A full list of employment opportunities with both the Department of Astronomy and McDonald Observatory can be found via the links below. For openings at the Observatory, select 'McDonald Observatory' as the hiring organization. Listings will include both Austin and Fort Davis, TX.
- External candidates can view job postings on the public UT Austin Job Search page.
- Internal candidates can view job postings here.
- Please also see Postdoctoral Fellowships
Jobs will be posted here when open.
Electrical Engineer - Hobby-Eberly Telescope
Job Description:
This hands-on position maintains, designs and improves functionality of electrical, electronic,
electromechanical and electro-optical subsystems on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to achieve the scientific
goals of McDonald Observatory.
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Job Details:
General Notes
This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is a 24/7 operation and you may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night, weekends or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the scientifically needs of the Observatory and specifically the HET. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and may be required. Position may be subject to “call-back” as an essential employee for emergency or critical response. Must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- At the direction of the HET Engineering Manager, conducts tasks that modify, repair or reconfigure the HET electrical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical subsystems.
- Attends and constructively participates in daily operations meetings, weekly HET staff meetings and periodic technical reviews.
- Works constructively and cooperatively with McDonald Observatory Austin technical staff on HET engineering improvements.
- Provides daily reporting of your activities.
- Provides input into long-term planning and technical direction for HET engineering tasks. Works cooperatively and constructively with the HET electrical and mechanical teams to aid in implementing and conducting a professional program of preventive maintenance on HET electrical, electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems.
- Periodically performs operations engineering duty.
- Responds as necessary to night-time repair and maintenance calls from telescope operations staff.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in electrical engineering and two years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and four years of related experience. Ability to do hands on work to repair and refurbish existing equipment and electronics as well as design and build new systems. Candidates should have the work ethic and drive to maximize the scientific output of the telescope. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills. ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a project team. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge and/or working experience in motion controls and industrial controls. Knowledge of electrical code and industry standards for control systems, enclosures and rotating equipment. Knowledge and experience with designing and maintaining electronics at the board and component level. Additional desired skill sets include PCB design, ability to design build and program PLC systems and experience with astronomical Instrumentation.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current
three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas
driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Salary Range
$70,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- May work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures.
- May work around chemical fumes.
- May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
- Use of manual dexterity.
- Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving.
- Work at height, 100 feet, using man lift, rope, or ladder.
- May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials.
- Since we are a 24/7 operation, may be expected to work at all hours of the day or night,
weekends or holidays (when needed and within limits) to serve the needs of the Observatory
and specifically the HET. - Acts as senior member of the Observatory's Emergency Response Team that responds to fire, medical, hazardous material or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with the normal operations of the facility. Handles emergencies calmly and quickly.
- Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as essential employee as determined by your manager.
Work Shift
- Generally, M-F, 8am – 5pm
- Work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a
supervisor - Letter of interest
Additional information and to apply: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MCDONALD-OBSERVATORY/HET-Electrical-Engineer_R_00007262
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Fire, Safety, and Security Manager for McDonald Observatory
Job Description:
To implement and administer fire, industrial hygiene, chemical, and occupational safety programs, standards and regulations. Provides technical assistance and direction to personnel and departments regarding attaining and maintaining compliance with safety regulations and standards. Develops and interprets programs and policies for structure and wildland fire prevention, industrial hygiene, general safety, chemical safety, and site security. Establishes written performance standards, goals and objectives. Develops, coordinates and recommends policy or program changes for the improvements to the safety of staff, visitors, and facilities on the McDonald Observatory campus.
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Job Details:
General Notes
This position is at McDonald Observatory, located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus). Residence in the Observatory's residential community is required. Position is considered essential employee for emergency or critical response.
Responsibilities
- Documentation: Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy workplace by establishing, implementing, and administering the McDonald Observatory Strategic Safety Plan. Responsible for planning, maintaining, and overseeing an Emergency Response Plan that includes all aspects of threat to the staff, users, guests, facilities and equipment of the Observatory. Includes documentation for fire and life safety equipment, procedures, and preventative maintenance; and structure and wildland fire prevention, worker accident prevention, and loss prevention planning.
- Supervision: Leads the McDonald Observatory Emergency Response Team (for fire all and suppression) and acts as the on-site Incident Commander (IC) for all emergency situations, who responds to all on-site alarms (fire, security, gas monitors, etc.). Acts as the liaison between McDonald Observatory management and the various safety departments of the University of Texas at Austin (Fire Prevention Services, Environmental Health Services, UTPD, Office of Risk Management, etc.), and with local/county officials (County Sheriffs’ office, State Park Police, Fire Chief, Texas Forest Service, etc.), to ensure that McDonald Observatory makes the most of the available fire prevention/suppression and safety recourses and is supported in its safety and security efforts.
- Training: Assigns safety training and ensures all employees are current in the required training for their positions. This is completed with assistance from and under the guidance of the Superintendent. Completes the safety requirements and training as part of the new employee onboarding process. Coordinates safety requirements with contractors and subcontractors to ensure that McDonald Observatory safety requirements are adhered to by all personnel working at the facilities and assists contractors with Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
- Prevention: Evaluates potential hazards, investigates and reports accidents, and develops standard operating procedures for prevention. Conducts on-site reviews and audits of operations and facilities in coordination with the Superintendent to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines, including developing procedures and best practices. Investigates and evaluates new fire and life safety equipment for appropriateness and installation.
- Inspection: Sets inspection and maintenance schedules all safety equipment (fire and life safety, PPE, water and wastewater treatment, and sampling equipment). Develops training, trains, and/or assigns training for personnel to carry out these tasks in coordination with the Physical Plant Manager. Monitors environmental programs. Investigates, evaluates, recommends, and monitors firefighting and safety equipment.
- Environment: Ensures a safe working environment by promoting a positive safety atmosphere among the observatory staff and rewards consistently safe behavior. Acts as a member of the Superintendent’s senior management team advising Observatory management on safety-related improvements, addressing safety concerns, and consulting on safety requirements for each team. Supervises and assists in annual inventory of safety, hazard prevention, and emergency response equipment.
- Regulations: Monitors all current information on regulations and requirements related to safety standards to ensure compliance with applicable codes and legislation (including environmental programs). Maintains OSHA 30-Hour, first aid, and fire inspector certifications. May attend conferences, meetings, and workshops to keep up-to-date on new safety methods and procedures to applicable codes and regulations or to maintain required level of certification.
- Performs other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in industrial management, safety engineering, fire science, chemistry, engineering, physics, environmental health, or a related field. Five years of experience in fire and life safety, chemical safety, industrial hygiene, environmental health, occupational safety, or a related field. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a team. Excellent computer literacy skills. Ability to communicate health and safety changes or guidance in an effective way. Experience with equipment used in designated safety programs.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
One or more of the following related certifications:
- Fire Inspector I or II;
- First Aid and CPR Instructor, and Advanced/Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder;
- 30-hour OSHA;
- Fall protection and/or confined space Competent Person;
- Hazwoper
Applicants with Peace Officer Commissions will be eligible to maintain these commissions through the UTPD system.
Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. A class "B" CDL operator's license must be obtained within six months from the date of hire. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).
Working Conditions
- May work around varied conditions involving fire, mechanical and chemical hazards, and other hazardous materials.
- May work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures.
- May work around chemical fumes.
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
- May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving.
- May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials.
- Acts as senior member of the Observatory's Emergency Response Team that responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with the normal operations of the facility.
- Required to live in Observatory housing. Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as an essential employee.
Work Shift
- Generally, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm
- Work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed
- Occasional after-hours work
- Occasional travel required
- Required to respond to emergency or non-emergency situation
Required Materials
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Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
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Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
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Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
