Position Title: Chief Telescope Technologist

Employee Classification: Telescope Techn,Chief

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330300-ASTRONOMY

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable): Sunspot, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, a research-focused academic unit dedicated to excellence in education and discovery, invites you to apply for an available position at Apache Point Observatory located in Sunspot, New Mexico.

Classification Summary:
Responsible for the maintenance and operations of telescope facilities and for training, assignment and scheduling of facilities support personnel in operation of the facilities maintenance/support equipment. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work and supervises contractors. Contributes to upgrades of equipment and may lead troubleshooting exercises.

Classification Standard Duties:
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Complete design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opto-, mechanical systems for complex ARC telescope systems, including interfaces to instrumentation. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies.Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Provide engineering drawings, schematics, firmware, and operator instructions. Provide hands-on instruction to other observatory staff for telescope systems. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Site Operations Manager. Advise on resolution related to conflicts of priority, schedule, and budget. Lead telescope and systems-related engineering activities during scheduled telescope maintenance shutdowns. Document and publish any engineering studies and advances in technology in professional journals. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects. Perform related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Ten (10) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined; Equivalency:Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; mechanical design including material selection, adhesives, vacuum systems, structural analysis, digital controls, statistics, thermo dynamics, dynamics and machining; astronomical telescopes, including mechanical drive systems and control servos; optical coatings, general analog and digital electronics, thermal measurement; CAD mechanical design; cryogenics and vacuum systems; fiber optics; writing and organization of drawings and other system documents.; SKILLS:Short- and long-term range planning; problem analysis and resolution; public contact.; ABILITIES:Direct, evaluate, train and supervise the work of assigned personnel; communicate effectively in written and oral form; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct several activities; analyze and evaluate information; ability to plan and organize projects; and prioritize work; respond to mechanical contingencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for the maintenance and operations of the ARC 3.5m telescope facilities and engineering operations. Develops and maintains operating procedures and maintenance schedules. Plans and coordinates maintenance work. Supervise, direct, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Design, generate contracts for fabrication, and conduct installation and testing of various electro-, opts-mechanical systems for complex telescope systems, including interfaces and scientific instruments. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance to systems, as necessary, and ensure safety and integrity. Monitor trends and correct anomalies. Perform troubleshooting and problem analysis. Specify procedures, schedule, spare lists for maintenance and repair of telescope systems. Report activities and progress related to telescope systems engineering to Site Operations Manager. Specify, procure, maintain specialized mechanical, electronics, and optical test and maintenance equipment. Develop an annual plan and budget for telescope systems engineering activities and projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  William Ketzeback, 575-437-6822, bketzeba@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Monday – Sunday 8pm to 6am, night shift, afternoons, weekends or holidays may be required

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: Moderate physical activity.

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.