Computer Specialist Consultant

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

We are seeking a Computer Specialist Consultant for the IT Operations (ITOps) group to coordinate and support activities necessary for NOIRLab’s IT Operations and data centers and their use by NOIRLab staff, visiting scientists, and collaborators. This is a regular, part time position (approximately 20 hours per week), expected to last twelve months. The position is located in Tucson, Arizona, and is eligible for a remote work schedule.

Essential Functions:

• Administers all staff, visitor, collaborator, and student user accounts at NOIRLab, including email group management.
• UNIX-based computers and servers: Includes adding/removing user accounts; facilitating user access for department workshops, maintaining/updating records authorizing visitor/student accounts.
• Provides user assistance to NOIRLab staff and visitors: Involves handling user requests, acting as front-line interface to users, fielding questions and dispatching problems to appropriate IT Operations staff; provides assistance during staff absences (routine system responsibilities).
• Maintains IT Operations documentation: Includes designing, writing, editing, and proofreading
• Assumes limited purchasing responsibilities to include making purchasing/contractual commitments of behalf of NOIRLab ITOps for software, and department supply requirements.
• Supports the compilation of information from NOIRLab departments for yearly software contract expenses:  Involves soliciting computer/accounting information from departments, submitting information to Accounting for appropriate billing.
• Carries out daily administrative duties for the IT Operations department:  Includes generating purchase requests, acting as office supply coordinator, visitor coordinator; assisting with travel/conference arrangements, and other travel-related activities.

 Other Functions: 

• Other duties as assigned.

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• 5 years relevant experience.
• Basic System Administration experience in Unix-based operating systems
• Working knowledge of Windows operating systems.
• Basic programming knowledge of HTML, Unix shells and utilities.
• Strong inter-personal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately

 Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled.

• Please submit a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/  

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.