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
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