Operations Specialist I-III (4710)

Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: June 24, 2022

Job Description:

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory ( NRAO ) is recruiting an Operations Specialist to join our Oper ations team at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico . The Operations Specialist p rovides skilled technical assistance, under limited supervision, in the execution of astronomical observing programs , basic analysis and archiving of data . The Operations Specialist o perates an array of 27 telescopes as one system ensuring the acquisition of data from the instrument delivers a high level of data quality while ensuring the saf ety of personnel and equipment. Candidates with preferred experience and education will be considered for a higher level Operation Specialist ranking; duties and responsibilities increase with each level. This is a Safety Sensitive position as described in the Position Requirements below . The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM . Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque. In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions. Job Duties Summary The essential responsibilities of an Operations Specialist include:

• Operating and monitor ing telesc opes and supporting equipment;
• Troubleshoot ing and tak ing corrective action when errors and faults occur ;
• C ommunicating with personnel working on the array and tracking activity , notifying personnel of dangerous weather conditions, monitoring fire alarm systems and responding to emergencies ;
• Initiating telescope control and preparing the antenna, receivers, clocks, recording systems, and other hardware/software for operation;
• Receiving observing instructions from on-site or remote observers and execut ing observ ing programs including , but not limited to , process ing incoming observe files, verify ing against published schedules, annotat ing files on the observation schedule, execut ing observ ing programs, and sen d ing pointing results to observers;
• Providing assistance to , and accommodat ing requests from , observers, scientific staff, engineers, and technicians in regards to basic commands for telescope controls and data analys es ;
• Monitor ing readings and alerts on multiple computer screens to detect unsafe equipment conditions and ensur ing all systems are configured co rrectly and operating normally;
• Monitor ing fringe amplitude readings and data flagg ing codes to check data quality;
• Perform ing system tests to measure values used to finely tune each antenna. Verify ing antenna functionality and receiver performance and updat ing system parameters, following antenna moves or a major hardware upgrade, in con sultation with a system expert;
• Taking prescribed actions to protect telescope equipment ;
• Making necessary personnel call-outs when equipment safety is compromised and/or when maj or problems occur;
• Maintain ing an accurate observing log of failures, abnormal conditions, significant events, equipment status changes, procedural changes, or special instruc tions from observers or staff;
• Writ ing detailed maintenance reports for hardware and software problems;
• Document ing ope rational procedures and assisting with their upkeep ;
• Collect ing meteorological data f or the National Weather Service;
• Driving daily shuttles to/from the VLA and the NRAO facility in Socorro ;
• Proactive compliance with all NRAO poli cies and procedures is required;
• Other duties may be assigned. Additional responsibilities of an Operations Specialist II include:
  • Providing advanced troubleshooting support and corrective action s when errors and faults occur;
  • Performing ongoing analysis of operators tools and methods, and documenting improvements;
  • Develop ing procedures and documentation for new equipment based on technical information supplied by engineers or supervisors ;
  • Writing technical reports to describe operating characteristics, abnormal conditions, and functional limitations ;
  • Provid ing input/feedback on related and proposed hardware/software developments/issues and assist ing in troubleshooting any detected problems ;
  • Training new operators;
  • A ssist ing scientist s in basic data analysis ;
  • P rogressively tak ing on other duties generally assigned to senior and lead operators . Additional responsibilities of an Operations Specialist III include:
    • Act ing as liaison for array software including testing of new programs, providing feedback to the programming staff, reviewing and recommending changes, training operators in new procedures and providing documentation ;
    • Managing operator tools and logs changing, fixing, upgrading code and scripts as needed ;
    • Troubleshoot ing array system issues, report ing and assist ing scientists, programmers and engineers with solutions ;
    • Compiling observing metrics and associated data , and generating periodic reports as needed;
    • Provid ing and monitoring operator training , including updates to the training manual ;
    • Assisting and lead ing operators in the performance of their duties ;
    • Assisting the Lead Operator as assigned . Work Environment The Operations Specialist will work as part of a team that supports a 24 h ou r /7 day rotating shift pattern consisting of day , evening and night shifts. A typical workweek is 4/10hr days with days off between shift changes . The work is indoors at a console 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. T he employee will work a t high altitudes and self-d rive an Observatory vehicle to the VLA site. The Operator may be required to drive at night and possibly in adverse weather conditions. Position Requirements: Minimum Education 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. Preferred Education Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Preferred Experience Three or more years of experience in operating an industrial-sized astronomical telescope preferred. Competency Summary Must be able to follow procedures and policies, be able to handle emergencies calmly, able to express themselves clearly both verbally and in writing, be attentive to detail, and able to work well with others, sometimes in stressful situations. Must be able to operate a computer using process control software applications, and able to use a Windows computer and word processing and spreadsheet software. Must have experience with a LINUX/ UNIX operating environment. Must have demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Physical Requirements The physical demands and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to hear instructions and warnings. All Operators must be available for emergency call out and may be required to work extended shifts of up to 14 hours, when needed. Hearing acuity is required in order to perform work safely with instructions being given over radios and to respond to system alarms; visual acuity is required to read and understand written/graphic/data material on a computer screen and determine colors displayed on a computer monitor. Additional Requirement The Operations Specialist is required to hold and maintain a valid NM Drivers License. The Observatory requires staff to be fully vaccinated against C ovid-19 to access our facilities. An offer of employment will be considered contingent until the selected applicant provides proof of vaccination. A selected applicant may request consideration for an accommodation for a disability or for a sincerely held religious belief. 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. Application Instructions: Apply online at the careers page. You will need to be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a letter of application 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 . 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 resumes@nrao.edu . The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement b y Associated Universities, Inc.
      PM20
      PI181000602

Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Operations Specialist I-III (4710), Other , Socorro, New Mexico