Research Program Administration Officer I, Steward Observatory (Safford)

Arizona; Safford (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory in Safford, AZ is hiring a Research Program Administration Officer I to assist the MGIO Director with the Base Camp and telescope site operations. This role focuses on administrative and financial support in a field setting tied to Mount Graham.

The position offers a stable, full-time schedule, 40 hours per week, with competitive hourly pay and full benefits. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent learning/experience.
• 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
• Proficiency in administrative and financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cost and salary projections and analyses; prepares financial and administrative reports for administrative planning purposes; analyzes and interprets financial data.
• Monitors and approves program expenditures ensuring that budget allocations are not overspent; reviews and authorizes purchase of supplies, service, and equipment within budgeted limits.
• Processes p-card purchases, expense reimbursements, monthly billing, requisitions, purchase orders, and payment to outside vendors.
• Provides daily administrative support at base camp office to all research operations at MGIO.
• Compiles, stores, and organizes all appropriate records.
• Professionally greets and gives directions to all who visit the base camp for both astronomical research purposes and business.
• Reviews weekly time sheets and approves time sheets in the absence of the director.
• Keeps informed of regulations, policies, and procedures set forth by the university or outside governing agencies.
• This includes advertisement, recruitment hiring, record keeping, and overall supervision, which takes place over a few months.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Research Program Administration Officer I, Steward Observatory (Safford, AZ)

Research Program Administration Officer I, Steward Observatory (Safford, AZ)

Posting Number req27458

Department Steward Observatory

Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu/

Location Outside of Tucson

Address 1480 W. State Route 366, Safford, AZ 85546 USA

Position Highlights

Please Note: This posting has been updated to provide clarification regarding the position location. This role is located in Safford, Arizona.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO) is a division of Steward Observatory, the research arm for the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.

Applicants are invited to apply for a Research Program Administration Officer I position, a role that assists the MGIO Director in managing all operational aspects of the MGIO Base Camp and Telescope site located at the eastern base of Mount Graham, six miles south of Safford, Arizona.

This position offers a primarily indoor work environment, with no heavy lifting or routine exposure to outdoor weather or challenging environmental conditions.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

Financial assistance duties:

• Prepares cost and salary projections and analyses; prepares financial and administrative reports for administrative planning purposes; analyzes and interprets financial data.
• Monitors and approves program expenditures ensuring that budget allocations are not overspent; reviews and authorizes purchase of supplies, service, and equipment within budgeted limits.
• Processes p-card purchases, expense reimbursements, monthly billing, requisitions, purchase orders, and payment to outside vendors.

Operational assistance duties:

• Provides daily administrative support at base camp office to all research operations at MGIO.
• Compiles, stores, and organizes all appropriate records.
• Professionally greets and gives directions to all who visit the base camp for both astronomical research purposes and business.
• Reviews weekly time sheets and approves time sheets in the absence of the director.
• Keeps informed of regulations, policies, and procedures set forth by the university or outside governing agencies.

Facilitates the overall operation of the annual MGIO Summer Youth Work Program:

• This includes advertisement, recruitment hiring, record keeping, and overall supervision, which takes place over a few months.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with others.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $25.50 - $31.88

Compensation Type hourly rate

Grade 7

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level

PC1

Job Family

Research Program Admin

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Eric Buckley
[e-mail]

Open Date

10/28/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].