Research Program Administration Officer I, Steward Observatory (Safford)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability programs

Paid vacation

Sick leave and holidays

Tuition reduction for employee/family

Retirement plans

Recreation access

Job summary

University of Arizona is seeking a Research Program Administration Officer I for MGIO at the Mount Graham site near Safford, AZ. The role focuses on financial and administrative support, including budget monitoring, expenditures, and records management, to aid the MGIO director and research operations.

The position emphasizes accuracy, organization, and independent work within a team, with a 40-hour work week and hourly compensation. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost and salary projections and analyses; generate financial and administrative reports for planning purposes.
• Monitor and approve program expenditures to avoid overspending; authorize purchases within budget.
• Process p-card purchases, reimbursements, monthly billing, requisitions, POs, and payments to vendors.
• Provide daily administrative support at the base camp office for MGIO operations.
• Compile, store, and organize all relevant records.
• Greet visitors and provide directions for research and business activities.
• Review and approve weekly time sheets when the director is absent; stay informed of university policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

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

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.

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!

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.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Employment Details

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.

Location

Location: Outside of Tucson

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

Contact for Candidates

Eric Buckley
[e-mail]

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].

Application Information

Open Date: 10/28/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter