PAN-STARRS JUNIOR OBSERVER – ID# 226305

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

PAN-STARRS JUNIOR OBSERVER – ID# 226305.

CLOSING DATE:  June 16, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Richard Wainscoat 808-956-8429 (Maui). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), located in Pukalani, Maui.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $4,600 - $6,500/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Under supervision, responsible for safe and efficient night time operations of the Pan-STARRS Observatory, telescopes, cameras, and auxiliary systems. Operates the Pan-STARRS Observatory remotely from the Pan-STARRS Remote Operations Center at the IfA’s Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) facility in Pukalani, Maui or as needed on site at the Observatory near the summit of Haleakala. Makes short term decisions on observing schedule and scientific priorities based on current observing conditions and guidelines established for the Pan-STARRS Sky Surveys.  Responds to emergencies at the summit as necessary by driving to the Pan-STARRS Observatory from the ATRC building. Maintains meticulous written comments to supplement auto-generated observing logs, and fault reports. Assists with ensuring the smooth operation of the observatory and execution of the Pan-STARRS surveys. Takes the initiative of troubleshooting a variety of real time problems, and makes informed decisions when a problem requires the assistance of support staff, and contacts appropriate personnel. When on afternoon Swing Shift duty, carries out the daily calibration of the Pan-STARRS Observatory, and prepares and checks the observing schedule for the upcoming night.  Assists the Day Crew as necessary to maintain the smooth operation of the Observatory.  Assists in preparing periodic reports on Observatory operations and performance for both internal and external audiences. Assists in the ongoing development and improvement of the observatory operations software, calibration, and auxiliary instrumentation through experience and feedback. Assists with efforts to improve observing efficiency and image quality. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering and an additional at least two (2) years of experience as a telescope operator or observing assistant at a major observatory may substitute for a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering.).

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of experience as a telescope operator or observing assistant at a major observatory, or observational experience as a professional Astronomer. Must have experience with computers, telescope control systems, telescope operations, and instruments.  Familiarity with the mechanical, electrical, and optical systems or telescopes and their control.  Includes experience with major software computer languages and operating systems (e.g., Linux, Windows, common programming languages), research telescopes, and Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) imaging devices.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic knowledge of positional astronomy and observatory operations. Basic understanding of meteorological forecasting, atmospheric seeing, and image quality. Background in observational astronomy, operational experience with research telescopes. Knowledge of basic physics, optics, and mechanics. Knowledge of safe practices at an observatory and the operation of cryogenic cameras.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Must have the ability, confidence, and mindset to work alone in an isolated mountain environment. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. Post Offer/Employment Condition:  Must be able to work at 10,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:    

PhD from an accredited college or university in Astronomy, Physics, or Engineering.  Experience scheduling astronomical observations. Experience with astronomical surveys. Experience working with night time Observers, technical and scientific staff.  Experience with diverse computer languages including any of C, Java, Python, and Perl. Experience with CORBA or EPICS desirable. Experience with maintenance of large telescopes, domes and enclosures. Experience with management of UNIX computers, including clustered systems. Experience with astronomical data formats, data-reduction pipelines, and data representations. Any computer systems administration experience. Experience with relational databases, including mySQL. A personal scientific interest in the Pan-STARRS data products, the Pan-STARRS Science Goals, and in precision astrometry and photometry.