Telescope Operations Specialist
- 503734
- Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Aug 7 2026 - 23:55 MDT
Department Contact: Mr. William Ketzeback, 575-437-0954, bketzeba@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: New Mexico State University Department of Astronomy is seeking a Telescope Operations Specialist (TOS) for the SDSS-V 2.5m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory (APO) in Sunspot, New Mexico. The TOS is responsible for safe and efficient operations of the SDSS-V 2.5m Telescope. APO is located in the Lincoln National Forest 16 miles from the village of Cloudcroft, NM. The observatory sits on a ridge overlooking White Sands National Park, White Sands Missile Test Range and Alamogordo, NM. With great seeing, dark skies, wide field optical/infrared imaging and spectroscopy. Working at APO employees have the opportunity to lead/participate in research on the telescopes, tuition waivers to take classes at NMSU, or attend/present at conferences for professional development.
Position Details
Position Title: Telescope Operations Specialist
College/Division: Arts and Sciences College
Department: 330300-ASTRONOMY
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable): Sunspot, NM
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding
Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift
If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday, 8pm - 6am, night shift, afternoon, weekends and holidays may be required.
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Telescope Operations Specialist (TOS) is responsible for nightly operation of the 2.5m telescope and instruments, quality monitoring the data streams, tracking system performance and observing efficiency. The TOS works closely with Astronomers and external consortium faculty and students, operating the telescope and instruments remotely, to efficiently take observations and debug issues. They work with other night staff to monitor the facility, weather and safe and proper operation of the telescope.
The selected candidate will perform setup/instrument preparations and calibrations, service observing and monitoring of remotely operated telescopes. Monitoring the performance of equipment and effectively communicating any problems with the day engineering and IT staff is required.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or a related field.
Desired experience includes:
Understanding of astronomical coordinate systems and time keeping.
Experience operating telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
Hands on experience operating small to medium (0.5m to 3.5m) telescopes and the associated mechanical and computer systems.
Proficiency in Unix/Linux and IRAF; a background in imaging and spectroscopic data reduction, as well as CCD instrumentation and electronics.
Experience programming in one or more of the following programing languages applied to astronomical problems or data: IRAF, IDL, Python, C is desirable.
Special Certification/Licensure:
Candidate must have a valid driving license.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
Recruitment Summary
We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.
NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.
NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.
Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.
Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.
Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.
