• Execute observational programs by selecting configurations and operating the SMA, including telescope startup, shutdown, and array setup
• Monitors telescope, instrument, and environmental performance, ensuring data quality and identifying anomalies for corrective action
• Operate telescopes, receivers, and correlators with increasing autonomy while implementing observing scripts and calibrations.
• Monitor conditions continuously to ensure safe, optimal operations and instrument readiness
• Lead a team of Astronomical Observers conducting submillimeter observations, data acquisition, calibration, and instrument monitoring
• Assign daily and long-range work, sets priorities, and adjusts staffing to meet dynamic observing schedules and weather-dependent windows
• Manage schedules, leave, staffing forecasts, and workload distribution for the observer team
• Prepare reports, metrics,and briefings for management on operational status, staffing, and performance trends
• Conducts performance management establishes standards, evaluates performance,recommends awards, and addresses conduct or performance issues.
• Oversee training programs for new observers, ensuring proficiency in SMA systems, safety protocols, and scientific data workflows
• Planning meetings to coordinate observing campaigns, maintenance cycles, and instrument upgrades representing the observer team in cross-functional discussions with astronomers, engineers, and external collaborators.
• The duties listed are at the full performance GS-09 grade level.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Selectee may be required to serve a supervisory probationary period.
• This position supports astronomical observing operations and requires participation in a rotating work schedule that includes evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is performed at a remote observatory site and may require travel between observatory facilities.
• Work is conducted in low-light environments and may involve extended computer use, outdoor exposure to weather conditions, and occasional lifting or handling of scientific equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements (GS-1330 Physics Series)

Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
.
OR

Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-9:

Specialized Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as operating scientific instrumentation or optical telescopes; conducting or supporting astronomical observing activities; acquiring imaging or spectroscopic data; performing calibration exposures and preliminary data reduction; monitoring scientific systems; resolving routine operational issues; and supporting researchers during observational activities. Experience must demonstrate hands-on operational experience in observatory or comparable scientific environments. Experience must also demonstrate experience leading or coordinating the work of others, such as assigning or prioritizing work, providing technical direction, training staff, or evaluating work products.

OR

Education

A master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a closely related physical science may be substituted for specialized experience.

OR

Combination

Education and experience may be combined to meet qualification requirements.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants for this position may be evaluated in multiple stages. The first stage is an evaluation of your responses to the online multiple-choice questionnaire assessing your experience, education, and/or training related to the competencies below:

• Knowledge of observational astronomy and SMA operations to plan, execute, and independently operate the array for routine programs. 
• Knowledge of supervisory principles, performance management, and training methodologies. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of training programs, safety compliance requirements, and technical documentation standards to maintain operational continuity and proficiency. 
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively, contributing to documentation, scientific reports, and assisting with user inquiries. 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be placed into one of three quality categories based on their responses to the job-related assessment and the extent to which their experience demonstrates the competencies required for the position:

Best Category – 95–100
Better Category – 85–94.99
Good Category – 70–84.99

This category rating process does not add veterans’ preference points or apply the rule of three but protects the rights of veterans by placing preference eligibles ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

Applicants who do not submit a resume in USAJOBS and complete all required assessment questions will not be considered.

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire for consistency. If a determination is made that your self-assessment is not supported by your resume, your rating may be adjusted to reflect documented experience. Your resume should clearly describe how your education and experience relate to the duties and qualification requirements of this position.