Observatory Manager (0096537T)

JOB
Title: Observatory ManagerPosition Number: 0096537THiring Unit: Institute for AstronomyLocation: Pukalani, MauiDate Posted: March 16, 2026Closing Date: March 31, 2026Band: CSalary: salary schedules and placement informationFull Time/Part Time: Full-timeMonth: 11-monthTemporary/Permanent: TemporaryDuties and Responsibilities **Serves as on-site manager for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transportable Laser Ranging System (#4) (TLRS-4), which is a NASA asset providing NASA with precise range measurements to satellites in earth orbit using telescopes, high-powered pulsed lasers, clocks, control computers, detectors, and precision timing hardware.**Exercises managerial leadership, direction, authority, and control over the NASA TLRS-4 project contract, facility, and instrumentation. Ensures contract compliance, operations, and safety.Prepares and writes funding proposals to the sponsor, soliciting continued support of the operations of the NASA TLRS-4 facility. Discusses scientific and technical requirements of proposed programs with the program Fiscal Officer to formulate operating plans, budget narratives and supporting justification/documentation. Works with the program Fiscal Officer to ensure proposal submission conforms to program guidelines and administrative requirements.**Directs, supervises and evaluates the activities of TLRS-4 staff. Oversees and manages the hiring of technical and operational staff. Monitors staff performance, resolves conflicts when disputes arise, and advises on career development and training in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Hawai'i and/or the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i (RCUH).**Plans, schedules and supervises the observatory crews in the operation and maintenance of the observatory facility, facility support equipment, telescope and associated instrumentation (laser, computers, peripheral electronics, and optical systems). Participates in the work of the operators and technicians in support of satellite tracking missions, including covering work shifts when necessary.Serves as the observatory facility Safety Officer with authority to enforce safety regulations, supervise staff training, and conduct safety briefings.**Resolves operational and administrative matters in accordance with current policies, procedures and directives as requested.**Responsible for written and oral communications, exercising tact, diplomacy, and good judgement in relations with others.**The TLRS-4 contract requires seven day a week, twenty-four hour a day operations. The Observatory Manager must work extended shifts; weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Shift start times may vary as much as 8-hours per day to maximize target satellite availability and thus program performance.Other duties as assigned.**Denotes Essential FunctionMinimum QualificationsPossession of a baccalaureate degree in Laser Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 5 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for laser, electronic and electro-optical repair and project operations/management; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicatedAdvanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of developing and emerging concepts, principles and methodologies in the area of of the assigned laser and electro-optical work.Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of principles, theories, federal and state laws and systems associated with laser and electro-optical work.Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving, and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and innovative approaches.Demonstrated written and verbal competence in presenting ideas, concepts and models clearly using persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation.Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.Must be able to work at an elevation of 10,000 feet, day or night.Ability to work extended shifts; in the evenings, weekdays, weekends and holidays.Considerable knowledge of the materials, methods, tools and equipment employed in the maintenance utilized in or in support of a laser ranging observatory facilities and equipment.Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions in laser ranging observatory maintenance and repair.Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of a number of skilled and semi-skilled subordinates.Ability to follow engineering drawings, sketches, oral and written instructions.Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. This requirement may be fulfilled by possession of valid State of Hawaii Driver's license (class3), valid comparable driver's license, or use of other means of 4 wheel drive transportation which meets position's needs.Experience as a Supervisor as well as hands-on experience with lasers and electro-optical equipment.Knowledge of and experience with Satellite and/or Lunar Laser Ranging techniques and practices.Must have the formal education and experience needed to operate and perform maintenance and upgrades on a high-powered ND: YAG pulsed laser or equivalent.Desirable QualificationsDemonstrated ability to supervise, plan, and coordinate work schedules.Experience with high-powered pulsed lasers.Experience in the operations and maintenance of an Astronomical or Geophysical ObservatoryTo Apply: Click on the “Apply” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Applicant must submit the following: 1. Resume; 2. Cover letter indicating interest in the position and how the minimum and desirable qualifications of the position are met; 3. The names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of at least three professional references; and 4. Copies of educational transcripts with CONFIDENTIAL DATA (i.e. social security number, birthdate, etc.) REDACTED. If requested transcripts are unobtainable by closing date, please indicate so where transcripts are required as an attachment. You will have a grace period of 7 days from the closing date (03/31/2026) to email copies of your transcripts to ifahr@hawaii.edu. Official transcripts will be required if selected to fill the position. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account. Inquiries: David Lonborg, dlonborg@hawaii.edu

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/