Astronomer
Smithsonian Institution · Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
This job in plain English
This is a full-time Astronomer job, listed as an Astronomical Observer, with the Smithsonian Institution at the SMA Base Camp in Hilo, Hawaii. The job supports the Submillimeter Array, a radio telescope on Maunakea, by running observing shifts and checking telescope performance. It stands out for its rotating schedule with evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays, frequent trips up a high mountain, and 4 open positions.
Can you apply?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.
- Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
Open to the public. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or people who owe allegiance to the U.S.
What you would do
- Operate the SMA during scheduled science observing, including startup, setup and shutdown.
- Monitor telescope and instrument performance in real time and fix problems as they arise.
- Advise the scheduler on observing strategies and system limits.
- Assist visiting and staff astronomers with observations and data analysis.
- Modify existing code under supervision to automate repetitive tasks.
- Keep organized files, logs and documentation so results can be repeated.
Do you qualify for GS-7 (up to GS-11)?
With experience: You need one year of specialized experience at or above the GS-5 level. Examples include operating a telescope at a world-class or university observatory, helping with astronomy or physics research, or writing or changing software professionally or in class.
With education: A degree in astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science or electronics, with calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics. Or at least 30 semester hours in those subjects, plus experience or more education. One full year of graduate study in astronomy, physics, astrophysics or a closely related physical science can replace the experience requirement. Superior Academic Achievement can also qualify you: a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall, 3.5 or higher in your major, top third of your class, or membership in a recognized honor society.
How to apply well
What to send:
- Resume of no more than two pages showing job title, dates (month and year), and hours per week for each job
- DD-214 if you claim veterans' preference
- SF-15 and supporting documents such as a VA letter if you claim 10-point veterans' preference
- Unofficial school transcripts if you use education to qualify; official transcripts are needed if selected
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable
- SF-50 and a statement if you are or recently were a political appointee
How you will be rated: Applications must first meet the basic qualifications. Qualified applicants answer job-related questions, and are placed in the Best (95-100), Better (85-94.99) or Good (70-84.99) category. Applicants without a resume or without answers to the assessment questions will not be considered, and self-ratings not supported by your resume may be lowered.
Tips for this job:
- Make sure your resume lists the job title, series, grade, dates and hours per week for each job, or you may be disqualified.
- If you use education to qualify, upload unofficial transcripts with your application.
- Submit everything through the Apply Online button by 11:59 PM Eastern on the closing date.
Good to know before you apply
Schedule: Full-time, rotating shifts including evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays. Night differential, hazard pay and Sunday premium pay may apply.
Incentives and relocation: Recruitment incentives may be authorized but are not guaranteed. If offered, you may need to sign a service agreement to stay in federal service for a set period.
Conditions of employment:
- U.S. citizenship is required
- Must pass a background investigation
- May serve a probationary period
- Rotating schedule with evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays
- Must pass a high altitude physical exam
- Frequent trips to a telescope at 4,075 m (13,375 ft) on Maunakea
- Some outdoor work in rain, snow and high winds
- Work in low-light areas and extended computer use
- Occasional lifting or handling of scientific equipment
We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.
Job details
- Salary
- $52,680 – $68,485 per year
- Pay scale and grade
- GS-7 (up to GS-11) · General Schedule
- Location
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Appointment
- Permanent
- Work schedule
- Full-time
- Service
- Competitive
- Openings
- 4
- Security clearance
- Not Required
- Travel
- Not required
- Drug test
- Not required
- Supervisory
- No
- Occupation
- Astronomy And Space Science (1330)
- Announcement
- 27-08
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