Student Telescope Operator- Institutional Student Worker

The University of North Georgia; Dahlonega (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of North Georgia is seeking a Student Telescope Operator for the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory in Dahlonega, GA. This is a part-time, temporary student worker role supporting public observing, outreach events, and student lab exercises for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Responsibilities include planning nightly target lists, safely operating two major telescopes, and guiding visitors. Must be enrolled in UNG with at least six credit hours.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of stars, constellations, planets and deep-sky objects.
• Ability to work as part of a team during observing sessions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor weather before and during observing sessions.
• Prepare dome rooms and operate the observatory telescopes.
• Interact with the public during tours and night sky observations.
• Assist with public outreach events and student laboratory exercises.

Skills

Bright stars knowledge

Team player

Education

Enrolled at UNG (6+ credit hours)

Job description

Job Title: Student Telescope Operator- Institutional Student Worker

Location: UNG-Dahlonega, GA

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Job ID: 303406

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for student telescope operators at the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory for the 2026/2027 academic year. Telescope operators will assist with public observing and telescope viewing sessions, public outreach events, and UNG student laboratory exercises. Telescope operators are expected to plan nightly target lists, safely operate the facility’s telescopes, and interact with the general public during tours of the facility and night sky.

Responsibilities

• Telescope operators are expected to monitor weather conditions before and during observing sessions, prepare dome rooms for viewing sessions, operate the facility's two state of the art telescopes and fleet of portable telescopes, interact with the general public in the viewing lab and at the telescope, troubleshoot minor problems with the telescope control system, maintain a presentable viewing laboratory, and promote laboratory safety to ensure a safe working environment for staff and guests.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Candidates should have a basic knowledge of bright stars, constellations, planets, and deep sky objects, and be comfortable interacting with community members of all ages.
• An ability to work as part of a larger team is essential.

Required Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at the University of North Georgia in a minimum of six (6) credit hours to qualify as a student worker.

Preferred Qualifications

• Introductory astronomy coursework (ASTR 1010, 1020, or 3150) is preferred
• Prior experience operating small telescopes is advantageous

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Covver Letter

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.218_personnel_conduct

Institutional Values

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will not be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position will not travel
• This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Position of Trust