Lick Observatory Superintendent

THIS POSITION IS BASED AT LICK OBSERVATORY, MT HAMILTON, CA

Lick Observatory, located on Mount Hamilton, is the worksite for this position and is located 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130 at 4,200 feet elevation.

Year-round residential housing with nominal rent is available for the selected Superintendent candidate. Residents are responsible for personal utilities costs.

Lick Observatory offers a friendly working environment with a diverse set of challenges, in addition to the incredible views of the surrounding areas.

Other benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz / Lick Observatory include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 08-22-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Observatories (UCO) is a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) funded via the University of California Office of the President, Office of Research and headquartered on the UC Santa Cruz campus. UCO operates on behalf of astronomers, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students across the UC system who are engaged in research, education and training in optical and infrared astronomy. In addition to managing the technical, physical plant and public outreach operations of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, California, UCO provides the scientific and administrative liaison to the shared Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawai'i and the international collaboration for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. UCO comprises extensive scientific and technical staff and facilities at UC Santa Cruz and Lick Observatory as well as administrative and business services. The Lick Observatory telescopes are scheduled 363 days per year, weather permitting. Additionally, Lick hosts about 30,000 members of the public via its summer programs and casual visitors.

More information can be found at: https://lickobservatory.org

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of the UC Observatories Deputy Director, the Superintendent provides management leadership and supervision for the Lick Observatory staff in the day-to-day operations of a 24/7 remote research and public education facility. Areas of oversight include administration, telescope operations, physical plant operations, and safety functions. Provides leadership to encourage creativity, productivity, initiative, and personal development of employees. Lick Observatory is located on Mount Hamilton where year-round housing with nominal rent is available for the Superintendent.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $128,400 - $151,900 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, with a chance of response needed during emergencies
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Lick Observatory - MT Hamilton, CA

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000446 (RSCH AND DEV ENGR SUPV 2) Grade 25

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Observatory Operations Management

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of Lick Observatory (LO), including administration, telescope operations, physical plant and safety functions.
• Coordinates the maintenance and repair of all mountain facilities.
• Works closely with the UCO Deputy Director and Support Astronomers to make sure that the technical staff and the facilities provide continuity of scientific research for UC researchers throughout the system.
• Coordinates with the UCO management team to prepare annual operating budget for Lick Observatory. Oversees and manages the annual budget for technical, maintenance, administrative, and safety functions.
• Coordinates with UCO management regarding a broad range of issues including the media, public programs, development, and government representatives which may impact Lick Observatory.
• Works closely with the Lick Observatory Public Programs Manager to promote excellent relations with visitors to Lick Observatory.
• Works closely with the Director of UCO Relations to coordinate and host activities at the observatory for VIPs and potential donors.
• Serves as liaison to local civic administrative bodies to address needs and issues that involve Lick Observatory.
• Works closely with UCO and UCSC Administration to establish and maintain operating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws as well as UC regulations.

15% - Personnel Management

• Leads the LO residential community and fosters high morale and sense of community through appropriate interventions and involvement. Encourages open lines of communication among his/her staff and between LO staff and main campus staff.
• Analyzes and establishes proper staffing levels to meet operational needs.
• Hires, supervises, and evaluates Principal Telescope Technicians, Laser Spotters, Facilities Supervisor, and Administrative Assistant.
• Ensures staff is adequately trained on all relevant policies and procedures.
• Assists in training new employees in technical policies and procedures.
• Evaluates and provides feedback on staff performance. Implements progressive discipline as needed.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive issues, facilitating conflict resolution among LO staff; working with staff UCSC HR and UCO Administration as needed.
• May act as lead, directing work as needed, to Academic employees on site.

15% - Safety Officer

• Coordinates public safety measures and internal response activities for LO.
• Serves as liaison to County Sheriff, Cal Fire, Cal Trans, 911 Dispatch, UCSC Police Department, UCSC Fire Department and other public safety agencies and university units.
• Responds, or delegates internal response, to public safety and/or trespassing or possible criminal activity on LO property. As warranted, reports such activities to the proper authorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrated experience in operations management including staffing, facilities, administration, and budget oversight.
• Proven leadership skills to motivate a group of diverse professionals, as individuals and teams, to perform at a high level.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate issues, research alternatives, and develop collaborative solutions.
• Ability to engage in effective communication with all levels of the organization including demonstrated experience with conflict resolution.
• Excellent writing skills to produce clear, comprehensive information.
• Skill in using standard office productivity software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing a remote facility.
• Demonstrated experience in performing technical tasks in operation, installation, testing, and maintenance of optical, electronic, or mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated diagnostic and trouble-shooting skills, including the ability to interpret and apply schematic prints and wiring diagrams, for digital and analog circuitry, computers, video systems, or other electronic devices.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Interviewees will be required to provide a current DMV record.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to walk multiple nightly rounds on uneven surfaces and repeatedly climb stairs.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Other Special Conditions of Employment: Required to live at Lick Observatory. Residential space is available for a nominal fee. Required to be trained as a First Responder. Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies. Must be able to move equipment weighing up to 30 lbs., with or without accommodations, and be able to climb ladders and work in disadvantaged spaces. Must be able to inspect work in high places with body harness and work positioning gear.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUBiz3WS3zErEGOhSOu7KZZPzGkTwr_2/view?usp=sharing. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination