University of Texas is hiring: Telescope Operator, Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDon

* Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%).* Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options.* Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.* Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan with employer-matching contributions.* Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b).* Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.* **Telescope Operations.** Conduct nighttime operations from sunset to sunrise at the request of the resident astronomer or visiting staff. Safely operate the telescope, instruments, and computer systems, and perform queue observing. This includes mirror alignment, setting up and maintaining configurations on science targets, detecting and reporting technical issues, preventing, diagnosing, and recovering from these issues, monitoring weather and facility conditions, and coordinating with resident astronomers and engineers to efficiently achieve observational and engineering goals. Maintain accurate, professional, and clear night reports. Contribute to a productive and efficient working environment.* **Nighttime Operations.** Support nighttime operations, including attending general and operations staff meetings (usually during the day); communicating with the outgoing telescope operator before the shift; developing familiarity with instrument configurations and setups to provide backup; collaborating with other telescope operators, the supervisor, and the administrative associate to keep an up-to-date work schedule; and working on projects to support operations (sometimes during the day). Projects may include theoretical work, documentation, hardware, and/or software tasks depending on your skill set.* **Daytime Operations.** Support daytime operations, including providing ops engineering and reviewing and commenting on changes to facility operations.* **Facility Support and Additional Duties.** Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs. Maintain accurate and up-to-date timesheets and complete all required training and paperwork. Staff living on-site in the residential community are considered essential employees as determined by the HET Facility Manager and the Observatory Superintendent. They will be required to serve on the Observatory Emergency Response team, “ERT,” and perform tasks to help respond to emergencies such as fire, medical issues, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with the facility's normal operations.* Bachelor's degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field involving engineering and/or scientific equipment typically used in college laboratory work, with two years of relevant experience, or a Master's Degree in a related field involving engineering and/or scientific equipment typically used in college laboratory work, and no experience.* Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, productively, and cooperatively in a small team environment during time-critical science operations, including listening, seeking clarification, and taking feedback. Able to work independently and is self-motivated.* Proficient computer skills and the ability to work in front of a Linux/Unix computer console.* Demonstrated good manual dexterity with fine motor skills using hand tools.* Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.* Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, accuracy, and a systematic and detail-oriented approach.* Ability to take initiative, organize, and prioritize work and to meet deadlines and expectations.* Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and be an integral member of a project team.* Demonstrated sound judgment, work ethic, and drive to maximize the scientific output of the telescope.* Competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making and critical thinking, effective communication, initiative, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and service excellence.* *Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.** Master's degree in STEM fields and/or one or more years of experience with the operation of a 1+ meter telescope.* Understanding of observational astronomical terminology.* Experience with developing and adapting to changes in complex procedures for repetitive and time-critical tasks.* Experience with quickly troubleshooting, documenting, and working through faults in complex hardware and software systems.* Experience working in a Linux or Unix environment through both command-line interfaces and graphical user interface (GUIs).**Start Here, Change the World**At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world.Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.Please see our .**Comments and Inquiries:**Email comments to hrsc@austin.utexas.edu. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact .Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: . For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at (512) 471-4772, or toll-free at (800) 687-4178. #J-18808-Ljbffr