Observatory Operations Manager
Job Summary
Job Description
OBSERVATORY OPERATIONS MANAGER
The Observatory Operations Manager (OOM) supervises all operational aspects of the research telescopes and technical facilities at Lowell Observatory. This position reports to the Director of Technology (DoT).
Lowell Observatory operates telescopes at three sites: its expanding Mars Hill campus in Flagstaff, Arizona (both research and public viewing telescopes), Anderson Mesa 10 miles southeast of town (1.1-meter, 0.9-meter, 0.6-meter telescopes, and the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer - NPOI), and Happy Jack another 35 miles southeast of town (the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope -LDT, formerly known as the Discovery Channel Telescope). Learn more about these facilities by following this link: https://lowell.edu/research/research-facilities/
Please see a list of responsibilities included in the full position announcement on the career page of our website. www.lowell.edu/careers
QUALIFICATIONS
The Observatory Operations Manager must be self-motivated with strong attention to detail and able to complete tasks on schedule. They must possess excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. They must have strong organizational skills, as regards both individual work and managing operations and engineering staff. They must be willing to take on new tasks and duties as needed to support the overall mission of the Observatory. Driving in mountainous winter conditions is often required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required: The Observatory Operations Manager shall possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant science or engineering field, a minimum of ten years of experience in science/research/engineering operations, with a minimum of four years of supervisory experience that includes managing a technical, engineering, or science team in a high-pressure environment. The OOM should have prior project management experience and be familiar with project management tools and principles.
Desired: A Master’s degree or PhD in physics, astronomy, or earth sciences, or comparable engineering background, is desired. Experience with active and adaptive optics, interferometric facilities, or other similarly complex instrumentation, is a large plus. Experience with MS Project will be considered positively. Significant experience in operation of research telescopes including a minimum of four years of experience with large aperture instruments (2-meter minimum) would be considered a plus.
To Apply:
Please send the following documents to [email protected]
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- Lowell Standard Application (www.lowell.edu/careers)
- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
- Resume
Applications submitted by March 6th 2022 at Midnight will receive priority attention.
Compensation and Benefits
Benefits Overview: In addition to 11 scheduled paid holidays, Lowell Observatory offers a Flexible Paid Time Off policy for all full-time, benefit eligible employees which allows you to determine how much time you need to rest and enjoy yourself outside of work. Paid time off also includes paid Parental and FMLA leaves. The cost of premiums for medical, life & long term disability insurances for benefit eligible employees is 100% paid by the company, and includes a contribution to either an H.S.A or HRA account for first dollar medical expenses. A portion of dependent medical insurance is paid by the company. Up to a 5% match on retirement contributions after 6 months of employment and funds in lifestyle spending account provided by the observatory.
DOE