Employment opportunities with The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory include positions located in both Austin and Fort Davis, Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff and many resources to benefit staff experience.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Austin
These positions are based at the UT campus in Austin, TX.
No positions are currently open in Austin.
McDonald Observatory Jobs in Fort Davis
These positions are based at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. If you're not local, you'll need to relocate to the Observatory.
K-12 Education Specialist
Purpose
This position supports and advances the education and public outreach mission of McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas. Develops and delivers materials and content for K12 programs such as Astronomy Field Trips, Distance Learning, Homeschool Days, and Teacher Professional Development Workshops. Conducts evening and daytime programming for visitors, such as guided tours, solar viewing, star parties, and livestream programs for public and private groups. Assists with community activities, special projects, events, and programs on and off-site.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver K-12 education program content and materials, both virtually and in person. This includes helping with the development, scheduling, coordination, and delivery of Astronomy Field Trips, classroom visits, Distance Learning Programs, public livestreams, and Teacher Professional Development Workshops.
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Facilitate public programs at McDonald Observatory, community outreach events, and activities for learners of all ages. Provide excellent customer service and educational information to visitors of the Observatory and participants in community activities, special projects, events, and programs both on- and off-site.
Ensure that participants are served, and program outcomes are documented and communicated.
- Participate in a cross-functional team and work cooperatively with other staff members to complete tasks and projects. Assist with routine maintenance of telescope equipment, domes, and galleries. Help maintain exhibits in the Visitors Center. Assist with the Gift Shop when needed. Perform janitorial duties and other related tasks as required.
For additional information and to apply: K-12 Education Specialist
Mechanic/Technician
Purpose
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.
Responsibilities
- Assists with carpentry and general residential maintenance, including but not limited to concrete work, structure repair, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing.
- Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining commercial facilities' electrical and HVAC systems, residential structures, elevators, and telescope enclosure buildings. General maintenance on the telescope dome systems, infrastructures, and mechanical and hydraulic systems.
- Performs preventative maintenance tasks incidental to operating mechanical and electrical equipment, systems, and residential structures. Maintains logs and records on equipment. Inspects, lubricates, and troubleshoots equipment. Informs supervision of conditions.
- Assists with welding of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, as well as torch welding, cutting, and brazing on various mechanical equipment and structures. Assists with fabrication and precision machining of metal parts and equipment using metal lathes, milling machines, and drill presses. Interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings, knowledge of material properties.
- Helps co-workers as necessary in their various disciplines in a team-oriented environment. Perform additional tasks as assigned. Drives a UT vehicle. According to UT policy, we maintain professionalism in interacting with the public, our fellow workers, and our appearance. Wear protective safety equipment and follow safety guidelines or procedures.
- Performs emergency services duties as assigned, including fire department participation, response, training, and related activities.
For additional information and to apply: Mechanic/TechnicianMechanic/Technician
Programs Assistant (Part Time)
Purpose
McDonald Observatory is looking for enthusiastic and friendly individuals to serve as Program Assistants at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. Share your curiosity, knowledge, and excitement about science with visitors of all ages from across the globe.
Responsibilities
- Interacting with all visitors in a positive and energetic manner
- Set up, operate and break down telescopes at Star Parties
- Answer visitor questions about telescope targets, the Observatory and astronomy
- Assist visitors with wayfinding and seating
- Assist with visitor check-in
- Helping with clean up and closing procedures
- Interested parties may also present short talks, or facilitate pop-up lab experiences
For additional information and to apply: Program Assistant
Post Doctoral Fellowships
There are no current postings for fellowships at McDonald Observatory.