Mechanical Technician

General Description of Position:

Maintains and supports facilities and telescope mechanical systems for the Gemini Observatory on Maunakea.

Essential Functions:

• Performs preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance of telescope systems: chilled water, compressed air, hydrostatic bearing oil pumping, gaseous helium system, domestic water system, air handling, exhaust fans, and enclosure systems. May perform ice and snow removal from the enclosure and facility
• Works with design engineers to assemble, test, trouble-shoot, and maintain observatory mechanical systems.
• Maintains inventory spares on plumbing, mechanical equipment, and hardware.
• Works with the Mechanical Engineering Group to troubleshoot and correct problems on mechanical systems that occur during nighttime operations.
• Provides mechanical support for engineering periods and telescope upgrades.
• Supports other day crew groups with instrument changes, parts fabrication, machining, or modifications.
• Cooperates and coordinates closely with other personnel involved with assigned projects or processes.
• Complies with applicable safety standards and ensure safety of operations in areas under purview; correct and/or report unsafe conditions and practices.
• Demonstrates for all audiences a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Accredited technical degree in mechanics or equivalent previous experience maintaining large mechanical equipment, with some plumbing and mechanical fabrication experience desirable.
• Must be a good problem solver.
• Must be a good listener and willing to ask questions.
• Must demonstrate dexterity, safety, and attention to detail.
• Full English verbal, reading and writing fluency
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and diverse international environment as a committed team member
• Possess some knowledge of PC based computer programs
• Must be able to work effectively at heights and at high altitude.
• Must possess a valid State of Hawai’i driver’s license and a clean driving record and be able to drive a 4-WD vehicle.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Three or more years of work experience in similar mechanical technician or maintenance position.
• Basic welding and cutting.
• Machining skills.
• Industrial plumbing skills.
• Aligning motors to pumps and fans.
• Operating lifting equipment.
• Previous telescope work experience

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 50 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.
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Maunakea: Must be able to sit for long periods of time; be able to drive a 4-WD vehicle and possess a clean driving record; ability to work at 14,000’ in a cold environment for 10 hour shifts. Longer shifts and working during inclement weather occasionally required.  Required to pass High Altitude medical examination (post offer and at specified intervals while employed).

Salary Range: $28-$35 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience. 

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by December 20, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

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.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

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.

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Salary : $28 - $35