Observatory Supervisor

Position Summary

The Observatory Supervisor (OS) maintains the telescopes at the Class of 1951 Observatory, trains and manages student observers, and facilitates the use of the observatory for teaching, outreach and scientific work. The OS arranges their work hours with the faculty Observatory Director, and will normally spend both daytime and nighttime hours on campus. During the term, student workers will be at the observatory five nights per week as weather permits (we average about 40% clear nights).

This is a part time, in-person, fixed-term position for the academic year (42 weeks per year), with an anticipated end date in Spring 2027.

• Maintains the telescopes at the Vassar Class of 1951 Observatory. The OS s primary responsibility is for an 0.8-meter reflector with science-grade CCD cameras. However, there are additionally, 0.8- and 0.5-meter reflectors, a 0.2-meter refractor, a 250-mm solar, and several smaller telescopes.
• Performs scheduled cleanings and alignments and arranges for re-coatings and component replacements as needed.
• Troubleshoots optical, mechanical, electronic, and software problems as they arise.
• Works with buildings and grounds and other campus services as needed to ensure general upkeep of observatory infrastructure.
• Writes and updates operation and maintenance documentation.
• Maintains the observatory instrumentation (primarily two large CCD detectors, one spectrograph, and eyepieces for public observing) and also contacts the appropriate campus services for support with related computer and media needs.
• Assists the Observatory Director with development and installation of new instrumentation.
• Maintains and updates data analysis, storage and transfer software and procedures at the observatory and in the astronomy teaching laboratory.
• Coordinates with the Observatory Director on observatory support for the astronomy curriculum. Support will normally include technical supervision of introductory lab sessions on 2-3 evenings in the spring semester, as well as open night access for introductory astronomy students in the fall semester.
• Trains and supervises student observers in the use of telescopes, instrumentation, and data handling for departmental research and outreach programs. Also manages student administrative tasks including scheduling, timecards, badge access, and building alarm procedures.
• Manages public outreach activities performed at the observatory. Coordinates and schedules outreach programs with local community organizations, and assists with the coordination of observatory open nights, including checking weather conditions and posting updates, as well as handling public inquiries. The OS assists with the public relations of Vassar Observatory - for example, providing updates on Facebook and Twitter.

• Bachelor s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Three years of experience in maintenance of mechanical and/or optical systems.
• Two years of experience in the fields of Science or Engineering.
• Ability to work, ascend and descend on ladders.
• Ability to lift 30lbs of equipment.
• Ability to work comfortably in small, enclosed, or elevated spaces within the observatory.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Two years of experience in the field of Astronomy
• Five years of experience with Outreach and/or Education

The compensation for this position is $29.77 - $38.71 hourly.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

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