Employment Opportunities with McDonald Observatory

Assistant Director for Research Support - Austin, Texas

Job Description: Oversees the process of advertising observing opportunities and soliciting proposals for the facilities of McDonald Observatory and partner organizations, assigns telescope time in accordance with the recommendations of the Telescope Allocation Committee, serves as the Science Liaison with the Observatory in West Texas, and coordinates the selection process for Postdoctoral fellows. Serves as a member of the McDonald Observatory Management Team.

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.

Groundskeeper - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: This position provides manual semi-skilled work in the maintenance of grounds, fire prevention tasks, and equipment maintenance and repair 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.

Mechanic/Technician - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Perform day-to-day technical trades skills in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations of a remote research facility, and perform skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.

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

Two positions open, please see the full job posting here.

Night Operations Supervisor - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: The Night Operations Supervisor works in the Observing Support (OS) team and leads a small team of remote observing assistants (ROA) that assists our astronomical users with the Mt. Locke telescopes at McDonald Observatory safely and efficiently. Most of the work will be from sunset to sunrise in front of a computer console and will include administrative duties supporting the remote observing program.

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

Optomechanical Engineering Associate - McDonald Observatory

Job Description: Provides professional-level hands-on mechanical and technical support for all McDonald Observatory and tenant telescope facilities.

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 is looking for 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 setup/breakdown of program equipment and assisting with clean up and closing.
• supporting Program Facilitators and 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.