Student Telescope Operator - Institutional Student Worker

Overview

Job Title:

Student Telescope Operator - Institutional Student Worker

Location:

UNG-Dahlonega, GA

Regular/Temporary:
Temporary

Full/Part Time:
Part-Time

Job

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 nearly 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.

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for student telescope operators at the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory for the 2025/2026 academic year. Telescope operators will assist with public observing and telescope viewing sessions, public outreach events, and UNG student laboratory exercises. 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.

• Telescope operators 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.
• Promote laboratory safety to ensure a safe working environment for staff and guests.

• 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.
• Ability to work as part of a larger team is essential.

• Must be enrolled at the University of North Georgia in a minimum of six (6) credit hours to qualify as a student worker.
• Preferred:
  Introductory astronomy coursework (ASTR 1010, 1020, or 3150).
• Prior experience operating small telescopes is advantageous.

• Resume
• Cover letter

The University System of Georgia is comprised of 26 institutions of higher education and the System Office. Core values:
Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details at USG Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and online at the USG site.

Freedom of Expression is supported as stated in Board Policy 6.5, available online.

The University of North Georgia is a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college. Details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture are available online.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including criminal background check, credential verification, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

UNG 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. UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

• This role is considered a position of trust.

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.

• Position of Trust