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Junior Staff Technician (Safford, AZ)

Safford, United States

Posting Number
req23827

Department
Large Binocular Telescope Obs

Department Website Link

Location
Outside of Tucson

Address
MGIO Base Camp, 1480 W SR366, Safford, AZ 85546 USA

Position Highlights
Based in Safford, Arizona, this position will report to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) Observatory Manager or designee on site. The candidate must be able to perform duties at an altitude of 10,500 feet and travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp or work an overnight shift schedule on the mountain. The Junior Staff Technician will participate in the maintenance and operation of the LBT and its various subsystems. This individual will work with more experienced technicians to gain skills required to work safely and independently as a Staff Technician.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.



Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform supervised maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of the observatory and telescope systems such as hydraulic, pneumatic, overhead cranes, cryogenic, optical components, fiber and wire networks, HVAC, and glycol cooling.
  • Update documentation and maintain records.
  • Work with administration and purchasing to order, receive, and maintain telescope spare parts inventory.
  • Complete online, classroom, and on-the job training to gain skills and understanding of safety and maintenance policies and practices.
  • Comply with applicable LBTO, MGIO, and University of Arizona policies at all locations, including LBTO, MGIO, MGIO base camp and while traveling on official business.
  • Keep Observatory Manager notified in a timely manner of any violations or safety incidents.
  • Safely drive on mountain roads without guardrails up to 10,500 feet including in winter conditions
  • Check vehicles fluids and refill as necessary. Check tire pressures and adjust as necessary. Inspect and verify all necessary safety equipment is ready for use. Install and remove vehicle tire chains as needed.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Familiarity of computer programs for electronic documentation retrieval and modification.
  • Ability to gain expertise and maintain large telescope observatories or other relevant precision electrical, optical, and mechanical systems through on-the-job, online, and classroom training.
  • Ability to complete hands on training and safely operate in all of the following areas: boom and scissor lift operation, forklift operation, proper use of PPE, fall arrest, first aid/CPR/AED, crane operation, rigging, ladder safety, lockout/tag out, and arc flash.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up and down the mountain each day in a carpool from base camp and perform work at 10,500 feet.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
  • The position is based in Safford with regular work at the high-altitude Mt Graham telescope site required.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associates Degree or Technical School Certificate.

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week
40

Job FTE
1.0

Work Calendar
Fiscal

Job Category
Research

Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay
$18.15 - $22.69

Compensation Type
hourly rate

Grade
4

Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Grade Range Minimum
$18.15

Grade Range Midpoint
$22.69

Grade Range Maximum
$27.23

Career Stream and Level
OC1

Job Family
Research Engineering

Job Function
Research

Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies
2

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
LBTO Observatory Manager, Patrick Hartley, phartley@lbto.org

Open Date
9/4/2025

Open Until Filled
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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