Telescope Mechanic I

Position Description:

Position Summary

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.

At the GBO, we are announcing an opportunity for a full-time Telescope Mechanic. Under direct supervision, the telescope mechanic provides routine maintenance service to scientific investigations through the construction, installation, test, repair and maintenance of a radio telescope and associated equipment used to collect radio astronomical data for a variety of observers. This is a safety sensitive position, see note below. This is an entry level of a four-level progressively complex telescope mechanics opportunity.

The preferred location for the position will be based at Green Bank, WV.


What You Will be Doing:

• Responds to routine maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and limited electronic components issues on all telescopes and related equipment.
• Provides limited assistance, as qualified, in the operation and testing of telescope and operating equipment, when required.
• Assists in the functional evaluation of newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions.
• Will assist Telescope Operators with receiver/equipment changes.
• Assists in taking and maintaining inventory of parts.
• Maintains records of maintenance activities, uses PC as required.
• Assists with indoor/outdoor painting, when required.
• Maintains tools and equipment in safe operating condition.
• Assists other maintenance and support personnel as assigned.
• Uses hand and power tools; works from verbal or written instructions, sketches and prints
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented. While performing the duties of this job, the selected candidate will work both outdoors on buildings and the telescope, and indoors in a shop area. Must be comfortable working on open structures up to 500 feet tall, outdoors in all weather conditions, near moving parts, and electrical equipment. Must be able to work in a high noise area with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Who You Are:

Who You Are:

Education

• You have a minimum of a High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
• You have a minimum of 2 years of experience; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience

• While preferred but not required, you have mechanical work, industrial or other; maintenance of heavy equipment; some welding; or industrial spray painting.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong verbal communication skills are necessary for effective consultations with coworkers and the ability to participate effectively as a member of a team. Must be able to use the NRAO online time reporting and requisition system. Ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, blueprints, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. A working knowledge of machine shop, welding, and electrical techniques and procedures.
• The ability to climb antenna stairs and ladders to heights above 100 feet, lift equipment up to 50 pounds (unassisted) is essential. Must possess visual acuity (corrected is acceptable) and manual dexterity to be able to perform work on small pieces or areas of work material, and hearing acuity in order to perform work safely with instructions and guidance being given over hand-held radios and/or during operations of loud machinery. Work is performed outdoors, at heights and near moving machinery.

Additional Requirement

• You must hold and maintain a valid West Virginia Driver's license.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Safety Sensitive

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of this position is between $20.98 and $24.23 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• 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.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply" button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

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. PM20