Operations Specialist

Position Description:

 

Position Summary

Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education.  The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

 

At GBO we are seeking a Telescope Operations Specialist to safely and efficiently monitor and operate one or more telescopes. Monitor the performance of telescope systems and assist engineers and technicians in diagnosing telescope equipment failures. This position is part of the Telescope Operations Division and will report to the Technical Manager.

 

This position is located on-site at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV.

 

What You Will be Doing

• The operator receives a schedule of observation programs or technical activities, reviews the objectives and requirements, enables required equipment, and then initiates and ends the observations.
• The incumbent communicates with on-site or remote observers, receives observing instructions from them, executes their program, monitors their data collection, and makes changes and adjustments as needed. Archives data via computerized storage.
• May set up and run previously scripted observations without contact with the scientists (performs "service" observations).
• May assist scientists with basic analysis of data.
• Monitors data collection for radio frequency interference, aids in the identification of the source, and communicates this information to appropriate specialists.
• Initiates action to correct software or equipment problems. Notifies appropriate personnel for assistance if necessary.
• Monitors the weather conditions and takes prescribed actions when weather conditions exceed operating parameters.
• Maintains a detailed shift log of operating activities. Notes failures and abnormal conditions.
• Operates equipment for engineers and maintenance workers during maintenance periods. Serves as the work control contact either on site at each telescope or may be required to do this from the main control room. Reviews and revises existing operating procedures. Develops procedures and even schematics for new equipment based on technical information supplied by engineers or supervisor. May also develop technical reports to describe operating characteristics, abnormal conditions, and functional limitations.
• Performs inspections and servicing of telescopes, supporting equipment, and data collections systems.
• May assists in the training of other telescope operators.

 Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed within a research or development environment. Indoor and outdoor work is required, occasionally at high altitudes and heights of up to 500 feet.  This position works on a rotating, 12-hour shift pattern consisting of day and night shifts.

 

Physical Demands

The work is primarily indoors at a console with multiple computer terminals. Ability to distinguish the primary and secondary colors (red, blue, yellow, orange, green, etc.) and must have good depth perception (for when working at the telescopes). Ability to hear audible alarms and see flashing and/or illuminated lights, and able to work in high level noise environments. Ability to ascend and descend 2-4 flights of stairs, as well as also occasionally perform operating tasks as high as 37 stories above ground on grating type platforms in the open environment, in all weather conditions allowed within safety policies. May frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Availability for emergency call out and may be required to work overtime to cover vacant shifts or in emergency situations until relieved.

 

Who You Are:

 

• You may have a minimum of an Associate's 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 or equivalent work experience
• You have a valid driver’s license
• While not required, you may experience operating equipment in an industrial environment

 

Competency Summary

• High level of competency in Microsoft software products, web-based systems and process control software applications
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly organized
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and to work well with others in potentially stressful situations
• Experience with, or the ability to learn, a UNIX operating environment

Safety Sensitive

The 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 results.

 

Total Rewards:

 

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

 

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

 

Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

 

Benefits:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

 

Application Instructions:

 

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

 

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].

 

 

The GBO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)