Telescope Technician
Class Specifications – I.25
Principal Telescope Technician – 8321
Senior Telescope Technician – 8322
Telescope Technician – 8323
May, 1977
Series Concept
Telescope Technicians install, operate, maintain and modify radio or optical telescopes and related equipment; diagnose and correct electrical, mechanical and optical malfunctions; provide skilled technical assistance in finding, tracking, and acquiring data on astronomical objects; and perform other related duties as required.
The series is characterized by the application of knowledge of telescope operation, either radio or optical, and by utilization of skills in the electronic, electrical or mechanical fields including solid state logic circuitry, large scale integrated circuits, computers, image intensifiers, video systems, electromechanical devices, electrical power transmission, controls and control circuitry, electric motors, electrohydraulic power drives, mechanical devices, vacuum technology, refrigeration and machine shop practice.
The series consists of three levels which are distinguished by the nature and complexity of the equipment operated and maintained and the degree of technical responsibility exercised.
Class Concepts
Principal Telescope Technician
Under direction incumbents plan and organize the operation of a telescope installation; diagnose and correct major malfunctions of the telescope and related equipment; supervise the work of Telescope Technicians and other staff maintenance and technical personnel; determine telescope maintenance requirements; and perform other related duties as required. This level is distinguished either (1) by the nature of supervision exercised over others er (2) by the assignments and autonomy with which they are carried out.
Typically at this level incumbents receive instructions from a professional scientist or engineer covering the primary goal(s) and relative parameters of an observation, and without additional direction, coordinate the completion of a project; work with a high degree of independence and are assigned responsibility for the technical quality and accuracy of their work; render reports to the project leader; and initiate requests for equipment and supplies.
Senior Telescope Technician
Under general supervision, incumbents operate radio or optical telescopes; maintain and operate central processing computer units; install telescope-related instruments and equipment; assist in the design of new equipment; maintain telescopes and telescope-related equipment; and fabricate and checkout telescope-related systems.
Incumbents at this level receive general instructions relative to the operation of telescopes; are assigned responsibility for correcting malfunctions during operations of the telescope; arrange assignments in accordance with established site priorities and procedures; calibrate, repair, and rescale electronic monitoring devices; may act independently on a variety of assignments in which decisions must be made without the benefit of supervisory or professional guidance; and may train Telescope Technicians.
Telescope Technician
Under supervision, incumbents operate radio or optical telescopes in accordance with established procedures; operate central processing computer units used to compile and store astronomical data; assist in the installation of telescope-related instruments and equipment; and perform routine maintenance of telescopes and telescope-related equipment.
Incumbents at this level receive specific instructions relative to such factors as time to be allotted to certain functions, expected completion time, possible technical problems which may be anticipated, and a final check on work for adequacy and accuracy while in process and upon completion.
Typically at this level, incumbents perform focus and instrument changes; recognize and report faulty operations after safeguarding instruments; diagnose cause and determine remedy for malfunctions of equipment; operate a console, card reader, video tape, strip chart recorder, hard copy terminal or printer, cathode ray terminal, oscilloscope and other related electronic and computer equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
Principal Telescope Technician
Two years of college or completion of an approved apprenticeship program or advanced military electronics or Mechanics school, and four years of experience in performing technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of electronic or mechanical equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Senior Telescope Technician
Two years of college or completion of an approved apprenticeship program or advanced military electronics or mechanics school, and two years of experience in performing technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of electronic or mechanical equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Telescope Technician
Two years of college or completion of an approved apprenticeship program or advanced military electronics or mechanics school, and one year of experience in performing technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of electronic or mechanical equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.