Director of Operations, Apache Point Observatory

The Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) and New Mexico State University (NMSU) are recruiting a Director of Operations for the Apache Point Observatory (APO), located in southern New Mexico.
 
The Director of Operations oversees the day-to-day operations at Apache Point Observatory with the goal of maximizing scientific productivity of the observatory and maintaining safety of facilities and personnel.  This requires an understanding of the scientific projects and interfacing with the scientific stakeholders, as well as directing and guiding the Observatory staff to maximize their contributions to project goals. The position oversees all facets of observatory operation including management of the facilities, management of personnel, development of multi-million dollar budgets, oversight of daily operations, and interfacing with multiple external agencies (e.g., US Forest Service, AURA, local government), all in consultation with the funding agency and project stakeholders.
 
Apache Point Observatory is home to the ARC 3.5m telescope and the Sloan Foundation 2.5m telescope, as well as several other smaller telescopes.  The Director of Operations oversees these facilities and the roughly 30 on-site staff members, who include observing, technical, and facilities staff.  For additional information see http://www.apo.nmsu.edu.
 
APO is currently at an exciting stage as we transition from the fourth phase of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to the fifth phase, with a number of hardware and infrastructure changes taking place.
 
In addition to observatory staff, the Director of Operations interacts with the Department Head at NMSU, the Directors of the 3.5m telescope and the SDSS surveys (currently, SDSS-IV and SDSS-V), technical staff supported by ARC/SDSS at several institutions, the SDSS Advisory Councils and the ARC Board of Governors. The Director is involved in discussion involving design of improvements and future developments.
 
Excellent communication and management skills are required.
 
Application materials should include a resume/CV, a letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience, and contact information for three references.
 
The Astrophysical Research Consortium and NMSU are committed to creating an inclusive environment that affirms and supports diversity across a variety of axes.  We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their supervision, mentoring, and communication styles. NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
 
To apply, see the posting at http://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/37031 . Questions about the position may be addressed to Jon Holtzman, Department Head of Astronomy at NMSU, at [email protected].
 
Apache Point is located in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico at an altitude of 2800 meters; ability and desire to work in a relatively remote location at this altitude is required.  Staff generally live in the nearby community of Cloudcroft, about a 25 minute drive from the observatory, or in small communities nearby. The nearest city is Alamogordo (population 32,000), which is about a 60 minute drive from the observatory.  APO staff are employed through New Mexico State University, which is located in Las Cruces,
about a 2 hour drive from the Observatory.