Observing Assistant

What does it take to make the cutting edge scientific discoveries of tomorrow? It takes a team of people – the right people – who are dedicated to great endeavors and working in new environments and constantly changing situations.  The W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) operates two of the world’s largest optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of Maunakea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The observatory seeks an Observing Assistant who under the general supervision of the Lead Observing Assistant, provides observing support and oversees the safe operation of the observatory during night-time operations. 

Essential Functions

• Control the telescope and related equipment during the observing period to provide support to astronomers in making optimum use of the facility.
• Serve as the person in charge of the safety of the telescope and facility during night-time observing with responsibility for terminating observing if conditions warrant ensuring that persons and equipment are not placed in jeopardy.
• Document any problems that occur during observing operations and communicate those problems to the technical staff.
• Participate in testing and calibrating the telescope and related equipment to provide support to astronomers in readying equipment for observing.
• Participate in service and engineering observing as required.
• Perform other tasks and projects to enhance the overall observing capability.
• Attend observing meetings and training sessions, some of which will be at headquarters in Waimea.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a physical science or two years technical or operations experience at an astronomical observatory.  May consider bachelor’s degree education in lieu of work experience.

To learn more about this position and to apply, go to: https://keckobservatory.applicantpro.com/jobs/

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