Supervisory Astronomer

Summary

This position serves as a Supervisory Astronomer supporting science and test operations at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) balancing direct observational dutiessuch as operating complex submillimeter radio astronomy instrumentation monitoring system performance and ensuring data qualitywith comprehensive leadership responsibilities leading a team of Astronomical Observers providing technical oversight conducting performance management and overseeing training and safety compliance.

Duties

• Execute observational programsby selecting configurations andoperating the SMAincluding telescope startupshutdown and array setup
• Monitors telescope instrumentand environmental performanceensuring data quality and identifyinganomalies for corrective action
• Operate telescopes receivers andcorrelators with increasingautonomy while implementingobserving scripts and calibrations.
• Monitor conditions continuouslyto ensure safe optimal operationsand instrument readiness
• Lead a team of AstronomicalObservers conducting submillimeterobservations data acquisitioncalibration and instrumentmonitoring
• Assign daily and long-rangework sets priorities and adjustsstaffing to meet dynamic observingschedules and weather-dependentwindows
• Manage schedules leavestaffing forecasts and workloaddistribution for the observer team
• Prepare reports metricsandbriefings for management onoperational status staffing andperformance trends
• Conducts performancemanagement establishes standardsevaluates performancerecommendsawards and addresses conduct orperformance issues.
• Oversee training programs for newobservers ensuring proficiency inSMA systems safety protocols andscientific data workflows
• Planning meetings to coordinateobserving campaigns maintenancecycles and instrument upgradesrepresenting the observer team incross-functional discussions withastronomers engineers and externalcollaborators.
• The duties listed are at the full performance GS-09 grade level.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Selectee may be required to serve a supervisory probationary period.
• This position supports astronomical observing operations and requires participation in a rotating work schedule that includes evenings overnight shifts weekends and holidays.
• Work is performed at a remote observatory site and may require travel between observatory facilities.
• Work is conducted in low-light environments and may involve extended computer use outdoor exposure to weather conditions and occasional lifting or handling of scientific equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements (GS-1330 Physics Series)

Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy physics mathematics space science or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
.
OR

Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy space science physics mathematics and electronics with required course work as shown in A above plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-9:

Specialized Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position specialized experience is defined as operating scientific instrumentation or optical telescopes; conducting or supporting astronomical observing activities; acquiring imaging or spectroscopic data; performing calibration exposures and preliminary data reduction; monitoring scientific systems; resolving routine operational issues; and supporting researchers during observational activities. Experience must demonstrate hands-on operational experience in observatory or comparable scientific environments. Experience must also demonstrate experience leading or coordinating the work of others such as assigning or prioritizing work providing technical direction training staff or evaluating work products.

OR

Education

A masters degree or two full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a degree in astronomy physics astrophysics or a closely related physical science may be substituted for specialized experience.

OR

Combination

Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements.

Education

Please see Qualifications Section for Education Requirements.

Additional information

Special Instructions for Foreign Education

If you are qualifying by education and/or have education completed at a foreign college or university you must provide transcripts and documentation verifying U.S. equivalency. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for additional information.

Additional Information

Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was completed on a pass/fail basis qualification under Superior Academic Achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer experience helps build critical competencies and may be credited if directly related to the duties of this position.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be prorated to determine creditable experience. Applicants should clearly indicate the number of hours worked per week.

No incentives are authorized for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

Manager