Employment Opportunities with McDonald Observatory

Electronics Engineer - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position is a research support staff role that contributes to the performance and science operations on fielded instrumentation systems, both newly introduced during commissioning activities, as well as existing/established research systems. This support requires evaluating the science needs, expected outcomes, and operating envelope for the system as a whole and quickly devising field-expedient changes to complex systems.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Equipment and Fleet Mechanic/Technician - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Performs journey-level maintenance and repair of university vehicles and equipment.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope Optomechanical Technician - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position Serves as the technical resource for the optical systems of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), including optical maintenance such as cleaning, metrology, coating removal, computer maintenance of the Segment Alignment Maintenance System (SAMS), and basic mechanical maintenance for the mirror supports. This position is located at the Observatory, which is a major astronomical research unit of The University of Texas and located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus).

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope Mechanical Engineer - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position leads a small team of technicians and performs mechanical engineering maintenance, design, and performance improvements on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope’s (HET) equipment and facility infrastructure. This position reports to the HET Facility Manager at the McDonald Observatory site near Ft. Davis, Texas.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Maintenance Worker II - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Provides semi-skilled level work in various technical trades in the maintenance and repair of a remote research facility's buildings, telescope equipment, housing, and other systems.

For more information on this position and to apply, please see the full job posting here.

Part Time

Event Worker, Frank N. Bash Visitors Center - McDonald Observatory 

Shifts: 10-18 hours per week Tu-Sa

McDonald Observatory seeks enthusiastic and friendly individuals to serve as Event Workers who will support our Visitors Center operations by sharing their curiosity, knowledge, and excitement about science with Observatory visitors of all ages. Primary duties include: 

• positive and energetic interaction with visitors,
• helping with opening, clean up and closing.
• supporting Program Facilitators and Program Specialists 
• checking in visitors for programs, ushering guests to seats,
• selling program passes, and assisting with sales in the Gift Shop.

Interested parties with experience may also operate telescopes, present short talks, facilitate “Pop Up Lab” experiences for visitors, or present long-form visitor programs such as Solar Viewings and Guided Tours.

Qualifications

Previous cash handling and register experience; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with common computer software; ability to work well with others and with limited supervision; willingness to learn and take on new tasks; Bilingual a plus.

To apply for a part time position with the Visitors Center, complete the application linked below.

McDonald Observatory is part of The University of Texas at Austin. The Observatory and Visitors Center are located near Fort Davis, Texas. Positions are security sensitive; conviction verification conducted on applicant selected. 

Volunteer Opportunities with the Visitors Center