Zone Regulatory Services (ZRS) Assistant

Position Description: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. Position Summary At NRAO, we are recruiting a Zone Regulatory Services (ZRS) Assistant. This position supports the administrative duties of the ZRS Manager. Administrative duties include timely and accurate radio frequency (RF) spectrum management to minimize harmful interference in the New Mexico Radio Coordination Zone (NMRCZ), specifically for the Very Large Array site and Very Long Baseline Array stations. The ZRS assistant will assist in the process of evaluating requests for frequency coordination for all transmitters based on rules specified for federal transmitters by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and for non-federal transmitters by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The ZRS Assistant will discuss the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems of intended and unintended transmitting sources flagged by NRAO staff. For more information about the NMRCZ, see: The preferred location for the position will be based in Socorro, NM. What You Will be Doing: Assist in the receiving, reviewing and evaluation of preliminary requests and final applications for radio frequency transmitter installations or equipment (re)configuration and special temporary authorizations impacting the NMRCZ. Research and verify technical equipment specifications to ensure the information provided is correct. Maintain application database and accurate and searchable reports, and research historical written sources as needed. Regularly analyze the frequencies already assigned in the proposed operational area for compatibility, considering emission, power, location of transmitters, height of antennas, and other critical equipment operating characteristics. Utilize existing radio frequency interference data and dashboards to classify sources and propose mitigation techniques. Discusses the design, layout, assembly, testing and troubleshooting procedures and problems with engineers and technical staff, while being a part of the New Mexico Interference Protection Group. Work Environment Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Who You Are: You have an associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school in administration, management, or engineering. You may have a bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering or computer science and coursework or similar experience in propagation modeling, databases and data management. You have a minimum of 2 years of related administrative experience with intaking, recording and managing data in a database/spreadsheet. Demonstrated ability to learn specialized software for mathematical calculations. While not required, you may have experience with spectrum management or spectrum management training and frequency coordination, experience with software and calculations related to the propagation of radio waves experience measuring and interpreting electrical/electronic technology experience in RF and/or electrical engineering experience in or demonstrated ability to learn methods of deployment in RF engineering some familiarity with FCC rules & regulations; ability to search FCC’s databases. knowledge of radio astronomy Competency Summary Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and administrative techniques; thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic; and the ability to make calculations and to set up forms and statistical tables. Thorough knowledge of personal computers, including word processing and spreadsheet software (MS Office), and the ability to learn specialized software for propagation calculations for sharing and compatibility. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to learn to read and comprehend complex and specialized vocabulary. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction; ability to organize and perform work independently in the absence of specific instructions. Must be able to stand and sit; perform fine hand manipulation. Must work with electrical equipment. Occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, and crouch. Additional Requirement Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this position. Total Rewards: Compensation The starting salary/hourly rate for this position is between $22.76 and $26.55. Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. Benefits: Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days) Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution. Click Total Rewards for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. 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