ISAAC NEWTON GROUP OF TELESCOPES

LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS

BAND 3, SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE ENGINEER

Ref: CVN/LP1/02 Closing date:6 February 2002

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The ING's core Operations Team requires a Services and Maintenance Engineer to be responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the ING engineering systems and services at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma.

The ING comprises three optical telescopes: the 4.2-m William Herschel telescope, the 2.5-m Isaac Newton telescope and the 1-m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope. They are situated at an altitude of 2400m at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos. The telescopes are equipped with an extensive range of instrumentation and electronic systems. A recent development at ING has been the establishment of a dedicated core Operations Team which has responsibility to ensure the effective handover of operational telescope systems to the night observing team. Additional specialist effort required by the Operations Team will be drawn from the engineering and astronomy groups, as demand dictates.

DUTIES

The successful candidate will be a key player in establishing a maintenance and spares system for the ING’s telescopes and associated systems and have responsibility for maintaining essential services such as electrical supplies, water, UPS, air conditioning, compressed air, hydraulic oil systems, cooling systems, liquid nitrogen and diesel generators etc.

As part of the Operations Team you will supervise Operation Team members and liase with other staff from the engineering groups and astronomers in support of your duties. Clearly your main role is operations and maintenance but a certain level of diversity, for example, working with other ING staff on development and enhancement projects, is expected.

It is envisaged that you will support night-time observations, when rostered, as the first-point-of-contact in case of failure of any system or in the event of an emergency. This role is currently provided by the Duty Engineer/Incident Officer and will continue to be so, although alternative methods of night time support will be investigated and may mean a change in working patterns in order to continue supporting this essential function.

You will report to the Operations Manager and support the key objective of ensuring that observers are satisfied and performance targets are met.

The main duties and responsibilities of the post are:

• Ensuring that all essential services are maintained and available 365 days a year.
• To prioritise between essential services, maintenance, operations and development.
• Managing risk assessments, including setting up a standard procedure and advise line managers on the process.
• Keeping and maintaining risk assessment records.
• To be ING’s Safety Advisor and Fire Officer.
• Ensuring periodic inspections are carried out, on mechanical handling equipment, pressure vessels and diesel generators.
• To deputise for the Operations Manager.
• To manage projects for operational enhancements.
• To maintain the WHT shutter control system.
• Developing a maintenance program for Telescopes and Domes.
• The supervision of Operations Team members in specific tasks.
• Supporting the Operations Manager in the implementation of a spares system.
• Management of the maintenance budget.
• Carry out instrument changes and close out fault reports.
• To be ING’s senior electrical engineer and act as the 'competent person' for electrical systems.
• Manage the ORM engineering workshop facilities.
• Management of Contractors.
• Provide night time support when rostered.
• Carry out daily telescope checks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants should preferably have at least 3 years, hands-on, experience of managing and providing site and building services, to an international astronomical facility located at remote mountain site.

An essential requirement for this post is the ability to work effectively in a small,

multi-disciplined team, responding on a daily basis to all issues associated with the availability of the ING’s telescopes for astronomical observations.

Ideally applicants should have a degree in an appropriate discipline and experience in an operational environment. In particular skills in the maintenance and design of electrical systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning and diesel generators is required. The post will have a high level role with regard to Health and Safety at the observatory and a formal qualification, together with training on current regulations, is necessary. Good communication skills and a working knowledge of the Spanish language is an advantage. Affinity with project management principles is also an advantage. A valid driving licence is essential.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The post will be based on La Palma where rent free accommodation will be provided along with a range of other benefits. The salary will be in PPARC's range for overseas staff at Band 3 level, together with a Recruitment and Retention Allowance. A Cost of Living Allowance, linked to personal circumstances, will also be payable. This will be an indefinite appointment.

APPLICATIONS

Staff wishing to be considered for this post should complete an internal application form (available from their local Personnel Group) and pass it on to their line manager. An application form may also be found on ING's website, http://www.ing.iac.es The form should be forwarded via the Head of their Group to reach the Personnel Section on La Palma by the 4 February. Applications from non-permanent employees can only be considered if they were recruited to their present posts through fair and open competition and have the necessary entry qualifications for the grade for which they are applying.

Applications for a request interview may be made against this Vacancy Notice by employees of PPARC who have served in their present grade for at least seven years (at the date of this Notice) and have not been interviewed for promotion for at least four years. CEM 7D, section 8, refers.

For further information on this post and the Operations Team contact the Operations Manager Kevin Dee. kmd@ing.iac.es. The Personnel contact is Les Edwins, lie@ing.iac.es

This vacancy is only being trawled across PPARC at this stage.

Les Edwins

Head of ING Administration 16 January 2002