Senior Staff Technician (Safford, AZ)

Based in Safford, Arizona, this position will report to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory Manager or designee on site and will work on a variety of complex equipment, perform routine maintenance, installation work, and/or build prototypes. The candidate must be able to perform duties at an altitude of 10,500 feet and travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp or work an overnight shift schedule on the mountain. The Senior Staff Technician will participate in the maintenance and operation of the LBT and its various subsystems. This will include work on and with the following types of systems: hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, controls, overhead cranes, cryogenic, optical components, fiber and wire networks, HVAC, and glycol cooling. This individual will periodically serve as Acting Manager on site, accountable to the Observatory Manager for ensuring the observatory and telescope operational readiness, completion of scheduled maintenance, enforcing policies and standards, resolving conflicts, and responding to emergency situations that may arise.

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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• Plan and perform maintenance on the observatory and telescope, including Installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of various electrical, mechanical, and controls systems.
• Operate telescope systems to support maintenance and daily operations.
• Update documentation and maintain records.
• Periodically fill in as Acting Shift Manager, with the guidance of LBT management coordinate the activities of all staff, contractors, and visitors on site at LBT per approved schedule and priorities. This includes, identifying schedule conflicts, identifying 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 as needed.
• Participate in 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.
• Participate in project planning and scheduling; produce labor and material estimates; provide feedback for scientist, manager and engineer regarding work progress.
• Mentor peers in area of personal maintenance expertise. Continue to develop personal skills.
• Work with administration and purchasing to order, receive, and maintain telescope spare parts inventory.
• Complete online, classroom, and on-the job training to gain skills and understanding of safety and maintenance policies and practices.
• Comply with applicable LBTO, MGIO, and University of Arizona policies at all locations, including LBTO, MGIO, MGIO base camp and while traveling on official business.
• Keep Observatory Manager notified in a timely manner of any violations or safety incidents.
• Safely drive on mountain roads without guardrails up to 10,500 feet including in winter conditions
• Check vehicle fluids and refill as necessary. Check tire pressures and adjust as necessary. Inspect and verify all necessary safety equipment is ready for use. Install and remove vehicle tire chains as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Maintenance experience with complex subsystems.
• Trained in any or 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.
• Familiarity of computer programs for electronic documentation retrieval and modification.
• A well-organized and structured working attitude.
• Ability to work in a team environment and also handle assignments independently.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp and perform work at 10,500 feet.

• High school diploma or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required.
• The position is based in Safford with regular work at the high-altitude Mt Graham telescope site required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy .

• Associates Degree or Technical School Certificate.
• Experience in the maintenance of large telescope observatories or other relevant precision electrical, optical, and mechanical systems.