Research Technologist II, Steward Observatory (Safford AZ) (Updated)
Posting Number req25956
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu
Location Outside of Tucson
Address 1480 W. State Route 366, Safford, AZ 85546 USA
Position Highlights

Please Note: The Position Highlights have been updated to include additional work location/travel information.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of Research Technologist II. The selected candidate will join Steward Observatory’s Mountain Operations team and provide maintenance and operations support at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) on the summit of Mt. Graham, AZ. This includes mounting, servicing, and removing astronomical research instrumentation; performing standard instrument performance checks; maintaining and troubleshooting telescopes and domes; and maintaining the telescope building, as required.

Duties will be performed with a high level of independence. The position requires the ability to work extended, irregular shifts and to take occasional after-hours callouts, including during nights, weekends, and holidays. Additional physical requirements are described in the Duties and Responsibilities section.

Please Note: This position is based in Safford, AZ. The Research Technologist will start and end each workday at the Mt. Graham International Observatory (MGIO) base camp in Safford, and will drive a university vehicle between the MGIO base camp and the Mt. Graham summit.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

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

Duties & Responsibilities

Instrumentation and Research Support:
Maintains research facility equipment and provides operational support for research instrumentation.
Leads instrument changes and performs basic-level performance checks.
Confers with engineers and other technical staff to define and refine procedures related to astronomical equipment.
Interacts with faculty and external researchers.
Collaborates with Mountain Operations team and Steward Observatory’s Safety Specialist to ensure equipment and facilities are kept in safe working order.

Observatory Operations:
Performs maintenance and troubleshooting of telescopes and domes.
Operates and maintains observatory equipment.
Leads or assists with the preparation of telescopes and instruments for use and ensures the proper operation of telescopes and related equipment.
Confers with engineers and other technical staff to define and refine procedures.
Identifies and orders supplies and equipment as needed.
Transports instruments, cryogenic liquids, compressed gases, supplies and equipment as required.

Facilities and Site Maintenance:
Performs building and grounds maintenance as required to keep the research site operational. This may include plumbing, electrical and carpentry maintenance, as well as repairs such as replacing solenoid valves, switches, relays, and thermostats; rewiring appliances; constructing partitions; and installing pipe and related plumbing fixtures.
Uses power tools, hand tools, and a voltmeter to perform repair and maintenance work.
Clears the site of snow as required, which may involve shoveling.
Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Ability to perform duties with a high degree of independence and limited or minimal supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Adept at properly handling delicate optics and electronics.
Basic understanding of, and ability to use and service, optical systems, complex hardware, electronics, and associated software.
Ability to use Windows, Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, and basic networking equipment.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to work at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet above sea level and in extreme mountain weather conditions.
Ability to install snow chains and drive a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads.
Ability to work comfortably at heights.
Ability to occasionally work on tall ladders and lifts and to manually carry/lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work extended, irregular shifts and to take occasional after-hours callouts, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required.
Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Ability to work nights and/or weekends occasionally, as required.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Linux.
Experience with telescopes and astronomical instrumentation.
Experience with machining and welding.
Experience troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems, basic electrical circuits, and basic plumbing.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Experience with state-of-the-art research or complex instrumentation/equipment.
Experience installing snow chains, driving a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads, and/or driving under adverse conditions (snow, ice, wind, thunderstorms).
Experience using handheld and vehicle-mounted two-way radios.

FLSA 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 $59,404 - $74,254
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 8
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 represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. 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.
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Research & Lab
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 6/8/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Ariel Gilbert-Knight
Research Program Administration Officer II
agilbertknight@arizona.edu

Open Date 5/19/2026
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 Campus Safety 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.