Job Description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Position Description:

Position Summary

Green Bank Observatory (GBO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the Green Bank Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

At GBO we are seeking a full-time Technical Manager to oversee maintenance activities on the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) as well as other telescopes on site. This position is part of the Telescope Operations Division and will report to the Division Head.

Working with the Division Head/Chief Antenna Engineer and the Technical Manager of Operations, the successful candidate will implement maintenance strategies to achieve individual site telescope science objectives. The Technical Manager will direct the work of 2 to 5 craftsmen and oversee contractors working on site. As the lead of the maintenance team, the Technical Manager will be expected to coordinate with engineering and technical staff while troubleshooting and performing other corrective or preventative maintenance tasks.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Oversee and coordinate the daily operations or maintenance of site telescopes.
• Coordinate with other groups to assure the efficient use of maintenance and testing time.
• Direct the work of mechanics, electricians, and contractors.
• Work with the Division Head/Chief Antenna Engineer to develop long term preventive maintenance strategies to achieve a high level of equipment reliability so that the site science goals are met.
• Work with engineers and technicians of other divisions to make modifications to the telescopes and operating capabilities. May perform design work for some telescope modifications.
• Assure that all safe work practices are followed.
• Manage the preventive maintenance program for all telescopes, including lubrication, inspections, recurring maintenance and scheduled repetitive replacements.
• Develop procedures, or direct the development of procedures by the work groups to either operate equipment or repair or replace equipment.
• Report unusual conditions or failures of equipment to the Division Head to determine the best corrective actions and further actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develops report of the group work, which may include schedule performance, telescope utilization, maintenance activities etc.
• Responsible with the Division Head for efficient use of budget allocations for labor, overtime, and materials.
• Work with their employees to develop individual performance goals, provide frequent feedback, and annual performance reviews.
• Other duties as assigned

Work Environment

Work is performed in a light industrial area. Often inspects work and equipment outside on high structures in a mountainous weather environment. Must be able to operate a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation applications, and may need to operate equipment by computer. Must be comfortable working on open structures up to 400 feet tall, negotiate multiple flights of stairs, and climb vertical ladders.

The position is located at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV, an Observatory which combines and academic setting with a rural environment. The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education.

Who You Are:

• You may have a minimum of a journeyman electrician license, millwright certification, degree in engineering technology, or other relevant combination of education and experience.
• You have 5 to 10 years of experience maintaining industrial structures and systems (power distribution, motors, steel structures, etc.)
• You have a working knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC), rigging techniques, and other applicable maintenance practices.
• You can interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.
• You have 3 to 5 years of experience leading maintenance teams and/or activities in an industrial environment.
• You are proficient in applications for spreadsheets, email, and presentations.
• You are familiar with AutoCAD

Competency Summary

• The ability to clearly convey technical information to craftsmen, engineers, and contractors.
• Proven ability to interact with all levels of employees in a positive and respectful way and to calmly resolve conflicts are essential management behaviors in this position.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to learn and apply safe work practices involved in this type of work.

Total Rewards:

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

NRAOs benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the Apply button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to .

The GBO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)

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National Radio Astronomy Observatory