Phase2 Technology
Survey Operations Specialist, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Phase2 Technology, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Position Highlights
The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory’s Catalina Sky Survey (CSS), a NASA‑funded project dedicated to detecting near‑Earth asteroids, is seeking a Survey Operations Specialist. CSS operates advanced telescope facilities at the Catalina and Mt. Lemmon observatories, located north of Tucson.
This role is ideal for individuals who are self‑motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team. Candidates must be physically prepared for work in a remote observatory environment at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The position requires a flexible schedule, including irregular hours and nighttime shifts.
Survey Operations Specialists typically work up to 12 nights per lunar cycle (approximately 29.5 days), divided into 3–4 shifts, and remain on‑site during scheduled assignments. While winter conditions may include snow and cold, roads are maintained and no snow removal is required.
Although primarily a nighttime operations role, occasional daytime work may be required. The successful candidate may also contribute to the survey through tasks such as instrument maintenance, software development, database management, IT support, electronics, and optics.
Employee will generally be expected to use their personal vehicle to travel to the observatory.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please
click here .
Duties & Responsibilities
Assist in the day‑to‑day operations of the Catalina Sky Survey, including telescope setup, calibration, and monitoring.
Work under supervision to ensure smooth execution of observation schedules and technical procedures.
Operate a range of telescopes (0.7 m to 2.3 m) to perform systematic sky surveys for asteroid detection and discovery of new objects.
Manage the operation of telescopes, cameras, and associated computer systems, following established safety and performance protocols.
Collaborate with engineers and scientists to contribute to the design, testing, and improvement of optical and mechanical components for telescopes and related instruments.
Perform scheduled maintenance on telescope systems and associated equipment.
Ensure observatory facilities remain clean, organized, and operational in a remote, high‑altitude environment.
Develop observation schedules for survey work and follow‑up tracking of previously discovered near‑Earth asteroids to refine orbital data.
Create and maintain scripts or applications for data processing, analysis, and automation of survey tasks.
Optimize workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy of asteroid detection.
Provide technical support for computer systems and networks at observatory sites. Responsibilities include diagnosing hardware/software issues, performing system updates, and ensuring cybersecurity protocols are followed.
Help maintain and update the CSS public‑facing website to enhance outreach and awareness. Ensure content accuracy, implement design improvements, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Regularly track and record meteorological data critical for observation planning.
Communicate weather‑related risks to the operations team to optimize telescope usage.
Manage scientific and operational databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility.
Perform routine backups and troubleshoot database‑related issues.
Identify hardware and software problems during operations, communicate findings to the engineering team, suggest improvements, and participate in troubleshooting under supervision.
Prepare timely reports of observational results and ensure proper archiving of collected data for scientific analysis and long‑term storage.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of astronomical observation techniques and near‑Earth asteroid survey methodologies.
Knowledge of telescope systems, optical instruments, and remote observatory operations.
Knowledge of IT systems, networking, and troubleshooting in a scientific environment.
Skills in operating telescopes and associated hardware/software systems.
Skills in website development and maintenance (HTML, CSS, or CMS platforms).
Skills in database administration and data archiving.
Ability to plan and execute observation schedules for survey and follow‑up tasks.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
Ability to monitor and interpret weather data for operational decision‑making.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands
Occasional lifting of equipment up to 20 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University
Fleet Safety Policy .
Preferred Qualifications None specified.
Contact Information Carson Fuls fulsdavid@arizona.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role is ideal for individuals who are self‑motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team. Candidates must be physically prepared for work in a remote observatory environment at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The position requires a flexible schedule, including irregular hours and nighttime shifts.
Survey Operations Specialists typically work up to 12 nights per lunar cycle (approximately 29.5 days), divided into 3–4 shifts, and remain on‑site during scheduled assignments. While winter conditions may include snow and cold, roads are maintained and no snow removal is required.
Although primarily a nighttime operations role, occasional daytime work may be required. The successful candidate may also contribute to the survey through tasks such as instrument maintenance, software development, database management, IT support, electronics, and optics.
Employee will generally be expected to use their personal vehicle to travel to the observatory.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please
click here .
Duties & Responsibilities
Assist in the day‑to‑day operations of the Catalina Sky Survey, including telescope setup, calibration, and monitoring.
Work under supervision to ensure smooth execution of observation schedules and technical procedures.
Operate a range of telescopes (0.7 m to 2.3 m) to perform systematic sky surveys for asteroid detection and discovery of new objects.
Manage the operation of telescopes, cameras, and associated computer systems, following established safety and performance protocols.
Collaborate with engineers and scientists to contribute to the design, testing, and improvement of optical and mechanical components for telescopes and related instruments.
Perform scheduled maintenance on telescope systems and associated equipment.
Ensure observatory facilities remain clean, organized, and operational in a remote, high‑altitude environment.
Develop observation schedules for survey work and follow‑up tracking of previously discovered near‑Earth asteroids to refine orbital data.
Create and maintain scripts or applications for data processing, analysis, and automation of survey tasks.
Optimize workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy of asteroid detection.
Provide technical support for computer systems and networks at observatory sites. Responsibilities include diagnosing hardware/software issues, performing system updates, and ensuring cybersecurity protocols are followed.
Help maintain and update the CSS public‑facing website to enhance outreach and awareness. Ensure content accuracy, implement design improvements, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Regularly track and record meteorological data critical for observation planning.
Communicate weather‑related risks to the operations team to optimize telescope usage.
Manage scientific and operational databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility.
Perform routine backups and troubleshoot database‑related issues.
Identify hardware and software problems during operations, communicate findings to the engineering team, suggest improvements, and participate in troubleshooting under supervision.
Prepare timely reports of observational results and ensure proper archiving of collected data for scientific analysis and long‑term storage.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of astronomical observation techniques and near‑Earth asteroid survey methodologies.
Knowledge of telescope systems, optical instruments, and remote observatory operations.
Knowledge of IT systems, networking, and troubleshooting in a scientific environment.
Skills in operating telescopes and associated hardware/software systems.
Skills in website development and maintenance (HTML, CSS, or CMS platforms).
Skills in database administration and data archiving.
Ability to plan and execute observation schedules for survey and follow‑up tasks.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
Ability to monitor and interpret weather data for operational decision‑making.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands
Occasional lifting of equipment up to 20 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University
Fleet Safety Policy .
Preferred Qualifications None specified.
Contact Information Carson Fuls fulsdavid@arizona.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr