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.
Hobby-Eberly Telescope Resident Astronomer
Purpose
The resident astronomer (RA) acts as the on-site scientific observing specialist for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at McDonald Observatory. The RA employs various facility instruments and has the opportunity to conduct personal research while contributing to the scientific community at McDonald Observatory.
Responsibilities
- Science Operations. Lead nightly science operations safely and efficiently from sunset to sunrise, selecting and executing observations of targets from the queue. Observations are taken on facility instruments based on weather constraints and queue priorities as set by the principal investigator (PI) and Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC). Evaluate the scientific quality of all observations based on the needs of various research projects and communicate effectively with HET partner scientists. Verifies the integrity and quality of the observations and helps optimize the scientific productivity of the facility.
- Night Operations. Communicate with the telescope operator regarding scientific, facility, and weather constraints. Maintain accurate, professional, and clear night report and problem report logs. Foster a productive and efficient working environment.
- Engineering Operations. Conduct projects to characterize and/or improve night operations. Work with instrument scientists and engineering staff to support, maintain, and document the performance of the HET and its instruments. Coordinate with visiting and remote engineering staff to complete engineering, instrument commissioning, and observing goals. Provide support and advice to maximize observing run outputs. Monitor the condition of the facility’s science instruments. Document the current status of science operations and the facility through wikis and web pages.
- Day Operations. Support night operations by preparing the facility for science operations, including testing and calibrating equipment and software and communicating with the resident astronomer on night duty regarding the status of the facility and queue.
- Research Environment. Conduct personal research to become an active user of the observatory instruments and contribute to the scientific life at the observatory. Prepare and present scientific papers at astronomical meetings. Participate in outreach activities such as giving public talks, giving tours of the facility, and attending colloquiums.
- Administrative Operations. Work with other resident astronomers to maintain a fully staffed work schedule every night of the year. Attend general and night-time operation staff meetings. Keep accurate and updated time sheets and complete required training and paperwork in a timely manner. Perform other duties as assigned to meet business operations.
For additional information and to apply: HET Resident Astronomer
Maintenance Worker III
Purpose
Performs work on water systems and provides advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large remote research facility. Will provide on-the-job training for water operator licenses. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Water System Maintenance. Assist in basic water operations and the maintenance of the McDonald Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed the standards mandated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Sends in water samples according to TCEQ requirements, files reports, and performs record-keeping duties associated with water responsibilities. Maintains Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing: Water Class D, and Wastewater Class D.
- Facility and Preventive Maintenance. Assists with maintenance work for the entire facility and infrastructure, including residential and commercial construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, equipment, vehicles, mechanical sub-systems, and water and wastewater systems. Performs preventative maintenance.
- Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. Assists in the troubleshooting and repair of commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings. Provides skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
- Record-Keeping and Inventory. Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
- Safety and Facility Support. Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, including responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations of the facility. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears the appropriate protective gear and follows safety procedures.
- Performs Other Duties. Performs related duties as required to meet business needs. Drives UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism in interaction with the public and fellow workers, as well as in appearance according to UT policy. Assists coworkers as needed with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.
For additional information and to apply: Maintenance Worker III
Utility Crew Leader
Purpose
Supervise and lead a small team responsible for operating the public water and wastewater systems, as well as assisting with infrastructure maintenance and repairs at McDonald Observatory. This includes fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, commercial and residential structures, and telescope dome systems. The position reports to the Assistant Physical Plant Manager and collaborates closely with other crew leaders and the Physical Plant Manager.
Responsibilities
- Utility Operations and Performance. Perform work in public water and wastewater systems, and other trades as needed. Provide training and supervision in proper maintenance procedures, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other craft work. Inspects, maintains, and recommends purchases of equipment and tools.
- Supervision. Provide daily leadership and oversee staff responsible for public water and wastewater systems, as well as other trade areas as needed.
- Administration and Compliance. Prepare, review, and manage shop paperwork, including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulated documents, letters, reports, timesheets, labor reports, and material and equipment requisitions. Organize and maintain preventive maintenance plans and their status.
- Maintenance and Repair. Receive general specifications from upper management and report progress on assigned projects. Plan, assign, and inspect maintenance, repair, construction, renovation, and/or operations work. Work effectively with crew leaders to address special needs or concerns that require the participation of other team members; collaborate with other departments as needed to achieve common goals related to facility development or repairs.
- Employee Performance and Training. Motivate workers to meet production and quality standards. Assist workers in solving work-related problems at the job site. Conduct employee training, counseling, disciplinary actions, and complete performance evaluations. In consultation with Physical Plant management, interviews and hires new personnel.
- Essential Employee. Act as a member of the McDonald Observatory’s Emergency Response Team, responding to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other emergencies that threaten or disrupt normal facility operations. Requires operating a UT vehicle. Perform additional duties as assigned to meet business needs.
For additional information and to apply: Utility Crew Leader
Control Systems Electronics Engineer
Purpose
Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems related to instrumentation, control infrastructure, and telescope operations.
Responsibilities
- Responds to trouble calls, communicates with customers, troubleshoots electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical control systems and components to ensure reliable operation of observing systems.
- Performs preventive maintenance and calibrates electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical controls and sensors to prevent failures, ensure the observing environment operates at optimal performance, and maximize operational availability.
- Interprets and works from drawings, specifications, and sketches for assigned projects to ensure university standards are maintained. Commissions control systems for new and renovation construction projects to ensure final control installation meets standards and functional requirements. Performs work independently from written or verbal instructions and in accordance with established safety procedures to complete tasks promptly.
- Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist in procuring components. Creates material lists and acquires materials to support efficient work. Keeps accurate records of materials used and maintains daily time reports to complete tasks efficiently and document details of the functions performed. Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation for all systems.
- Renovates and upgrades control systems to ensure efficient operation of the observing environment and to support evolving scientific needs.
- Assists others as needed to troubleshoot observing subsystems and other equipment, aiming to minimize equipment downtime and address concerns about the stability of the observing subsystems.
- Gathers data on electronics, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems to support analysis and enhance control system performance. Participates in the On-Call Program.
- Supports other shops and team members in achieving shop goals related to key performance indicators. Assists external entities as needed. Provides prompt and courteous customer service, keeps supervisors informed about daily work order status to ensure clear, concise, and effective communication, and meets customer expectations. Driving University vehicles to job sites may be required for this role and other duties. Performs other duties as requested to meet business needs.
For additional information and to apply: Control Systems Electronics Engineer
Post Doctoral Fellowships
There are no current postings for fellowships at McDonald Observatory.