Job Details

** Queue Observer**

**Job Category****:** NSF Technician **Requisition Number****:** QUEUE004113 Showing 1 location **Job Details**

**Description**

The WIYN Observatory, part of NSF's NOIRLab located at Kitt Peak National Observatory, is accepting applications for one or more full-time Queue Observer(s). The Queue Observer (QO) will execute the queue observing program for the radial velocity spectrometer, NEID. NEID, the flagship facility instrument at WIYN, is an extreme precision radial velocity spectrometer designed to find and characterize extrasolar planets. It is the main component of a path-finding collaboration between NASA and the NSF (NN-EXPLORE).

The successful candidate(s) will join the NEID queue team in facilitating the collection of NEID data for a large scientific community by executing NEID observations in an efficient and productive fashion. They will operate the instrument (the NEID spectrometer) and the Port Adapter (a telescope-mounted subsystem that acquires the target and feeds light to NEID) , perform troubleshooting, and provide documentation and detailed logging and reporting of nighttime activity. As this position comprises predominantly nighttime work at a remote location, candidates must be able to work without close supervision and tomake scientific and technical decisions that maximize the scientific output of the NEID instrument. The QO will also participate in some daytime support activities of NEID and other instruments, including assisting with daily calibrations, checkout of instruments on the telescope, new observer orientation and monitoring system operations.

The QO will typically work 2 swing days (*typically 8 hours*) followed by 5 *(10-16 hour)* nights, depending on the time of year and observatory needs. Shift work is performed on site on Kitt Peak (elevation 6886ft) where the QO will observe alongside the Observing Assistant, who operates and monitors the telescope and observatory subsystems during nighttime operations. This position will be a great opportunity for candidates with some astronomy training (BS or MS level) looking for a career in hands-on observatory work.

**Requirements:**

* Knowledge of scientific principles and problem-solving skills normally obtained through completion of a bachelor's degree in science or engineering and an aptitude in optics, mechanics, electronics and/or computers.

* A knowledge of astronomy and experience with astronomical instrumentation, observing, and data reduction techniques is optimal.

* Substantial experience in the operation of electronic, opto-mechanical, or similar equipment is desirable.

The successful candidate will be physically capable of working at altitudes of 7000 feet above sea level and of performing tasks on and around the telescope and the dome.

The work location is based at Kitt Peak National Observatory, approximately 50 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Lodging is provided; transportation and meals are available.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Details on benefits can be found at

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at NOIRLab. Our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation**.**

*Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to* *...@aura-astronomy.org**.*

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at ...@aura-astronomy.org

The position will remain open until filled.

**COVID-19 Policy Update:** AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

*This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.*

AURA currently offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all, with most staff working virtually from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape and offers of employment can be extended and new hires will onboard virtually. Employees are required to be residents in their base job location within a limited time from their start date.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURAs role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSFs NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

**As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.**

**Qualifications**

**Skills**

**Behaviors**

**:**

**Motivations**

**:**

**Education**

**Experience**

**Licenses & Certifications**

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless th