VLBA Operations Specialist I-II

Position Description:Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes galaxies and the early NRAO we are recruiting an Operations Specialist to join our Operations team at the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) in New Mexico. The Operations Specialist provides skilled technical assistance under limited supervision in the execution of astronomical observing programs basic data analysis and correlation of observed data. The Operations Specialist operates and array of ten telescopes as one system ensuring the acquisition of data from the instrument delivers a high level of data quality while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Candidates with preferred experience and education will be considered for a higher-level Operations Specialist ranking; duties and responsibilities increase with each level. This is a safety sensitive position as described in the Position Requirements below. The location for the position will be the Domenici Science Operations Center (DSOC) in Socorro New Mexico. Socorro is a small historical town in the Rio Grande Valley 75 miles south of Albuquerque. What You Will be Doing:The essential duties of an Operations Specialist I include:Operating and monitoring ten telescopes and supporting equipmentTroubleshooting and taking corrective action when errors and faults occurCommunicating with remote personnel working on the telescopes notifying personnel of dangerous weather conditions monitoring fire alarm systems and responding to emergenciesInitiating telescope control and preparing the antenna receivers clocks recording systems and other hardware and software for operationReceiving observing instructions and executing observing programs including but not limited to processing incoming observing files verifying against published schedules annotating files on the observation schedule executing observation programs and sending results to observersAiding and accommodating requests from observers scientific staff engineers and technicians in regards to basic commands for telescope controls and data analysesMonitoring readings and alerts on multiple computer screens to detect unsafe equipment conditions and ensuring all systems are configured correctly and operating normallyMonitoring fringe amplitude readings and data flagging codes to check data qualityPerforming system tests to measure values used to finely tune each antenna verifying antenna functionality and receiver performance and updating system parameters following major hardware upgrades in consultation with a system expertTaking prescribed actions to protect telescope equipment i.e. weather conditions exceed operating parametersMaking necessary personnel call-outs when equipment safety is compromised and/or when major problems occurMaintaining an accurate observing log of failures abnormal conditions significant events equipment status changes procedural changes or special instructions from observers or staffWriting detailed maintenance reports for hardware and software problemsDocumenting operational procedures and assisting with their upkeepManaging the correlator queue efficiently appropriately balancing the priorities of observing and correlator functionsEnsure data disk packs are properly handled and stores during and after usageProactive compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures is requiredOther duties may be assignedAdditional responsibilities of Operations Specialist II include:Providing advanced troubleshooting support and corrective actions when errors and faults occurPerforming ongoing analysis of operator tools and methods and documenting improvementsDeveloping procedures and documentation for new equipment based on technical information supplied by engineers or supervisorsWriting technical reports to describe operating characteristics abnormal conditions and functional limitationsProviding input/feedback on related and proposed hardware/software developments/issues and assisting in troubleshooting any detected problemsTraining new operatorsAssisting scientists in basic data analysisWork EnvironmentWork is mission driven team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The Operations Specialist will work as part of a team that supports a 24 hour / 7 day weekly rotation shift pattern of day evening and night shifts made up of either five eight hour shifts or two twelve hour plus two eight hour shifts per week. The work is indoors with multiple computer terminals. Operators must be available for emergency call out and may be required to work overtime to cover vacant shifts or in emergencies until relieved. Who You Are:EducationAssociates degree (A.A.) or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school with training in math physics science or a related technical field. While not required a bachelors degree in a related field is preferred. ExperienceNo prior experience is required. While not required three or more years of experience in operating an industrial-sized astronomical instrument is preferred. Skills and CompetenciesMust be able to follow procedures and policiesAttention to detail is criticalHighly organized and able to multitaskExcellent communication skills; able to express yourself clearly both verbally and in writing and able to work well with others sometimes in stressful situationsBe able to handle emergency situations calmlyMust be able to operate a computer using process control software applications and able to use a Windows computer and software. Must have experience with or ability to learn a LINUX/UNIX operating environmentMust have demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manualsAdditional RequirementsBe able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 the primary and secondary colors (red blue yellow orange green etc.) on a computer screenMust be able to hear audible alarms and see flashing and/or illuminated indicators to respond to system alertsObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this SensitiveThe selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the Rewards:CompensationThe starting hourly rate of this position is between $22.75-$32.31 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education experience skills competencies other qualifications of the successful candidate as well as internal equity and labor market :Associated Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions:Select the Apply button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. 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