ISAAC NEWTON GROUP OF TELESCOPES
A vacancy exists for a Telescope Operator at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes on the island of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain.
The Isaac Newton Group comprises three optical telescopes: the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT), the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) and the 1-m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope (JKT). They are situated at an altitude of 2400m at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Our telescopes are equipped with an extensive range of imaging and spectrographic instruments including a robotic fibre-optics feed, an adaptive optics system, optical and IR detectors, and acquisition and autoguider TV systems. The telescopes achieve world-class performance and are in operation 365 nights of the year.
The Telescope Operators group is part of the Operations Team, who manage the full range of day-to-day operational activities. Telescope Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient night-time operation of the WHT on a rostered basis. This involves preparing the telescope, instruments and infrastructure for scientific observations and operating the telescope during the night, following instructions from astronomers. Other duties include: resolving technical problems in liaison with engineers and astronomers, dealing with health and safety issues and conducting quality assurance checks.
Telescope Operators will occasionally participate in day-time work. This will involve learning about engineering systems and associated plant and equipment. As your engineering and technical skills develop you will act as Incident Officer, taking on responsibility for site health and safety and technical support.
Applicants should have well-developed IT skills, including knowledge of Windows and UNIX based operating systems and a solid understanding of interactions between computers and the instrumentation they control. Also important are a flexible approach to working conditions and environment, an analytical approach to problem solving and effective communication skills.
Preferred candidates will possess a degree in a relevant engineering/scientific discipline, basic knowledge of astronomy and optics and / or experience of working at a remote observatory site.
The working language at the observatory is English therefore effective written and oral communication skills in this language are essential. You should also be willing and able to work nights at an altitude of 2400 metres and hold a full clean driving licence.
The salary for the post is 23,349 euros per annum, increasing to 24,578 euros after one year’s service, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition, the post attracts a night duty allowance of 5,691 euros per annum, increasing to 5,990 euros after one year’s service, also subject to satisfactory performance. A relocation package will be made available where appropriate.
For further information on the Isaac Newton Group and La Palma please consult our web pages: http://www.ing.iac.es. For further information on the post and the Operations Team please contact Kevin Dee, Head of ING Operations: kmd@ing.iac.es.
To apply please send a completed application form, available at www.ing.iac.es/About-ING/Vacancies/vacancies1.html, by email: recruit@ing.iac.es or by post: Lucy Lawler, Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, Sea Level Office, Apartado de Correos 321, 38700 Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain. The closing date for applications is 14 May 2004.
Lucy Lawler Isaac Newton Group
For Director, ING 15 April 2004