Job Description

Position Description:

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

NRAO is recruiting a Technician II-IV to support operations and maintenance of cryogenics subsystems utilized on the VLA and VLBA. These subsystems enable the receivers on these telescopes to operate with extraordinary sensitivity.

The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing:
• Operates under supervision and instruction: operates, troubleshoots, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance on cryogenic compressors, cryogenic refrigerators, vacuum pumps, and associated components
• Use of standard test equipment, such as digital multimeters or gauges, for inspection, adjustment, and/or replacement of defective system components
• Use of hand tools for mechanical work or repair.
• Performs routine tasks and records test data.
• Must be able to work from equipment manuals, blueprints or sketches.
• Gathers and maintain records of engineering data such as tests, drawings, etc.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and regulatory safety policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned, relevant to the scope of this role

Work Environment
The VLA site is located in a remote area 7,000 feet above sea level. This position may require occasional travel to various locations within the USA or its protectorates. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both inside and outside, day or night, near moving mechanical parts. The employee generally works at ground level, but occasionally works at heights above 100 feet. The employee must be able to climb ladders while carrying equipment and tools, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and operate a variety of tools and equipment. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee occasionally works in a confined or underground space and near electrical equipment. The employee will work with chemicals, such as petroleum ether and other cleaning chemicals agents. The employee must be able to work with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when needed. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Who You Are:

Education
• High School diploma or GED

Experience
• Minimum of one years of experience in a related field.

Skills and Competencies
Candidate must be self-motivated, possess the ability to communicate with others, must be meticulous and able to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time. The individual must be able to work safely with hand and power tools. Candidate must possess a valid driver's license and must be able to operate a motorized vehicle in a safe manner. The ability to read and interpret policy and safety manuals is required as is the ability to write routine reports and correspondence. The candidate must be able to do simple mathematical calculations

Additional Requirement
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Safety Sensitive
The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Compensation
The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $20.98-$29.00 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:
Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. 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. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20