Operations Specialist I-III (4710)
Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Socorro
Posted on: June 24, 2022
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Job Description:
National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryPosition Description:
Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is
recruiting an Operations Specialist to join our Operations team at
the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. The Operations Specialist
provides skilled technical assistance, under limited supervision,
in the execution of astronomical observing programs, basic analysis
and archiving of data. The Operations Specialist operates 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 safety 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
SummaryThe essential responsibilities of an Operations Specialist
include:Operating and monitoring telescopes and supporting
equipment;Troubleshooting and taking corrective action when errors
and faults occur;Communicating 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 executing observing programs including, but
not limited to, processing incoming observe files, verifying
against published schedules, annotating files on the observation
schedule, executing observing programs, and sending pointing
results to observers;Providing assistance to, and accommodating
requests from, observers, scientific staff, engineers, and
technicians in regards to basic commands for telescope controls and
data analyses;Monitoring readings and alerts on multiple computer
screens to detect unsafe equipment conditions and ensuring all
systems are configured correctly and operating normally;Monitoring
fringe amplitude readings and data flagging codes to check data
quality;Performing system tests to measure values used to finely
tune each antenna. Verifying antenna functionality and receiver
performance and updating system parameters, following antenna moves
or a major hardware upgrade, in consultation with a system
expert;Taking prescribed actions to protect telescope
equipment;Making necessary personnel call-outs when equipment
safety is compromised and/or when major problems occur;Maintaining
an accurate observing log of failures, abnormal conditions,
significant events, equipment status changes, procedural changes,
or special instructions from observers or staff;Writing detailed
maintenance reports for hardware and software problems;Documenting
operational procedures and assisting with their upkeep;Collecting
meteorological data for the National Weather Service;Driving daily
shuttles to/from the VLA and the NRAO facility in Socorro;Proactive
compliance with all NRAO policies and procedures is required;Other
duties may be assigned.Additional responsibilities of an Operations
Specialist II include:Providing advanced troubleshooting support
and corrective actions when errors and faults occur;Performing
ongoing analysis of operators tools and methods, and documenting
improvements;Developing 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;Providing input/feedback on related and proposed
hardware/software developments/issues and assisting in
troubleshooting any detected problems;Training new
operators;Assisting scientists in basic data analysis;Progressively
taking on other duties generally assigned to senior and lead
operators.Additional responsibilities of an Operations Specialist
III include:Acting 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;Troubleshooting array system issues, reporting and assisting
scientists, programmers and engineers with solutions;Compiling
observing metrics and associated data, and generating periodic
reports as needed;Providing and monitoring operator training,
including updates to the training manual;Assisting and leading
operators in the performance of their duties;Assisting the Lead
Operator as assigned.Work EnvironmentThe Operations Specialist will
work as part of a team that supports a 24 hour / 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. The employee will work at high
altitudes and self-drive 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
EducationAssociate'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
EducationBachelor's Degree in a related field.Preferred
ExperienceThree or more years of experience in operating an
industrial-sized astronomical telescope preferred. Competency
SummaryMust 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 RequirementsThe
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 RequirementThe
Operations Specialist is required to hold and maintain a valid NM
Drivers License. The Observatory requires staff to be fully
vaccinated against Covid-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 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 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
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
resumes@nrao.edu.The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a
facility of the National Science Foundation operated under
cooperative agreement by Associated Universities,
Inc.PM20PI181000910
Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Operations Specialist I-III (4710), Other , Socorro, New Mexico
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