Seasonal Consultant- Technical Associate III

The National Solar Observatory has a vacancy for a part-time temporary Technical Associate III. This role will provide moderately advanced technical support for a wide variety of projects, at various phases, within the NISP division. Performs technical activities or resolves technically related problems to accomplish project directives. A wide variety of expertise is employed including mechanical, electronics, design drafting, optics, computer applications and instrumentation.

Essential Functions:

• Performs technical support activities, at an experienced level, including some project planning, and control and data analysis, as required.
• Assists in solving design problems as required to achieve assigned project objectives.
• Solves coordination problems of a technical nature directly or in conjunction with other members of a project team.
• Assists other technical support personnel as necessary.
• Recommends, and assists in development of, changes to existing designs and manufacturing procedures if appropriate.
• Responsible for compliance with technical requirements and approved time schedules of assigned work.
• Cooperates and coordinates closely with representatives of the major instrumentation and scientific divisions, and others involved with the assigned technical problem.
• Monitors and reports results of activities and notes unusual situations
• Makes recommendations as to parts, materials, tools, and techniques to be used on a project.
• Builds, assembles, modifies, repairs, troubleshoots and maintains equipment for a project.
• Responsible for compliance with applicable safety standards and for safety of operations in areas under purview and reporting unsafe conditions and practices
• May be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty.
• May lead and direct the work of others.

Other Functions:

•  Other duties as assigned

 Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

•  Ten years of advanced level, relevant work experience in technology or engineering support 
• Ability to resolve technical problems by application of engineering and physics principles relevant to project requirements in mechanical technology, electronics, design drafting, optics, computer applications, or instrumentation.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, including preparation and presentation of reports
• Must be a Team Player
• Should have a valid U.S. Passport 

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associates degree or College level courses in engineering or science, preferred
• Previous experience with the National Solar Observatory's NISP's GONG network

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Some international and national travel will be required.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.