Astronomer (Telescope Operations Astronomer - Optical)

Full Job Description

Conducts optical telescope observing operations at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory during scheduled daytime and nighttime observing shifts.

Operates telescopes and instrumentation, monitors facility systems, acquires and evaluates astronomical data, and collaborates with astronomers to execute observing programs.

This developmental GS-7/9 position provides increasing independence in scientific observing operations.

Qualifications Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement and the specialized experience requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Education Requirement (GS-1330 Physics Series) Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics.

The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.

or Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-7 Experience You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service.

For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting with scientific or technical operations such as supporting telescope or laboratory activities; collecting or processing scientific data; maintaining technical logs or operational records; using scientific software or analysis tools; monitoring equipment performance; or supporting scientific or engineering projects.

Experience must demonstrate hands-on participation in scientific or technical operations environments rather than solely academic coursework or theoretical research.

OR Education One full year of graduate-level education in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement.

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also be used to qualify.

SAA is based on a bachelor's degree with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of study; A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for courses in the major field of study or those completed in the last two years of study; Rank in the upper one-third of the graduating class; or Membership in a national scholastic honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

OR Combination Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements. For a full explanation of this option, please see the Qualification Standards.

GS-9 Experience You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service.

For this position, specialized experience is defined as operating scientific instrumentation or optical telescopes; conducting or supporting astronomical observing activities; acquiring imaging or spectroscopic data; performing calibration exposures and preliminary data reduction; monitoring scientific systems; resolving routine operational issues; and supporting researchers during observational activities.

Experience must demonstrate hands-on operational experience in observatory or comparable scientific environments.

OR Education A master's degree or two full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted for specialized experience.

OR Combination Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education If you are qualifying by education and/or have education completed at a foreign college or university, you must provide transcripts and documentation verifying U.S.

equivalency. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for additional information. Additional Information Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point.

For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9.

If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was completed on a pass/fail basis, qualification under Superior Academic Achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations.

Volunteer experience helps build critical competencies and may be credited if directly related to the duties of this position.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be prorated to determine creditable experience. Applicants should clearly indicate the number of hours worked per week. Major Duties:

Conducts optical telescope observing operations during scheduled science and engineering observing shifts, including telescope startup and shutdown, instrument configuration, target acquisition, and execution of approved observing programs.

Monitors telescope, detector, enclosure, computing, and environmental systems to ensure safe operations, instrument readiness, and high-quality scientific data collection.

Identifies operational anomalies and implements established corrective actions or escalates issues as appropriate.

Acquires astronomical imaging and spectroscopic data and performs calibration exposures and preliminary data reduction.

Evaluates data quality in real time and applies standard procedures to maintain observing efficiency and data integrity.

Collaborates with visiting and staff astronomers to execute observing programs, including preparation for observing runs, instrument setup, and effective use of observatory software and operational systems.

Maintains accurate observing logs and technical documentation describing telescope performance, observing conditions, system status, and operational outcomes.

Participates in instrument testing, commissioning activities, engineering observations, and operational development efforts that improve telescope performance and observing capabilities.

Assists with troubleshooting telescope hardware, instrumentation, and software systems in coordination with engineering and technical staff.

Contributes to the refinement and improvement of observing procedures, operational documentation, training materials, and workflow practices that enhance observatory safety, reliability, and scientific productivity.

Participates in training and professional development activities to maintain and expand technical and scientific competencies required for observatory operations.

Work assignments progress from structured training and guided observing activities at the GS-7 level to independent execution of recurring observing operations with increasing responsibility at the GS-9 level.

Performs related duties as assigned.