Middlesex School seeks a part-time Observatory Technician for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Observatory Technician’s main responsibility is the maintenance of and training on the use of the astronomy based equipment on campus. This includes:

• Use of the Main imaging telescope (prime focus, fork mounted telescope), its attached camera with eight filter filter wheel, and dome control
• Support software to control and to use the main telescope including the SkyX Pro and Dome control
• Two Celestron CPC deluxe telescopes for visual observing with external solar filters and eyepieces
• Astronomical image collection, basic image processing, specialized processing as required to support Astronomy course work and Independent Study Projects
• Establishment of image processing capabilities, image archives, support for submission of derived data (such as to the MPC where we are site I29 or to the AAVSO)
• Support to the Astronomy faculty for events, classroom work, and evening observing labs (1x weekly for 1 semester, weather permitting)
• Support for Astronomy Club evening activities (1x/month)
• Support for campus wide astronomy activities (2-3x/year)
• Identification of maintenance needs.

Schedule

Approximately 3.5 hours per week generally, typically Monday through Friday during school hours and evenings for nighttime observations; 10 months (mid-August to mid-June) per year. Days and hours may be adjusted to meet department needs, including occasional nights and weekends.

Competencies 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
• Excellent adaptability skills - flexible in handling change and new or immediate requests, adjust to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches, juggle multiple demands and tasks
• Ability to work independently
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of School life.
• Strong empathy with demonstrated success in providing student-centered, solution-focused mentoring to high school-aged students.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of community groups of varying skills and backgrounds including students, parents, staff, and faculty.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work.
• Willingness to put students needs ahead of your own when interacting with students.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with other employees.

Work Environment 

• In observatory environments
• In multiple storage rooms and classrooms

Physical demands 

• Prolonged periods of standing
• Ability to climb ladders for observatory maintenance.
• Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, freezing temperatures, etc.) in the observatory dome and on the observatory roof.
• Communication skills using the spoken and written word
• Ability to use a visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example using pipettes, disassembling drones, manipulating tweezers, crucible tongs, etc.
• Ability to see clearly enough to read observatory instruments.
• Ability to traverse various areas of the facility (including unpaved areas, dirt paths, uneven terrain, etc.) to maneuver between buildings on campus, attend events, etc.

Required education and experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, graduate degree preferred
• Experience working in a observatory setting
• Proficient with Google Apps
• Experience with observatory safety measures. 

Additional eligibility requirements 

Able to successfully complete CHRI, CORI, and SORI checks

Middlesex School is committed to bringing together a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We encourage candidates who represent the broad, diverse community to which we aspire.

Middlesex School is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive school experience for all.

JOB CODE: 1000085