Employment Opportunities with McDonald Observatory

Administrative Associate - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position provides administrative support to McDonald Observatory's West Texas operations. The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus), and this position is located at the observatory. This position reports to the executive assistant in the Superintendent's office and works closely with the Austin Business Office.

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.


HET 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.


HET Mechanical Engineering Associate - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position provides science instrumentation support, preventative maintenance, repairs, and system-level design and engineering support for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory. 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.


K-12 Education Specialist, McDonald Observatory Visitors Center

Job Description: 

This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and the University of Texas. Develops and delivers K12 program materials and content, and supports the K12 education program. Conducts evening and daytime programming for visitors, including public and private groups. Assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.

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 

HET with Mt. Locke background

HET with Mt. Locke Domes in Background