With its two 8.4m mirrors on a common mount that can be combined to form an interferometer with an equivalent aperture of 23m, complemented with adaptive secondary mirrors, the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is the largest optical telescope in operation. Providing unprecedented ground-based resolution at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths, the LBT is a forerunner of the Extremely Large Telescopes. With a suite of state of the art instruments nearing completion, the observatory is moving to full operation while adding new capabilities such as ground-layer AO and new AO-fed instrumentation.
The LBT Observatory (LBTO) is headquartered on the Tucson campus of the University of Arizona and the telescope itself is located on Mt Graham (3200m), a 3.5-hour drive from campus.
LBTO is seeking a skilled manager for its Observatory Site Manager, who is the Head of the Mountain Operation Group comprised of around fifteen technical staff and an administrative assistant.
The position is based in Safford and the work takes place at the LBT observing site, which is part of the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO). The Observatory Site Manager reports directly to the Director, is a key participant in the management of the observatory, and a member of the Observatory Council.
Major responsibilities will include:
- Managing corrective and preventative maintenance programs for the entire facility
- Implementing upgrades to complex mechanical systems
- Managing the site budget
- Scheduling operations support
- Leading a group of around fifteen technicians and the mountain administrative assistant.
- Working closely at the Observatory Council level with the groups to set goals and objectives for near and far-term planning and scheduling
The successful candidate will have:
- Demonstrated ability to manage a team of ~15 staff in a similar environment or an operational, industrial facility
- Five years of experience at a large telescope or at a large industrial facility engaged in scientific research, technology development, or high-tech production
- Excellent decision-making skills
- Excellent inter-personal communications skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering or physical sciences and a familiarity with complex mechanical systems
- Ability to think and work at 10,500-foot altitude
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle