Observatory Supervisor
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Job Location:
Poughkeepsie, NY - USA
Hourly Salary:
$ 29 - 38
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Department
Physics and AstronomyJob Family
AdministratorVassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process please contact .
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Observatory Supervisor (OS) maintains the telescopes at the Class of 1951 Observatory trains and manages student observers and facilitates the use of the observatory for teaching outreach and scientific work. The OS arranges their work hours with the faculty Observatory Director and will normally spend both daytime and nighttime hours on campus. During the term student workers will be at the observatory five nights per week as weather permits (we average about 40% clear nights). This is a part time in-person fixed-term position for the academic year (42 weeks per year) with an anticipated end date in Spring 2027.
Responsibilities:
Maintains the telescopes at the Vassar Class of 1951 Observatory. The OSs primary responsibility is for an 0.8-meter reflector with science-grade CCD cameras. However there are additionally 0.8- and 0.5-meter reflectors a 0.2-meter refractor a 250-mm solar and several smaller telescopes.
Performs scheduled cleanings and alignments and arranges for re-coatings and component replacements as needed.
Troubleshoots optical mechanical electronic and software problems as they arise.
Works with buildings and grounds and other campus services as needed to ensure general upkeep of observatory infrastructure.
Writes and updates operation and maintenance documentation.
Maintains the observatory instrumentation (primarily two large CCD detectors one spectrograph and eyepieces for public observing) and also contacts the appropriate campus services for support with related computer and media needs.
Assists the Observatory Director with development and installation of new instrumentation.
Maintains and updates data analysis storage and transfer software and procedures at the observatory and in the astronomy teaching laboratory.
Coordinates with the Observatory Director on observatory support for the astronomy curriculum. Support will normally include technical supervision of introductory lab sessions on 2-3 evenings in the spring semester as well as open night access for introductory astronomy students in the fall semester.
Trains and supervises student observers in the use of telescopes instrumentation and data handling for departmental research and outreach programs. Also manages student administrative tasks including scheduling timecards badge access and building alarm procedures.
Manages public outreach activities performed at the observatory. Coordinates and schedules outreach programs with local community organizations and assists with the coordination of observatory open nights including checking weather conditions and posting updates as well as handling public inquiries. The OS assists with the public relations of Vassar Observatory for example providing updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Required knowledge skills and abilities:
Bachelors degree in Astronomy Physics Engineering or a related discipline.
Three years of experience in maintenance of mechanical and/or optical systems.
Two years of experience in the fields of Science or Engineering.
Ability to work ascend and descend on ladders.
Ability to lift 30lbs of equipment.
Ability to work comfortably in small enclosed or elevated spaces within the observatory.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Preferred knowledge skills and abilities:
Two years of experience in the field of Astronomy
Five years of experience with Outreach and/or Education
Compensation:
The compensation for this position is $29.77 - $38.71 hourly.
When extending an offer Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position candidates work experience education/training key skills internal peer equity budget and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.
Required Experience:
Manager
Key Skills
- Restaurant Experience
- Customer Service
- Hospitality Experience
- Management Experience
- Mediation Experience
- Guest Services
- Merchandising
- Experience with Children
- Leadership Experience
- Mentoring
- Supervising Experience
- Neonatal Ventilator
