Science Technician II – Astronomy & Physics (Bargaining Unit 179)

Saint Mary's University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Vacation Pay 4%

Holiday closure

Summer hour schedule

Discounted Employee Transit EPass

Job summary

Saint Mary’s University in Halifax is seeking a Science Technician II to join the Astronomy & Physics team. The contract runs Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 31, 2027, full-time, with a bargaining unit of 179, Group 9.

The role involves operating and maintaining the observatory’s telescopes and equipment, teaching users, coordinating classes, planning upgrades, and managing the department's IT systems and public outreach.

Qualifications

• University degree required.
• Minimum two to three years related experience.
• Observational astronomy, telescope and observatory skills.
• Linux-based computer administration skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains and repairs the Observatory's telescopes and research equipment.
• Provides instruction to students and Faculty in the use of the Observatory and research equipment.
• Coordinates the use of the Observatory for Astronomy classes and supervises the Observatory Assistant.
• Recommends, plans, designs and builds upgrades to the Observatory and its equipment.
• Coordinates the use of the Astronomy Lab and orders supplies for astronomy laboratory.
• Administers Department's computer systems including ~30 Sun Linux servers and PCs.
• Installs, upgrades, programs, operates and repairs hardware, software, networking and peripherals.
• Provides problem solving for faculty and students related to departmental computer systems.
• Schedules, coordinates, and conducts public tours of the Observatory; provides astronomy lectures.
• Responds to telephone inquiries and conducts media interviews relating to astronomy.
• Maintains technical and popular astronomy knowledge; provides multimedia support and maintains Department website.
• Maintains Department slides, library and sky survey collections; develops displays.

Skills

Observational astronomy

Telescope skills

Observatory operations

Excellent communication skills

Education

University Degree

Tools

Linux server administration

Networking

Hardware & software maintenance

Job description

Date Posted: August 25th, 2026

Posting Deadline: September 8th, 2026

Department: Astronomy & Physics - Faculty of Science

Type of Employment: Contract Running October 1st, 2026 - October 31st, 2027, Full-Time

Group Affiliation: Bargaining Unit 179, Group 9 ($58,083- $70,995 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Science Technician II to join our Astronomy & Physics team.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Vacation Pay of 4%
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Discounted Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information And Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Department Chairperson, the Science Technician II will:
• Operates, maintains and repairs the Observatory's telescopes and research equipment.
• Provides instruction to students and Faculty in the use of the Observatory and research equipment.
• Co-ordinates the use of the Observatory for Astronomy classes; oversees the Observatory Assistant for 8 hours a week during academic terms.
• Recommends, plans, designs and builds upgrades to the Observatory and its equipment.
• Co-ordinates the use of the Astronomy Lab; orders supplies for astronomy laboratory.
• Administers the Department's computer systems comprising about 30 Sun Linux servers, workstations and Windows PC's.
• Installs, upgrades, programs, operates and repairs hardware, software, networking and peripherals.
• Provides problem solving skills, support and assistance to faculty and students in relation to departmental computer systems; delegates and directs computer-related work of the Physics technician as needed.
• Schedules, co-ordinates, and conducts public tours of the Observatory. Provides lectures in astronomy for various public groups.
• Responds to telephone inquiries.
• Conducts interviews with media relating to astronomy.
• Maintains technical and popular astronomy knowledge.
• Provides general photographic and multimedia assistance to the Department; prepares graphics, creates video and computer animations, maintains Department web site.
• Maintains the Department slides, library and sky survey collections.
• Develops and maintains departmental displays.

The Collective Agreement can be viewed here.

Experience And Education Requirements

• University Degree
• Minimum two to three years' related experience.
• Observational astronomy, telescope, and observatory skills
• Linux-based computer administration skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].