Astronomy Acres Remote Observatories ( AARO ) hosts remote astrophotography equipment under Bortle 1 skies for astronomers across the country. We are currently looking for a work-camper with experience in and passion for astronomy and astrophotography.
We require someone on-site at our remote observatories to handle routine / periodic tasks as well as any tasks which may be required by our customers.
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with telescopes, equatorial mounts and astro-Imaging equipment
- Ability to follow verbal instructions ( e.g. remote troubleshooting with the Owner over the phone )
- Customer first / friendly attitude
Desirable (but not required) Skills:
- Remote imaging experience
- Ability to polar align a telescope
- Basic mechanical skills
- Basic electrical skills
-
Tech savy / Basic IT skills
Duties typically include, but are not limited to:
- Inspection of the observatories, control mechanisms, and equipment.
- Cleaning / dusting / tidying up of the observatories as needed.
- Re-powering customer equipment, re-plugging cables, swapping astrophotography cameras, filters, etc. as requested through our ticket system.
- Assist customers when on-site to help with installation and/or removal of astronomy equipment, sometimes exceeding 30 lbs of weight.
These duties are largely not time sensitive with expected completion usually within 24 hours ( or as weather permits ). An exception would be if a mechanical failure prevents a roof from closing, manual closing of the roof could be very time sensitive depending on the conditions. However, you don’t need to stay up and monitor things — we have automated alerts for time sensitive issues.
A typical week will be between 4 to 8 hours of work. Some weeks may be more, most weeks will be less. Thus, most of your time will be your own. You are welcome to continue to work remotely from our location, be self-employed, etc.
Benefits include:
- A full hook-up site under Bortle 1 skies in SW New Mexico, including Water, Sewer and Electric.
- High speed internet access via Starlink satellite internet.
- A spot in our remote observatories will also be available for your own astronomy / astrophotography gear for the duration of your stay!
Please note:
AARO is located in Rodeo, NM – a very remote location. The closest grocery store is a 45 minute drive. FedEx and UPS deliver on-site, but US Postal Service requires a trip to the post-office for pick-up ( 15 minutes away ). Amazon deliveries arrive via UPS and usually take 4 to 7 days.
If interested, please complete and submit the form below.
