JOB POSTINGTHIS POSITION IS BASED AT LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA (19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation) This is an ongoing continuous recruitment. Hires will continue to be made after the initial review date. Lick Observatory offers a friendly working environment with a diverse set of challenges, in addition to incredible views of the surrounding areas. HOW TO APPLY For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.
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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD) UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .
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03-30-2026 ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW The University of California Observatories (UCO) is a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) funded via the University of California Office of the President, Office of Research and headquartered on the UC Santa Cruz campus. UCO operates on behalf of astronomers, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students across the UC system who are engaged in research, education and training in optical and infrared astronomy. In addition to managing the technical, physical plant and public outreach operations of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California, UCO provides the scientific and administrative liaison to the shared Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawai'i and the international collaboration for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. UCO comprises extensive scientific and technical staff and facilities at UC Santa Cruz and Lick Observatory as well as administrative and business services. The Lick Observatory telescopes are scheduled 363 days per year, weather permitting. Additionally, Lick Observatory hosts about 30,000 members of the public via its summer programs and casual visitors.
More information can be found at: https://www.lickobservatory.org/
JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Lick Observatory Superintendent and in accordance with UC Observatories/Lick Observatory guidelines and procedures, the Laser Spotter surveys the night sky for possible aircraft intrusion into the laser-beam restricted zone. Incumbent is responsible for accuracy and completeness of work.
Work site is located at Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton, 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION Budgeted Salary: $21.92 / Hourly. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: This posiiton is not eligible for benefits
Schedule Information: - Part-time, Variable
- Percentage of Time: 15%, 4-8 Hours per Week
- Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, as needed
- Shift Includes: Nights, Weekends
Employee Classification: Limited appointment
Job End Date: 06-30-2027, with the possibility of extension
Work Location: LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA
Union Representation: CX - Clerical & Allied Services
Job Code Classification: 004672 (CLERK SR OR SECR)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES 100% - Laser Safety Lookout - Working with the Lick Observatory Support Astronomer, Telescope Technician, and Optoelectronics Technician for the duration of the scheduled laser operations shift, sits/stands outside in the designated area atop Mount Hamilton to survey the night sky for possible aircraft intrusion into the laser-beam restricted zone. In the event an aircraft is spotted within the restricted zone, the incumbent must push the "kill" switch to shutter the laser beam.
- Responsible for safeguarding Master Key.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Ability to follow written instructions.
- Ability to follow oral instructions.
- Ability to safeguard keys issued, which are necessary for assigned areas.
- Ability to work effectively within a diverse group to achieve common goals.
- Skill in adaptability, with ability to adjust easily to new or changing circumstances.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
- Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
- The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
- Ability to work a variable schedule.
- The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
- Ability to remain alert during nighttime shift (10 pm - 5 am). Night vision sufficient to survey sky for aircraft. Ability to work non-standard shift hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. Ability to work entire shift in an outdoor setting which can be cold and windy.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
- "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
SAFETY STATEMENT All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/ .
This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy .
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
