Telescope Operations Specialist, Senior

The MMT Observatory (MMTO), a joint venture of the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution, seeks a senior telescope operations specialist (i.e., telescope operator or night assistant) to join our team as part of the continuing operation of a modern optical and infrared astronomical observatory. The MMTO operates a 6.5-meter telescope atop the 8550' summit of Mt. Hopkins, 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is excited about the opportunity to work at a world class astronomical observatory.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination and oversight of nightly observatory operations.  This will include ensuring the safety of personnel, the telescope, observatory sub-systems, and instrumentation.  The sophisticated nature of the observatory and the need to troubleshoot during the night requires that the incumbent possess extensive technical knowledge.  Experience at an astronomical observatory and/or knowledge of the night sky is a plus.

The incumbent will be required to operate the 6.5-meter MMT telescope, the target acquisition and guiding systems, wavefront sensors, and the f/15 adaptive secondary mirror.  He/she will, on occasion, be required to configure and operate instrumentation and support observatory maintenance and upgrades consistent with his/her professional background and skills.

The work schedule for this position will be seven consecutive nights working on the mountain operating the telescope, followed by 14 nights off duty.  While on duty, the incumbent will be housed in a dormitory located near the summit.