel in your area of expertise (mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and controls).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with basic vehicle maintenance, checking and adjusting fluid levels and tire pressures, and use of tire chains.
• Ability to gain knowledge in and ability to maintain large telescope observatories or other relevant precision electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation & controls systems through on-the-job, online, and classroom training.
• Ability to complete hands-on training and safely operate in all of the following areas: boom and scissor lift operation, forklift operation, proper use of PPE, fall arrest, first aid / CPR / AED, crane operation, rigging, ladder safety, lockout/tag out, and arc flash.
• Personal computing abilities including proficiency with email, web browsers, spreadsheets, documents, and other business and industrial applications.
• Detailed understanding of large telescope systems.
• Familiarity with and possession of a smartphone is required for various work applications.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Candidate must be able to perform duties at an altitude of 10,500 feet and travel up and down the mountain for their shift.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related work experience or equivalent.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy .

• Industrial experience relevant to supporting large telescope operations and maintenance, in either electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation and controls fields.