Telescope Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB POSTING
THIS POSITION IS BASED AT LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA
Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton, is the worksite for this position and is located 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation.
Year-round residential housing with nominal rent is available for the selected Telescope Optoelectronics Technician candidate. Residents are responsible for personal utilities costs.
Lick Observatory offers a friendly working environment with a diverse set of challenges, in addition to the incredible views of the surrounding areas.
Other benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz / Lick Observatory include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

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 .
The IRD for this job is: 08-24-2026
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 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 direction of the Lick Observatory Superintendent, the Telescope Optoelectronics Technician performs duties in support of astronomical research at the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton. The incumbent independently plans and executes a safe and efficient night program at the Shane Telescope to assist astronomers and/or researchers in accomplishing their goals. The incumbent independently operates the laser systems and all technical aspects of scientific observations, including electronic, electrical and mechanical problem solving. The incumbent also functions as an electronics technician performing assembly, installation, troubleshooting and repair of complex electronic instrumentation and equipment. Independently operates the 120-inch Shane Telescope and all technical aspects of scientific observations. Trains new personnel.
Incumbent may have the opportunity to voluntarily elect and, if selected by the University, perform Lead Water System Operator duties in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. This assignment is separate from the base position, includes additional compensation, and may involve approximately two hours per week with a corresponding reduction in other assigned duties
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $42.44 - $46.84 / Hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
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: Full benefits
Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sunday (Variable)
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Nights, Swing Shift, Weekends

Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: None
Work Location: Mount Hamilton, CA
Union Representation: TX - Technical
Job Code Classification: 008321 (TELESCOPE TCHN PRN)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
60% - Telescope Operations & Optics Maintenance

• Sets up the relative parameters of an observation based upon instruction received directly from the astronomer or researcher. Optimizes observing time by accurate and timely computation of object positions and interpretation of finding charts to locate proper objects.
• Monitors and/or operates low light level CCD guide camera and auto guiding system, computers, data acquisition systems and related equipment. Monitors and evaluates dome orientation, windscreen, telescope position and tracking, weather conditions and electrical and mechanical components (such as pumps, motors, hydraulic and cooling systems) that support the operating systems.
• Based on these evaluations advises astronomers and researchers on how to maximize the equipment and their time. Acquires and maintains a working knowledge of existing and newly introduced instrumentation (highly specialized equipment specific to individual astronomical projects) and guides astronomers in achieving the research goal.
• Creates and records a written nightly report describing weather conditions and operational malfunctions; the report may include suggestions for possible solutions to problems. Assists support astronomers with Adaptive Optics NGS/LGS operations.
• Independently determines the need to shut down the telescope during a viewing session if weather or other conditions jeopardize the equipment.
• Installs and maintains complex electronic equipment, often containing one-of-a-kind solid state digital and/or analog circuitry. Installs and maintains infrared and adaptive optics instrumentation.
• Performs maintenance and troubleshooting on instrumentation circuitry. Operates and troubleshoots computers, workstations and peripherals in a Windows/Linux environment. When timely repairs are not possible, develops alternative methods to minimize telescope down time.
• Documents and explains equipment malfunctions and repair procedures, through written logs and databases, for faculty and staff. Consults with and advises astronomers and researchers on the use of telescopes and associated instruments, electronic devices and computers. Assists observers with the installation of custom instruments, helps to interface them with existing telescope electronics. Performs equipment readiness tests before astronomers begin work. Archives data and prepares computer systems for next observer.
• Troubleshoots and repairs analog and digital electronic systems, electrical and computer systems.
• Drives within the facility to perform telescope & dome equipment repairs & maintenance. Operates forklifts and articulating lifts.
• Installs spectrometers, photometers and direct cameras to proper configuration, including testing instruments, balancing telescopes and understanding astronomer's written instructions.
• This is often done independently and on weekends.
• Under supervision, writes procedures and checklists for instrument setups. This includes a balance schedule for specific instrument configurations, CCD dewar identification, acquisition TV mirrors, TV focus and other information necessary for instrument changes. Performs CCD dewar changes and evaluates data taker to verify correct calibration and operation.
• Diagnoses and repairs electrical malfunctions in motors, motor starters, switches, relays, low voltage control circuits, 3-phase 220, 208 & 110 volt A.C. circuits, and any electrical apparatus on the telescope and domes. Diagnoses and repairs problems and performs maintenance on a wide variety of mechanical, pneumatic and vacuum equipment. This includes gear reducers, cable winches, electric brakes and clutches, mechanical vacuum roughing pumps, diffusion pumps, fans, water pumps, water coolers & chillers, high efficiency air filtration systems, miscellaneous air filtering equipment and air compressors. Removes snow from telescope domes.
• Aids astronomers in optical alignment and focusing, using auto-collimators, lasers and various alignment tools.
• Installs, maintains and repairs refrigeration equipment including special cooling devices for astronomical instruments. Maintains commitment to a high standard of safety, complies with all safety laws and safety policies/rules, attends training sessions, and reports actual and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisor or management.
• Checks optical surfaces on finder telescopes, relay lenses, collimators, etc., for cleanliness and safely clean if necessary. Performs CO2 snow cleaning of all primary mirror coatings and other optical surfaces when necessary.
• Every 2-3 years, assists in acid stripping and cleaning of coatings and contaminants from optical surfaces and the re-coating of mirrors in the optical coating shop. Monitors vacuum roughing pump, refrigeration unit, cold trap, and diffusion pumps.

40% - Laser Operations & Maintenance

• Sets up the relative parameters of an observation based upon instruction received directly from the astronomer or researcher. Operates the laser systems in support of astronomical observations. Ensures proper optical alignment of laser subsystems as well as alignment of laser to telescope and adaptive optics systems.
• Participates in the maintenance and operation of dye and solid-state laser systems. Assists with characterization of laser performance. Participates in integration of future upgrades of the laser systems.
• Maintains and replaces optical components (flash lamps, rods, Q-switches etc.) and maintains optics in the Nd:Yag dye master oscillator, preamplifier and amplifier subsystems.
• Maintains laser documentation.
• Maintains laser safety system and ensures laser safety standards are met. Monitors diagnostic cameras, acquisition systems, computers, and related equipment.
• Creates and records written reports describing operational malfunctions, including suggestions for possible solutions to problems.
• Troubleshoots and repairs lasers when failures occur including optics, mechanical stages, shutters, calorimeters, sensors, mechanical pumps, temperature control, flow control, electrical and electronics systems and programmable logic controllers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of college or completion of an approved apprenticeship program or advanced military electronics or mechanics school and four years performing technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of electronic or mechanical equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Substantial experience in performing technical tasks in the operation, installation, testing and maintenance of laser, optics, electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Experience with complex precision instrumentation.
• Experience with the handling and maintenance of optics.
• Excellent diagnostic and trouble-shooting skills for digital and analog circuitry, computers (Linux, Windows), video systems and other electronic devices.
• Strong skill in written communication to convey information in a clear and concise manner.
• Skill in using electronic instrumentation such as oscilloscope, digital multi-meter, frequency counters, power supplies and data acquisition equipment.
• Skill in using mechanical and electromechanical equipment, soldering iron and shop tools.
• Skill in interacting cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people with the ability to assist them in achieving their research/observational goals.
• Analytical skills with the ability to draw conclusions from data in a logical, systematic way.
• Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction and the ability to document work completed.
• Knowledge and experience in electronic, electrical and mechanical repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge of laser system technology and laser component adjustment, alignment, replacement, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of dye lasers, solid state lasers, and fiber lasers.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply electronic, mechanical and electrical blueprints and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to work with remote support personnel, either by telephone or e-mail, describing accurately and clearly the symptoms of equipment failures and malfunctions, as well as the sequenti