Lick Observatory Public Programs Telescope Operator

Work site is located at Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton, 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation.

The selected candidate will be required to work weekends and holidays (variable schedule).

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.

This is an ongoing continuous recruitment. Hires will continue to be made after the initial review date. 

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 02-20-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Observatories (UCO) is a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) funded via the University of California Office of the President, Office of Research and headquartered on the UC Santa Cruz campus. UCO operates on behalf of astronomers, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students across the UC system who are engaged in research, education and training in optical and infrared astronomy. In addition to managing the technical, physical plant and public outreach operations of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California, UCO provides the scientific and administrative liaison to the shared Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawai'i and the international collaboration for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. UCO comprises extensive scientific and technical staff and facilities at UC Santa Cruz and Lick Observatory as well as administrative and business services.

The Lick Observatory telescopes are scheduled 363 days per year, weather permitting. Additionally, Lick hosts about 30,000 members of the public via its summer programs and casual visitors.

More information can be found at: www.lickobservatory.org

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision of the Visitor Services Supervisor, the incumbent performs duties in support of astronomical Educational & Public Outreach at the Lick Observatory on Mt Hamilton, located 23 miles east of San Jose at 4,200 feet elevation.  The incumbent independently plans and executes safe and efficient night programs at the 36" Refractor or 40" Reflector telescope to assist visiting groups, including describing the astronomical object being observed.  The incumbent independently operates these telescopes and technical aspects of observations, including some routine electronic, electrical, and mechanical problem solving.  The incumbent leads tours and presents information in formal and informal settings about the observatory's history, research, and technical capabilities based on provided materials.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $27.47 / Hourly. 
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 10%, 6 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, as needed
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment 

Job End Date: 06-30-2025, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton

Union Representation: TX - Technical

Job Code Classification: 008323 (TELESCOPE TCHN)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Telescope Operations

• Set up the relative parameters of an observation based upon instructions received directly from the Support Astronomer. Optimize observing time by accurate and timely computation of object positions and interpretation of finding charts to locate proper objects. Monitor and evaluate dome orientation, windscreen, telescope position and tracking, weather conditions, and electrical and mechanical components (such as pumps, motors, hydraulic systems) that support the operating systems.
• Based on these evaluations, advise Support Astronomers on how to maximize the equipment and their time. Create and record a written nightly report describing weather conditions and operational malfunctions; the report may include suggestions for possible solutions to problems.
• Independently determine the need to shut down the telescope during a viewing session if weather or other conditions jeopardize the equipment.
• Driving a vehicle may be required to perform job duties, transporting equipment and/or materials between telescope facilities.

30% - Tour Guide/Speaker

• Lead walking tours of Lick Observatory telescopes and facilities, optimizing time and locations based on tour group interests, facility availability, and weather.
• Present information about Lick Observatory current research, technical capabilities, and history in both formal and informal pre-scripted presentations using existing materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and/or familiarity with telescopes and astronomy.
• Skill in using mechanical and electromechanical equipment, including ability to diagnose and trouble-shoot issues.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and technological concepts to a diverse audience.
• Ability to interact cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people with the ability to assist them with achieving their research/observational goals.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to document completed work.
• Ability to work with remote support personnel, either by telephone or e-mail, describing accurately and clearly the symptoms of equipment failures and malfunctions, as well as the sequential corrective actions taken, through trouble logs and databases.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in public speaking and/or public education and outreach.
• Ability to learn and convey the history and current research of Lick Observatory to a diverse audience.
• Experience in performing technical tasks in the operations, installation, testing, and maintenance of electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to interpret weather maps and local conditions and consult with support astronomers and telescope technicians if weather conditions questionable.
• Experience in a scientific and/or research environment.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electromechanical equipment.
• Ability to prioritize the safety of groups in an unfamiliar environment.
• Experience with astronomical imaging equipment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• The University of California has implemented a <a href=https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy>Vaccination Policy</a> covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Other special conditions of employment that apply to this position: Ability to lead a walking tour of up to 40 people through laboratory spaces, over variable terrain, and several stairways for about a mile. Ability to move materials weighing up to 50 lbs., with or without accommodation. Ability to travel to Lick Observatory.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.  

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/ 4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/ 1001004/Anti-Discrimination