Opportunities

PopScope Operators (Student Volunteer Position; applications closed)

The UMBC Observatory Outreach Team is developing and hosting the first-ever PopScope Program. The PopScope Program aims to provide students and community members with hands-on experiences with telescopes and star-gazing. The main goal is to make astronomy more accessible to participants and to build familiarity with the twilight and evening skies.

Required Skills

None! Just be interested in interacting with members of the campus community and be ready to learn.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience using a telescope
  • Basic knowledge of the nighttime sky (constellations, bright stars, highlights of astronomical history)

A PopScope Volunteer will be required to…

  • Undergo brief training that highlights constellations, bright stars, and basic telescope operation
  • Make themselves available for at least three PopScope events per semester

 

Telescope Operators (Student Staff Position; applications closed)

The UMBC Observatory is seeking to fill the role of the Observatory Group Telescope Operator. A Telescope Operator works with other members of the Operations Team to fulfill the Observing Plan of the Observatory Group. A successful candidate would report directly to the UMBC Observatory Chief Engineer and take direction from the UMBC Observatory Research Coordinator. A successful candidate would be expected to manage the responsibilities of the Observing Plan, described below.

Compensation
Starting at $15/hr

Required Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge to public
  • Work well in team setting

Preferred Skills

  • Previous experience with optical systems
  • Knowledge of Google App Suite (GMail, GCalendar, GDrive, GGroups, etc)
  • Previous experience with astrophotography editing software
  • Familiarity with various topics in astronomy and physics

A Telescope Operator will be required to…

  • Undergo telescope operation training
  • Use the facility to collect astronomical data supporting any number of internal and external research projects
  • Attend monthly Observatory Group All-Staff meetings
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of dome & control room
  • Contribute to the testing and review of documentation on the safe, normal operation of the telescope, dome, and control systems
  • Maintain good safety practices when operating the UMBC Observatory’s telescope
  • Make themselves available for evening and/or morning observing sessions at least once per week
  • Communicate monthly availability with Chief Engineer, upon request

Observing Plan

After completing training, the primary goal of a telescope operator is to work within the context of a project to gather supporting data. The ordered list of astronomical targets with exposure settings and system considerations along with descriptions of daily systemics collection (e.g., calibration frames) is called an Observing Plan.

Outreach Team Members (Student Staff Position; applications closed)

The UMBC Observatory Outreach Team is tasked with developing and executing all outreach programs of the UMBC Observatory, by the current plan for FY25 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). The Outreach Team is seeking to hire additional team members. A successful candidate would report directly to the UMBC Observatory Outreach Coordinator and work with the UMBC Observatory Outreach Team.

Compensation
Starting at $15/hr

Required Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Work well in team setting

Preferred Skills

  • Knowledge of Google App Suite (GMail, GCalendar, GDrive, GGroups, etc.)
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge to public
  • Familiarity with various topics in astronomy and physics

An Outreach Team Member will be required to…

  • Dedicate at least 5 hours per week to the Outreach Team throughout the calendar year
  • Shadow a current Outreach Team member for two full outreach events
  • Demonstrate a commitment to clear communication, both written and verbal
  • Attend weekly Outreach Team meetings
  • Attend monthly Observatory Group All-Staff meetings
  • Contribute to the development and review of documentation on Outreach activities
  • Give best effort in attending and helping to run scheduled Outreach Events, both planned and as they arise throughout the year
  • Develop skills surrounding any of the following roles
    • Small telescope operation
    • Developing Current Events Slides
    • Giving facility tours
    • Running astronomy/physics demonstrations
    • Running Outreach Event logistics
    • Photography (for Outreach Events)
    • Social Media
    • Web and Digital Design (this site/promotional materials)
    • Overall Team Logistics (email/calendar/organization/etc.)
  • Work in a self-directed way to stay informed on astronomical events of interest to the campus community
  • Work in a self-directed way to build knowledge of general physics and astronomy
  • Give periodic presentations to the Observatory Group on a topic to broaden physics and astronomy understanding

Observatory Engineer (Student Staff Position; applications closed)

The UMBC Observatory is seeking to fill the role of the Observatory Group Engineer. An Engineer works with other members of the Engineering Team to fulfill the Engineering Mission of the Observatory Group. A successful candidate would report directly to the UMBC Observatory Chief Engineer. A successful candidate would be expected to manage the responsibilities of the Engineering Mission, described below.

Compensation
Starting at $15/hr

Required Skills

  • Familiarity with electronics, motors, sensors, and general mechanical systems
  • Clear experience troubleshooting mechanical systems
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge to the public
  • Work well in a team setting

Preferred Skills

  • Previous experience with optical components and/or systems
  • Previous experience programming in Python, MATLAB, C/++
  • Previous robotics experience
  • Previous experience in CAD

An Engineer will be required to

  • Work with the Chief Engineer and Engineering Team to …
    • Complete hands-on projects and tasks required to maintain the facility.
    • Maintain organization and cleanliness of dome & control room
    • Work to keep equipment in good working order
    • Develop and maintain accurate documentation on the safe, normal operation of the telescope, dome, & control systems
    • Troubleshoot, diagnose, document, and report on any system failure
    • Develop and maintain best practices for the care of optical equipment and cameras
  • Maintain good safety practices with tools, machinery, protective equipment
  • Write and submit for review documentation related to projects
  • Attend weekly catch-up meetings with Operations Coordinator and Operations Team
  • Attend monthly Observatory Group All Staff meetings

Student Workers

Student Workers are either Student Volunteers or Student Staff. Volunteers are not paid, while Staff are. The difference comes down to mutual expectations of time per week throughout the calendar year. Student Staff are expected to maintain an average of at least five hours of work with the UMBC Observatory per week throughout the entire calendar year (even off semesters). Similar demands of time are not required or requested of Student Volunteers except (perhaps) in the instance of training at the start of their role. Volunteers and Staff should always keep their own academics a priority over any role within the UMBC Observatory. If the bandwidth exists, Volunteers are perfectly able to take-on more roles within the UMBC Observatory Group and become Staff, but it is not expected. See the UMBC Observatory Student Handbook for more information.

Applications

These positions are open to currently enrolled UMBC students. In each case, send the following information via email to observatory@umbc.edu from your UMBC email address.

For volunteer positions, please send a brief description of your interests and experiences related to the opportunity and indicate the best mode of contact for follow-up.

For paid positions, please send the above requirement for the volunteer position along with an attached PDF resume that highlights your relevant experience and expected graduation.