Observatory Technician (0078562T)

Title: Observatory Technician

Position Number:T

Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy

Location: Hilo Hawaii

Date Posted: August 5 2025

Closing Date: August 20 2025

Band: B

Salary :salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Duties and Responsibilities

1.*Responsible for the overall mechanical functionality and maintenance of the telescope dome and shutter of the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF).

2.*Schedules preventive maintenance and repairs as required and performs or delegates these tasks to other technicians.

3.*Performs troubleshooting and repairs problems with various systems which may include but not limited to hydraulic equipment pneumatic equipment gearboxes and open gear drives dome support rollers and HVAC systems. Support equipment such as the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system vacuum pumps compressors and glycol chillers.

4.*Responsible for the maintenance of mechanical systems and some electro-mechanical systems of the observatory which includes the workings of the telescope mount and mirror support dome and shutter.

5.*Performs repairs overhauls and operates the mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment of the observatory. This includes vacuum and glycol pumps compressors A/C units hydraulics and pneumatics gearboxes gear drives dome rollers and the HVAC system.

6.*Responsible for telescope top end changes. Performs on-site repairs of equipment if not replaceable.

7.*Operates the mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment of the observatory which includes the telescope when the incumbent is trained. The incumbent will also assist in changing observing instruments to make the telescope ready for observing.

8.*Advises other staff (Observatory Maintenance Technician and Scientific Instrument Technician) on mechanical aspects of repair and maintenance.

9.*Perform CO2 cleaning of optics and cryogenic fills and transfers for instrumentation.

10.*Ensures a safe and clean working environment. Trains and oversees lower level technicians and/or student help as needed.

11.*Fabricates a variety of high-tolerance mechanical parts installs and test them. Parts include pipe fittings spacers washes conduits and mounting brackets needed for repairs of the dome shutter and instruments.

12.*The incumbent will be available on call for emergency repair as required. Must be able to drive to telescope on Maunakea at short notice to troubleshoot mechanical problems.

13.*Responsible for inventories of equipment and parts. Determines needs and initiates purchases as needed.

14.*Conducts preventative maintenance of the telescope dome and shutter systems through monitoring the mechanical performance of these systems by operating the telescope control system.

15.*Works closely with the IRTF safety officer for the implementation of the safety program and ensuring compliance with the safety plan for the facility. Conducts general training sessions as well as safety briefing before complex and potentially hazardous operations as well as regularly scheduled safety discussions on important policies and procedures.

16.*Conducts safety inspections of observatory systems including but not limited to ladders cranes safety railings dome floor and instrument access platform.

17.Other duties as assigned

* Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

1.Possession of a vocational degree in mechanical maintenance and repair or related field and 4 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for mechanical maintenance and repair; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.

2.Considerable working knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the area of mechanical maintenance and repairs as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts principles and methodologies.

3.Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws rules regulations and theories and systems associated with mechanical maintenance repairs safety and hazardous materials.

4.Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective innovative and timely manner.

5.Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.

6.Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team leaders and members and individuals.

7.Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

8.If applicable for supervisory work demonstrated ability to lead subordinates manage work priorities and projects and manage employee relations.

9.Considerable knowledge of principles practices and techniques in use of tools precision measurement and assembly of mechanical components.

10.Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in maintenance and repair work.

11.Demonstrated ability to understand and follow blueprints sketches oral and written instructions and understand technical requirements for critical systems such as the HVAC and the dome and shutter drive mechanisms.

12.Demonstrated ability to resolve complex mechanical problems through the use of reasoning to accurately determine the cause and the resolution of the problems in an effective innovative and timely manner.

13.Demonstrated ability to plan out complex work procedures.

14.Demonstrated ability to use tools in an appropriate manner on complex repair work.

15.Demonstrate ability to understand and follow blueprints sketches oral and written instructions. Ability to plan out complex work procedures.

16.Must be able to work at 14000 feet and work in extreme conditions.

17.Must be able to lift 60lbs.

18.Must be able to work a non-standard work schedule.

19.Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Drivers License (class 3) comparable drivers license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications

1.Experience in mechanical maintenance and repair of an astronomical observatory.

2.Experience in construction modification and maintenance of mechanical systems including hands-on experience with welding and experience with industrial heavy moving equipment and rigging techniques. Experience supervising work crews to complete tasks.

3.Additional training and certifications in safety and equipment a plus.

To Apply:

Click on the Apply button on the top right corner of the screen and attach the required documents. Applicants must submit (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications (2) resume (3) names and contact information of 3 professional references and (4) official transcripts. Copies of transcripts are acceptable but official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Inquiries: Chris Yamasaki

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