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.
Maintenance Worker III (Utilities)
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
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
Administrative Associate
Purpose
Provides administrative support for McDonald Observatory's West Texas operations, including procurement of goods and services, contracts, inventory management, accounting, reporting, and other administrative tasks. This position reports to the executive assistant and work in collaboration with the Austin Business Office.
Responsibilities
- Administrative Support. Assist with the administrative and clerical operations for the Superintendent’s office and staff. Help with shipping and receiving packages and mail, ensuring the proper recipients are contacted. Maintain site calendars. Compose and proofread departmental correspondence. Prepare documentation for special events and assist with staffing as needed. Serve as a backup to the administrative staff and the Astronomers Lodge. Uphold confidentiality, maintain a professional manner, drive a UT vehicle, and perform other related tasks to meet business needs.
- Physical Plant Administrative Support. Assists the Physical Plant Manager and Technical Trades Supervisors with administrative tasks, including, but not limited to, purchasing research, fuel reports, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reports. Provides quarterly account reconciliation reports to the managers. Performs radio dispatch, sends faxes, copies, scans, and other job-related duties.
- Procurement. Serves as the primary contact for West Texas staff regarding procurement and ensures adherence to University purchasing policies and procedures in coordination with the Austin Business Office. Procures goods and services, assigns department transaction numbers, and sets up vendor IDs. Obtains quotes, posts and maintains the purchasing database, and processes purchase orders and ProCard purchases following University policies and procedures. Manages the department's ProCard and assists with the ProCard logs for the Superintendent's staff. Coordinates all communication and services with suppliers and vendors regarding purchase orders. Oversees and monitors all purchases made through contracts between UT and the West Texas site. Builds relationships with suppliers and vendors to improve access to resources that meet or surpass project requirements. Monitors all purchasing requests and escalates issues with internal customers and vendors to the appropriate managers.
- Inventory and Surplus. Assist with West Texas inventory, including issuing and maintaining inventory tags, entering data into the database, and preparing inventory reports. Coordinate West Texas surplus activities, track returns on spreadsheets, take photos, and arrange for vehicle and trailer use to deliver items to UT's Surplus site, in collaboration with the Austin Business Office.
- Accounting. Prepares payment vouchers, including interdepartmental transfer paperwork for various events and lodging charges. Enters weekly deposits for the Astronomers Lodge. Prepares and processes payment vouchers for goods and services received at the Observatory in West Texas. Reconciles Mt. Locke, West Texas accounts, and produces detailed monthly reports, including proper use of funds. Must be an authorized signer on the local bank account.
For additional information and to apply: Administrative Associate
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
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.