Observatory Observing Assistant

University of Hawaii; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Hawaii observes and hires for a Casual Hire - Observatory Observing Assistant position at Manoa/IF A, with duties on Mauna Kea during remote observing sessions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and experience in astronomy-related research or telescope operations. Candidates should be able to work independently and both night and day shifts, with a valid Hawaii driver's license for travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any field.
• Knowledge of astronomy concepts and terminology.
• Knowledge of research or telescope operations.
• Ability to identify problems and resolve issues in a research setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to write reports.
• Ability to work with internal and external teams.
• Two years college coursework and six months research experience.
• Must be able to work independently and be flexible to night/day shifts.
• Driver's license or ability to travel to various locations.

Responsibilities

• Accompany IRTF Telescope Operators on Mauna Kea during remote observing sessions.
• Assist Telescope Operators with instrument changes and setup tasks
• Fill up instruments with liquid nitrogen
• Turn on air compressor and manage equipment as needed
• Ensure safety of personnel at the telescope
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Astronomy knowledge

Research data analysis

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)

Two years college coursework + 6 months research

Tools

Telescope operation

Mechanical experience

Job description

Observatory Observing Assistant (CASUAL)

2026-09-27 University of Hawaii Honolulu,HI

Description:

Salary: See Position Description

Location : UH Manoa - IFA, Hilo, HI

Job Type: Part-Time Temporary

Job Number: 2026-01959

Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Institute for Astronomy

Opening Date: 09/10/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Number: CASUAL

Description

* * * * Applicants seeking short-term or part-time work with the University Hawai'i may apply for Casual Hire positions, which include administrative, professional, and technical (APT) or instructional-type positions. Because of the temporary nature of these appointments, Casual Hire employees are not eligible for most benefits as provided to regular BOR and Civil Service employees. Casual Hire appointments may last for up to 89 days for full-time employees, and up to 1 calendar year for parttime employees.

Title: Casual Hire - Observatory Observing Assistant

Hiring Unit: Institute for Astronomy

Location: Hilo, HI

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Salary: $18.54/hour

Full Time / Part Time: Part-time

Other Conditions: Position is a temporary casual hire position and offers no benefits. Continuous recruitment until programmatic needs are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accompany IRTF Telescope Operators on Mauna Kea during remote observing sessions
• Assist Telescope Operators with the following tasks:
  • -Fill up instruments with liquid nitrogen
  • -Turn on air compressor
  • -Turn off air handling unit
  • -Assist with Instrument changes
• Ensure safety of personnel at the telescope
• Perform all other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in any field; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices & techniques in the area of astronomy or science demonstrated by knowledge, understanding & ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices & techniques in the area of research or telescope or mechanical experience demonstrated by knowledge, understanding & ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes & resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of research or telescope or mechanical experience
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral & written documentation, write reports & procedures, & communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with internal & external organizations, groups, team members & individuals
• Minimum of two (2) years college-level coursework and six (6) months of experience in a research setting involving the collection and/or analysis of data.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to work night shift, day shift, or a combination of both
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's License (class 3), comparable driver's license or use of means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Coursework with an emphasis on Physics and/or Astronomy
• First Aid/ CPR training

Inquiries: Callie Matulonis, IRTF Research Associate, or Kayla Maki, HR Specialist,

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: