Deputy Director/Head of Science

• Location: La Serena, Chile
• Deadline for Application: see below
• Job Code: SCI101PW

We are seeking a senior astronomer for the position of DEPUTY DIRECTOR/HEAD OF SCIENCE. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the Director of the Observatory in duties dealing with internal and external affairs.  This position has the top-level responsibility of ensuring that the scientific mission of the Observatory is fulfilled.    The position is located in La Serena, Chile and represents the Director at Gemini –South.

This position will assist the Director in the strategic and long-term planning of observatory affairs.  As Head of Science, the Deputy will advise the Director on science strategy, including monitoring observatory science productivity and impact and fostering strategic scientific use of the Gemini telescopes and instruments.  This position will advise the Director on observatory science policy and relevant scientific matters.  As Head of Science, the position will promote Gemini science results and capabilities; promote Gemini science staff research; and lead the tenure process for tenured-track science staff.

Ph.D. astronomers with the ability to communicate with a variety of Board members, oversight and advisory committee members, and users throughout the Gemini partnership are encouraged to apply.  The candidate should have several (at least 10) years experience as a research scientist; several years experience working in a leadership position in an observatory, a national laboratory environment or an equivalent organization.  The desired starting date for the position is mid-2009. The appointment is at the tenure-track, tenured level or as a senior scientist. The appointment is based in La Serena Chile.

The selected candidate will be an employee of AURA, which provides an excellent compensation and benefits package. Send current resume and research statement along with cover letter relating your experience and education to the needs of the position.  Please include the names and contact information of three individuals familiar with your work and credentials from whom a reference may be obtained.

The consideration and evaluation of candidate materials will begin September 30, 2008 and will continue until the search has concluded.

How To Apply

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Maintenance Specialist

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS219P

We are seeking a Maintenance Specialist to join our Hilo based team.
The successful candidate will under general direction perform a variety of janitorial and cleaning services, to maintain high levels of cleanliness at the Gemini North base facility building; perform cleaning and specialized floor care; clean and stock restrooms; maintain condition of cleaning equipment; stores and replenish supplies.

Major Responsibilities will be to:
- Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming them.
- Gather and empty trash. Service, clean, and supply restrooms. Clean and polish furniture and fixtures.
- Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Steam-clean or shampoo carpets; strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
- Clean laboratory equipment, such as glassware and metal instruments, using solvents, brushes, rags, and power cleaning   equipment, according to authorization from relevant operations personnel.
- Set up, arrange, and remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, and scaffolding to prepare facilities for events such as   banquets and meetings.
- Mow and trim lawns and shrubbery, using mowers and hand and power trimmers, and clear debris from ground

The successful candidate will have:
- A positive work history with a minimum of one year’s experience in janitorial or cleaning services.
- High School diploma or general education degree (GED) certificate.
- Knowledge of janitorial and minor maintenance practices, procedures and techniques.
- Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and their interaction.
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of janitorial power cleaning and polishing equipment.
- Knowledge of safe work principles and practices

How To Apply

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Administration and Facilities Team Leader

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS217P

OPENING EXISTS for a highly motivated, organized and responsible individual with a good supervisory track record and a total commitment to customer service and a continuous improvement in departmental results.
This TEAM LEADER position will be responsible for ensuring the consistent delivery of high standards of facility management and administrative services at GEMINI NORTH, HILO, HAWAII. The position requires an effective team leader with at least 5 years previous administrative/supervisory experience, ideally in a fast paced environment. Previous experience in FACILITIES/VEHICLE FLEET MANAGEMENT and/or BUSINESS SERVICES would be very advantageous. A business related degree, an appreciation of accounting and Web-based administrative tools would be a real plus. An advanced level of knowledge of Microsoft Office is expected.

How To Apply

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Astronomer

• Location: La Serena, Chile
• Deadline for Application: September 30, 2008
• Job Code: SCI307PW

We have an immediate opening for a tenure-track astronomer position at Gemini South in La Serena, Chile. This position requires a solid commitment to Gemini’s mission to teach humanity about the Universe and requires strong scientific leadership abilities.

The tenure-track astronomer is expected to maintain a strong scientific program with excellent productivity.  The tenure-track astronomer is additionally expected to provide scientific leadership to Gemini South science staff.  Forty percent (40%) of the tenure-track astronomer’s time is available for astronomical research.   The position includes a personal research budget as well as access to staff time on both Gemini telescopes through a peer-reviewed staff TAC.  

Gemini science staff utilize diverse, state-of-the-art astronomical research and instrumentation.  The exact support duties of the staff Astronomer will vary depending on the individual’s skills and interests, and the Observatory’s needs.  All staff are expected to become proficient in night-time observing using any of the Observatory’s current instrumentation and to support investigators in the community.  Additional support projects may include new instrument commissioning, or other Observatory development projects aimed at improving efficiency, data quality or user support.  

Gemini South is entering an exciting period with new forefront capabilities being implemented. New instrumentation coming online in the near future at Gemini South include an adaptive optics fed near-infrared coronagraphic imager (NICI), a near-IR multi-object spectrograph (Flamingos-2) and a facility laser system for multi-conjugate adaptive optics (MCAO).

The appointment is a three year renewable term, with application for tenure generally expected during the second three year term.  The position is based in La Serena, Chile, a popular beach town with a mild climate, modern amenities, and a substantial international astronomical community supporting four nearby observatories.

Requirements: Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or related discipline, and related work experience.  Substantial ground-based observing and/or instrumentation experience is highly desirable, particularly using modern facilities. Experience/knowledge in one or more of the following areas is a plus:  infrared imaging, spectroscopy or multi-object spectroscopy; adaptive optics; and high spatial resolution imaging and coronagraphy.  Research productivity will be considered, as judged by publication in astronomical peer-review journals.

Must be safety conscious; possess or be able to obtain a valid passport; willing and able to travel internationally; have a valid driver's license with good driving record, and be able to drive 4WD vehicle.  Applicants must be willing to work nights at the summit of Cerro Pachon, 2900m.

The Gemini Observatory is a partnership of seven nations: the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Chile, operating state-of-the-art, ground-based 8-m optical/infrared telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.  

Send resume, cover letter relating your experience and education to the needs of the position and listing AAS Job Register number, statement of research, and statement of Observatory development and support activity interest to gemini-jobs@gemini.edu. Additionally, arrange to have letters from three professional references sent directly to gemini-jobs@gemini.edu.  Positions are available now and applications will be considered as they are received; applications received by September 30, 2008 will receive full consideration.

For further information about the positions please contact Dr. Bernadette Rodgers, Gemini-South Head of Science Operations (brodgers@gemini.edu) or Dr. Dennis Crabtree, Associate Director for Science Operations (dcrabtree@gemini.edu). Application materials should be submitted to gemini-jobs@gemini.edu or the mailing address listed at the bottom of this page.

How To Apply

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Senior Laser Technician

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: ENG212PW

We have an immediate opening for an experienced, hands-on Laser Technician to support the operation of a state-of-the-art 14-watt diode-pumped solid-state laser at the Gemini North Observatory in Hawaii.  The laser is used at the Gemini North 8-meter telescope to create a Laser Guide Star (LGS) for the Gemini Adaptive Optics (AO) facility. 

The successful candidate will join the Gemini laser team and share responsibility for the daily/nightly optimization, operation and maintenance of the laser prior to, during and after Laser Guide Star runs at the Gemini North Observatory. 

Major responsibilities will include:
-Preparing, aligning and optimizing the laser for observing runs
-Monitoring and maintaining laser performance
-Assisting the Adaptive Optics program through BTO operation and maintenance and laser system upgrades/retrofits
-Assisting with Engineering activities associated with the telescope operations

The successful candidate will have:
- Laser Technician degree or an Associate’s degree in Lasers/Optics/Electro-Optics/Engineering/Physics/related field or equivalent experience, plus 5-10 years hands-on laser experience;
- strong background in lasers, optics, and related electro-optics and electronics devices;
- experience and proficiency in laser cavity optical alignment, operation of mode-locked ND:YAG diode-pumped solid-state lasers and non-linear optics is   highly desirable.  The ideal candidate will also have telescope experience and/or adaptive optics experience;
- the ability to read and interpret schematics and engineering sketches as well as utilize complicated drawings and specifications;
- demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems and trouble-shoot; ability to use electronic test devices such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, optical   detectors and other complex precision optical measurement instruments;
- an understanding and ability to work with various alignment tools, electronics systems, detectors, hardware, software and various optical instruments. 

The nature of the job requires daily work at the Mauna Kea summit where the Gemini North 8-meter telescope is located, at 4,200-meter (14,000-foot) elevation.  Summit staff commute from Hilo, where the Gemini North Base Facility is located, to the Mauna Kea summit every day.  The Senior Laser Technician will also be required to spend a portion of his/her time working at night during Laser Guide Star runs (on the order of 5-10 nights/month).  The successful candidate will be comfortable working as part of a large team of scientists, engineers and technicians, as well as working independently.

All applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license, have a clean driving record, and be able to drive a 4WD vehicle; must have or be able to obtain a valid passport for international travel. 

How To Apply

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Lead Aircraft Spotter/ Driver (PART-TIME)

• Location: La Serena, Chile
• Deadline for Application: August 1, 2008
• Job Code: ENG804TW

We are searching for a team player to join Gemini Observatory as a part-time Lead Aircraft Spotter / Driver. 

The Lead Aircraft Spotter / Driver ensures that the Gemini South Laser Guide Star system is shuttered when aircrafts pass over the telescope, leads other spotters and may transport Aircraft Spotters from Gemini South Base Facility located in La Serena, to the Cerro Pachon summit and back.  The nature of the job requires mainly nighttime work at the Cerro Pachon summit located at 2,700-meter (9,000-foot) elevation.

Duties include scanning for and logging aircraft activity, notifying telescope personnel when aircrafts approach the laser, shuttering the laser system when needed, managing the inventory of Aircraft Spotter supplies, and coordinating the rotation of spotters during the night.

The  position is considered part-time because the successful candidate will primarily work only during the shifts the laser is propagated, nominally a series of 5 to 10 consecutive nights per month.  Occasional day time work may be required. 

The successful candidate will have excellent oral communication skills, be organized, reliable and practice good judgment. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, mostly at night.   Position requires a high school diploma; previous training in first aid is a plus. Must be able to drive a 4WD automobile and have a clean driving record, with proof of such.

How To Apply

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High-Level Software Engineer

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: ENG713PW

Gemini Observatory is seeking a highly skilled and experienced software developer to become part of its High-
Level Development Group (HLDG). The High-Level Group develops tools that astronomers use to plan and
execute observations, process data, and control observatory hardware. The successful candidate will join a
small but motivated international team focused on providing a user experience to match the world-class
telescopes and instruments that Gemini provides to the research community.
We develop almost exclusively in Java, delivering web applications, Swing desktop applications, and
distributed backend services. We employ RMI and Jini technologies, XML, XML-RPC, and web services among
others. Our applications are built on the OSGi platform. Experience in any of these technologies is
considered a bonus, though not necessarily required for consideration. We are seeking developers with strong
object-oriented design and development skills, particularly in Java.
The job is very much development-oriented, but also includes maintenance and refactoring of an existing
code base. We work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, and communicate with scientists on a
daily basis to understand their requirements and translate them to working solutions. Experienced
developers are given the freedom to design software and select the most appropriate technologies for the
job.
Qualifications:
· A degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience (an advanced degree is preferred)
· At least five years of software development experience, with demonstrated problem solving skills
· Solid object-oriented design and development experience in Java
· Knowledge of design patterns
· Familiarity with developing in UNIX-like operating systems such as Linux or OS X
· Proven track-record of providing technical leadership for large-scale applications in distributed
environment
Additional Desirable Experience:
· RMI/Jini/Java Spaces
· Web services and frameworks (particularly Google Web Toolkit)
· OSGi and/or the Eclipse Rich Client Platform
· Distributed application design
· Multi-threaded and parallel computing
· Scheduling and optimization algorithms
· User interface design, particularly using Swing
Must be willing to work with a geographically distributed team. Excellent written and verbal skills in English
are required, and Spanish language skills are a bonus. Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid passport and be
willing to travel internationally, as required.

How To Apply

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Safety Coordinator

• Location: Hilo, Hi
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS304PW

We are seeking a Safety Coordinator to join our international team that operates and manages the Gemini North and South Telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.

It is expected that the Safety Coordinator will spend 4 days per week on the summit of Mauna Kea and one day at our base in Hilo, educating management and employees in the techniques of accident prevention, occupational hygiene and environmental control.

Major Responsibilities will include:
- Assisting to comply with all legal requirements
- Conducting safety inspections, audits and training
- Performing accident and near miss investigations
- Managing the Gemini vehicle safety program
- Supporting the delivery of safety training to all employees
- Devising, implementing and following up on safety suggestion schemes
- Advising Managers and employees on health and safety matters
- Managing safety projects that contribute to the Gemini Safety Management System

The successful candidate will have:
- Demonstrated the ability to interface with all levels of an organization effectively
- At least 5 years experience within a safety position, ideally gained within a Scientific, Industrial, or Engineering environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong influencing and follow through skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management or Engineering discipline.
- Ability to work at 14,000 foot altitude
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle

How To Apply

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Safety Manager

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS307PW

Gemini Observatory is looking for a dynamic Safety Manager to continue the implementation of a world’s best practice safety and health management program which will make Gemini a leader in safety in the astronomy community. The successful candidate for this position will inspire, educate, and train all employees in physical risk reduction techniques, legal compliance and safety system development and implementation.
Reporting to the Director, the Safety Manager will oversee Safety Coordinators in Hilo and La Serena, Chile and manage external consultants and projects. Other duties include:
• Facilitating the Executive Safety Leadership Team committee
• Managing and controlling the Gemini Safety System elements
• Assisting leadership to achieve a dynamic safety culture
• Long range safety planning
• Risk reduction inspections and interventions
• Safety and health documentation development and control
• Safety and health training
• Overseeing worker’s compensation functions
• Internal and external audits and inspections
• Preparing reports for visiting committees

The successful candidate will have:
• At least 5 years experience in a safety leadership position
• The ability to lead a safety program within an scientific/industrial environment
• The ability to interface effectively with all levels of a geographically dispersed organization
• Strong influencing and follow-through skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management or Engineering discipline, a CSP is desirable although not essential
• Creativity, flexibility and excellent decision making skills
• Superior presentation and meeting facilitation skills
• Ability to work at 14,000 foot altitude
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle

How To Apply

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Windows System Administrator

• Location: La Serena, Chile
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS514PW

Seeking a talented Windows System Administrator with an enthusiasm for using technology to solve problems in a cutting-edge computing environment.  The System Administrator will join a small team and will be responsible for daily back-ups, hardware & software installations, system performance monitoring, enhancements, updating and maintaining Active Directory, software license management and user support. 

Must have a BS degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience, plus five years experience as a Windows administrator in a multi-server environment and previous exposure to multiple operating systems.  In addition, the successful candidate will have deep familiarity with Microsoft applications, Exchange migrations and Active Directory as well as a working knowledge of TCP/IP and hands-on configuration experience of Cisco switches and routers.  MCSE, MCP qualified, or equivalent experience.

This position calls for absolute commitment to continuous system availability and customer satisfaction.  Demonstrated ability to balance multiple, dynamic, and sometimes conflicting priorities is essential.  Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills are required as is the capability to work both independently and as part of a team.  Must have exceptional problem determination and performance analysis skills. 

How To Apply

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Accounts Payable Clerk

• Location: Hilo, Hawaii
• Deadline for Application: open until filled
• Job Code: OPS205P

We have an immediate opening for an Accounts Payable clerk to join our Accounting team in Hilo.
The successful candidate will process invoices and payments for goods and services, maintain payable, banking and receivable files, oversee distribution of petty cash, and process travel expense reports.

Major responsibilities will include
• Accounts Payable processing; verify Accounts Payable Invoices, process for payment and prepare checks for mailing
• Petty cash management
• Accounts Receivable processing; preparing invoices, maintaining accounts receivable spreadsheets and follow-up past due receivables
• Travel expense reports processing; verifying and processing travel expense reports for payment

The successful candidate will have:
• Three to five years of experience working with databases and/or accounting packages.  Must have hands-on experience working with accounts payable.
• Must be proficient in Computerized Accounting Systems, Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
• Minimum:  High School Diploma or GED. 

How To Apply

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