Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO) Director (IS-0301-15) - Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Amado, AZ
About the Job
Description
OPENING DATE: December 23, 2024
CLOSING DATE: February 28, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Office of the Director
LOCATION: Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
CLOSING DATE: February 28, 2025
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Office of the Director
LOCATION: Amado, AZ
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
**Please note that this salary range reflects CY2024 rates for the Amado, AZ locality. CY2025 rates are not yet published.**
What are Trust Fund Positions?
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO), operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is located on Mount Hopkins in Arizona. It hosts a range of astronomical facilities designed for both optical and gamma-ray astronomy. Key installations include the 1.5-meter Tillinghast telescope, primarily used for spectroscopic observations, and the 1.2-meter telescope for photometric monitoring. FLWO is also home to the VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System), a high-energy gamma-ray observatory composed of four 12-meter telescopes, which studies cosmic sources of gamma rays. In partnership with the University of Arizona, SAO operates the 6.5 m Multi-Mirror Telescope. Supporting infrastructure includes administrative offices, technical facilities, and accommodations for staff and visiting scientists. The FLWO staff is made up of nearly 20 individuals, including astronomers, engineers, technical specialists, and support personnel, all of whom play vital roles in maintaining and operating the observatory’s facilities and advancing its scientific mission.
The FLWO also hosts a popular visitor education center that reopened in October 2024. The FLWO visitor center offers firsthand exhibits, displays, science demonstrations, and activities that introduce FLWO telescopes, instrumentation, and discoveries made by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory scientists. The FLWO offers a behind-the-scenes tour of VERITAS, as well as special topic tours on Sky Islands, Light Pollution, and Ecology of the Desert. Future tour offerings include tours to the MMT and Ridge telescopes and VIP mountain tours. The FLWO education center is expected to expand in the coming years, playing a key role in the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) Arizona program to be launched in 2025. STARS Arizona will deliver telescopes and related educational programs to rural schools across Arizona and surrounding regions.
SUMMARY
The FLWO Director oversees the daily operations and activities of the observatory, with broad responsibilities that include program management, budget oversight, technical guidance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, site management, and supervision of the FLWO visitor center. The incumbent ensures that FLWO telescope facilities maintain optimal quality and operational efficiency while leading an active education program focused on community outreach, engagement, and education that aligns with the goals of the Smithsonian Institution and SAO.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO), operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is located on Mount Hopkins in Arizona. It hosts a range of astronomical facilities designed for both optical and gamma-ray astronomy. Key installations include the 1.5-meter Tillinghast telescope, primarily used for spectroscopic observations, and the 1.2-meter telescope for photometric monitoring. FLWO is also home to the VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System), a high-energy gamma-ray observatory composed of four 12-meter telescopes, which studies cosmic sources of gamma rays. In partnership with the University of Arizona, SAO operates the 6.5 m Multi-Mirror Telescope. Supporting infrastructure includes administrative offices, technical facilities, and accommodations for staff and visiting scientists. The FLWO staff is made up of nearly 20 individuals, including astronomers, engineers, technical specialists, and support personnel, all of whom play vital roles in maintaining and operating the observatory’s facilities and advancing its scientific mission.
The FLWO also hosts a popular visitor education center that reopened in October 2024. The FLWO visitor center offers firsthand exhibits, displays, science demonstrations, and activities that introduce FLWO telescopes, instrumentation, and discoveries made by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory scientists. The FLWO offers a behind-the-scenes tour of VERITAS, as well as special topic tours on Sky Islands, Light Pollution, and Ecology of the Desert. Future tour offerings include tours to the MMT and Ridge telescopes and VIP mountain tours. The FLWO education center is expected to expand in the coming years, playing a key role in the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) Arizona program to be launched in 2025. STARS Arizona will deliver telescopes and related educational programs to rural schools across Arizona and surrounding regions.
SUMMARY
The FLWO Director oversees the daily operations and activities of the observatory, with broad responsibilities that include program management, budget oversight, technical guidance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, site management, and supervision of the FLWO visitor center. The incumbent ensures that FLWO telescope facilities maintain optimal quality and operational efficiency while leading an active education program focused on community outreach, engagement, and education that aligns with the goals of the Smithsonian Institution and SAO.
MAJOR DUTIES
Technical Leadership, Program, and Project Management
Serves as the primary manager for FLWO operations, overseeing technical staff across engineering, IT, education/outreach, and administrative roles. Implements policies and best practices for observatory operations, including installation, maintenance, and upgrades, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Manages timelines and resources for scientific equipment, troubleshooting and prioritizing projects effectively. Coordinates with the education and outreach team to support technical needs for public programs and visitor center activities.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Develops and oversees the FLWO’s annual budget, working closely with SAO leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility. Meets financial objectives by forecasting FLWO requirements, preparing an annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating budget corrective actions as needed. Monitors expenditures, aligns spending with operational priorities, and prepares detailed budget justifications to support program goals, including funding for educational and public outreach initiatives.
Visitor Center, Education, and Public Outreach
Oversees operations at the FLWO Visitor Center. Supports engagement efforts at the Visitor Center and promotes educational initiatives. Works with staff to develop and deliver programs to help the public understand FLWO’s mission and research. Oversees public tours, educational workshops, and extraordinary events, ensuring that information is accessible and aligned with the observatory’s mission. Supports the STARS education program to deliver telescopes to rural schools in Arizona and the surrounding region.
Operations Oversight and Staff Supervision
Serves as the primary manager for FLWO operations, overseeing technical staff across engineering, IT, education/outreach, and administrative roles. Implements policies and best practices for observatory operations, including installation, maintenance, and upgrades, while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Manages timelines and resources for scientific equipment, troubleshooting and prioritizing projects effectively. Coordinates with the education and outreach team to support technical needs for public programs and visitor center activities.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Develops and oversees the FLWO’s annual budget, working closely with SAO leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility. Meets financial objectives by forecasting FLWO requirements, preparing an annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating budget corrective actions as needed. Monitors expenditures, aligns spending with operational priorities, and prepares detailed budget justifications to support program goals, including funding for educational and public outreach initiatives.
Visitor Center, Education, and Public Outreach
Oversees operations at the FLWO Visitor Center. Supports engagement efforts at the Visitor Center and promotes educational initiatives. Works with staff to develop and deliver programs to help the public understand FLWO’s mission and research. Oversees public tours, educational workshops, and extraordinary events, ensuring that information is accessible and aligned with the observatory’s mission. Supports the STARS education program to deliver telescopes to rural schools in Arizona and the surrounding region.
Operations Oversight and Staff Supervision
Directs daily FLWO operations, overseeing staff assignment, training, and evaluation. Provides guidance on project planning, professional development, and work quality to ensure high performance. Manages recruitment, addresses grievances, and promotes a positive and collaborative work environment, including support for educational outreach activities.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Acts as the FLWO liaison, engaging respectfully with community leaders and local organizations. Leads discussions on-site management, fosters cultural sensitivity, and ensures open communication channels to align operations with community needs and expectations. Strengthens relationships with local stakeholders through outreach and visitor programs that respect cultural heritage and environmental values.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 14 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 14 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Experience and knowledge in observational astronomy and facility management, with deep knowledge of optical telescopes and instrumentation, including their construction, installation, and integration into existing infrastructure.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data.
- Exceptional skills and proficient in financial software and applications, including advanced Excel.
- Exceptional knowledge in detail and accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.
- Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Proven superior ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong collaboration and people skills.
- Expert leadership skills, with the ability to provide guidance and support to finance and non-finance team members.
- Skill in written and oral communication techniques sufficient to develop and deliver briefings, project papers, status/staff reports, and correspondence to managers to foster understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.
- Mastery of project management to enable the tracking and completion of multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent people skills and an ability to communicate orally and in writing required.
- Mastery of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating program effectiveness and for studying and improving the effectiveness of the assigned business units and/or complex systems that exist within these units.
- Skill and ability to gather, analyze, evaluate, and interpret information to arrive at an opinion or decision.
- Mastery of change management practices and principles to ensure that customers, partners, employees, technology, human resources, finance, and budget are all aligned to facilitate change to improve operations and meet goals for the assigned organizations.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
CV/Resume must include a bibliography. It should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
Source : Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory