Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

Main Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Perform and document preventive maintenance on hydraulic, diesel fuel, glycol cooling, and pneumatic systems using manufacturer instructions and internal documentation.
• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of custom mechanical systems, such as the dome shutter and dome drive, as well as telescope structure and drive.
• Perform daily and weekly building checks and assist with snow removal as needed.
• Operate cranes and lifts for various activities such as instrument exchanges and mirror recoating.
• Participate in the design, fabrication, and implementation of mechanical upgrades to the observatory.
• Take the initiative to present ways to make things safer, better, easier, "cooler."
• Keep track of spares and consumables and initiate replacement as needed.
• Participate and engage in group meetings, safety discussions, and applicable design reviews.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• High school degree or vocational training in mechanics, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Ability to read and understand written and electronic work orders.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to work on call at various hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays (occasionally).
• Ability to perform duties effectively and safely at the CFHT observatory site at an altitude of close to 14,000 feet, with low temperatures and low humidity.
• Current driver's license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle on a partially unpaved mountain road during the day and at night.
• Willingness to work at heights in excess of 70 feet above the ground.
• Experience in basic machining is also desirable.

Professional Expectations

• Of upstanding character: trustworthy, dependable, committed, and able to maintain confidentiality as needed.
• Highly motivated, of friendly demeanor, with a strong desire to be creative and have fun.
• Respectful of the diversity of the company - both in terms of people and opinions - the local community of which it is a part, and Maunakea, where the observatory is located.
• Willing, as needed, to provide on-call support during astronomical observations, which take place during the overnight hours every day of the year.
• Willing to participate in other projects and activities as assigned.