Observatory Observing Assistant (CASUAL)

* * * * Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawaii may apply for Casual Hire positions which include administrative professional and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments Casual Hire employees arenoteligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees and up to 1 calendar year for parttime employees.

Title: Casual Hire - Observatory Observing Assistant

Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy

Location: Hilo HI

Date Posted: September 10 2026

Closing Date:Continuous

Full Time / Part Time: Part-time

Other Conditions: Position is a temporary casual hire position and offers no benefits. Continuous recruitment until programmatic needs are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accompany IRTF Telescope Operators on Mauna Kea during remote observing sessions
• Assist Telescope Operators with the following tasks:
  -Fill up instruments with liquid nitrogen
  -Turn on air compressor
  -Turn off air handling unit
  -Assist with Instrument changes
• Ensure safety of personnel at the telescope
• Perform all other tasks as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in any field; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles practices & techniques in the area of astronomy or science demonstrated by knowledge understanding & ability to apply concepts terminology.
• Functional knowledge of principles practices & techniques in the area of research or telescope or mechanical experience demonstrated by knowledge understanding & ability to apply concepts terminology.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems identify possible causes & resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of research or telescope or mechanical experience
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral & written documentation write reports & procedures & communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with internal & external organizations groups team members & individuals
• Minimum of two (2) years college-level coursework and six (6) months of experience in a research setting involving the collection and/or analysis of data.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to work night shift day shift or a combination of both
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Drivers License (class 3) comparable drivers license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

• Coursework with an emphasis on Physics and/or Astronomy
• First Aid/ CPR training

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.

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Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link: