Support Astronomer

502380
- NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Jul 19 2025 - 23:55 MDT

**Position** Title**: Support Astronomer

**Employee Classification**: Support Astronomer

**College/Division**: Arts and Sciences College

**Department**: 330300-ASTRONOMY

**Location**:Remote

**Offsite Location (if applicable)**: Sunspot, NM

**Target Hourly/Salary Rate**: Commensurate with qualifications

**Appointment Full-time Equivalency**: 1.0

**Exempt or Non-Exempt**: Exempt

**Classification Summary**:
Operates telescopes and/or associated instrumentation to obtain astronomical data and/or assists Assists visiting astronomers in obtaining high quality observational data. Provides technical, scientific and logístical support to astronomers before, during, and after their observing runs a the telescope, including assistance with data analysis. Performs general and specific commissioning of the telescope and instruments. Conducts astronomical research.

**Classification Standard Duties**:
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate work of assigned staff. Plan observing strategy for facilities where applicable. Perform quality assurance tests of telescope, instruments, and acquired data. Collaborate with colleagues in survey project preparing scientific results where applicable. Operate facilities to acquire scientific data. Develop commissioning plans for facilities and operational procedures. Perform commissioning tests, prepare reports. Perform periodic engineering tests and procedures, analyze and interpret results. Work with engineering staff to maintain and improve facilities. Interface with other project staff a different institutions regarding survey issues and progress. Perform related duties as required.

**Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency**
Required Education:Master's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of professional experience with modern astronomical spectrographic and/or imaging instruments, moderate to large telescopes, and astronomical data reductions with demonstrated successes in astronomical research.; Equivalency:Doctorate that includes observing experience (no additional experience needed), or Bachelor degree in a related field and five (5) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Required Certification/License:
**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation, telescope control systems, analysis of CCD images/spectra.; SKILLS:Short
- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication, technical, mechanical and engineering, computer, electronics.; ABILITIES:Direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information, operate large astronomical telescopes.

**Job Duties and Responsibilities**

**Preferred Qualifications**

**Special Requirements of the Position**

**Contingent Upon Funding**:Contingent upon external funding

**Bargaining Unit Eligibility**:This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

**Standard Work Schedule**:Shift: Other Shift

**If Not a Standard Work Schedule**:Monday - Sunday 8pm to 6am, night shift, afternoons, weekends or holidays may be required

**Working Conditions and Physical Effort**

**Environment**:Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

**Physical Effort**:Moderate physical activity.

**Lifting Requirements**:Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

**Risk**:Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.