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CIRES/ NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, South Pole Observatory Technician

University of Colorado Boulder -
Boulder, CO

Job Details

Full-time
$47,652 - $71,060 a year

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
On-the-job training
Retirement plan

Qualifications

Air sampling
Computer operation
Engineering equipment malfunctions diagnostics
System administration
Content creation for technical audiences
Operating systems
Connector assembly
Technical documentation
Word processing
Cable termination
Spreadsheets
Presentations for conferences or internal meetings
Soldering tools
Air quality monitoring
Antenna tower climbing
Firewall
Driver's License
Laboratory equipment repair
Measuring instruments
Troubleshooting electrical systems
Laboratory standard operating procedures
Gas sensors
Network support
Equipment malfunction response
Instrumentation repair
Environmental monitoring
Environmental field sampling
Electrical maintenance
Electrical termination installation
Technical troubleshooting support

Full Job Description

Requisition Number:

72180

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

03-Jun-2026

Date Posted:

02-Jun-2026

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking a motivated and dependable South Pole Instrument Technician to support the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory’s (GML) South Pole Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (SPO) operations. NOAA GML operates the SPO onsite at the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, located at the geographic South Pole in Antarctica. The NOAA SPO conducts in situ and remote atmospheric and solar measurements to study long-term trends in atmospheric composition from this remote location. The overall scientific programs and administrative functions of the observatories are handled from Boulder with on-site staff caring for day-to-day station activities. This position is a full-time term position, starting as soon as possible with training in-person in Boulder, Colorado. Deployment to Antarctica will be in mid-late October, 2026. This is a term-position not expected to last beyond December 31, 2027.

The successful candidate will diligently conduct on-site daily operations in close coordination with the station lead at the SPO, to include: instrument maintenance, repair, and basic quality control; communicating instrument and facility status to principal investigators and Boulder (CO) GML staff; facilitating onsite logistics such as shipping and cargo deliveries; maintaining site parts and supplies inventory; and conducting outreach onsite and virtually. As a member of the larger South Pole community, the technician will spend a portion of each week assisting with washing dishes in the galley, cleaning common spaces, and serving as a member of the South Pole Emergency Response Team.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducts research that addresses three major climate challenges: greenhouse gas emissions and carbon cycle feedbacks; changes in clouds, aerosols, and surface radiation; and recovery of stratospheric ozone. NOAA/GML operates staffed atmospheric baseline observatories from which numerous in situ and remote atmospheric and solar measurements are conducted. The overall scientific programs and administrative functions of the observatories are handled from Boulder with on-site staff caring for day-to-day station activities.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Supports high-quality maintenance and calibration of all NOAA and collaborative instrumentation at the observatory by completing daily checks on all systems, reporting out-of-specification calibration and observation results, completing required maintenance and repairs to instruments. (25%)
Conducts discrete observations such as daily total column ozone observations, weekly flask air sampling, and near-weekly ozone sonde balloon package launches. (25%)
Coordinates on-site logistics at the observatory, including shipping/receiving, parts and supplies inventory, facility maintenance, safety inspections, and snow removal. (10%)
Maintains logistical, operational and scientific records associated with sampling network sites, as well as reporting requirements for NOAA and CIRES. (10%)
Conducts outreach through presentations and tours at SPO for distinguished visitors and station staff. Participates in virtual opportunities from the South Pole as available. (10%)
Synthesizes testing and equipment results and provides science and operational highlights to the GML communications team on a regular (bi-monthly) basis through meetings, oral presentations, and written results. (10%)
Serves as a member of the South Pole Emergency Response Team, participating in weekly training and drills, and responding to emergencies as they arise. Participates in observatory and regular station cleaning/dishwashing. (10%)

What You Should Know

This is a term-limited position not expected to last beyond December 31, 2027.
Applicants needing visa sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The finalist must have or be able to obtain a passport before deployment with validity for international travel through December 31, 2027.
Candidates must also be able to obtain a visa for travel to New Zealand.
Deployment to Antarctica is contingent upon meeting all applicable federal program requirements, including medical, psychological, and training clearances, as determined by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other program partners. Candidates must be able to successfully complete and maintain these requirements as a condition of participation and employment.
This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder with the work location being South Pole Station, Antarctica (after a period of training in Boulder, CO).
If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process
Applicants will work in a remote area of extreme cold temperatures, with limited internet availability, climb ladders and a tower, and will need to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Finalist must be able to travel to 12,000 ft ASL, work in extreme cold and isolated conditions.
Must be comfortable and proficient climbing to and working at significant heights and must possess formal Authorized Tower Climber certification while performing instrument installs, mechanical repairs, and cable management or be able to obtain certification prior to deployment.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license for the operation of government and rental vehicles.
The individual will occasionally work outside of typical business hours to communicate with international partners in other time zones and/or complete fieldwork or troubleshooting.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $47,652 to $71,060. Hazard pay and overtime will be provided. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Some relocation funds are available to help offset expenses, following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be engaged. Be unique. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Physics or related physical science fields.
At least two years of experience in fieldwork operations in remote environments.
Hands-on, practical experience with mechanical, electrical, and laboratory tools and equipment (e.g. experience with scientific plumbing, high-pressure gas cylinders, pump systems, scientific glassware, etc.).
Experience operating specialized continuous measurement atmospheric monitoring instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, cavity ring down spectroscopy, solar radiometers, IR analyzers, aerosol instrumentation, and stationary/portable air sampling collection systems.
Experience with basic computer administration, networking and communication (configure firewalls, mapping network drives, installing software).
Experience with public speaking and/or presentations to groups.

What You Will Need

Ability to professionally receive and implement technical guidance from remote support teams, maintaining a constructive attitude during high-pressure troubleshooting scenarios.
Clear understanding of atmospheric sciences and measurement techniques.
Proficiency in component-level troubleshooting, soldering cable terminations, and replacing electrical components.
Attention to detail, organization, and basic practical hands-on skills.
Working proficiency with standard office and laboratory computer systems and software applications (Linx operating system, spreadsheet, presentation, LaTeX, and word processing applications).
Ability to create clear technical documentation and/or presentations.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Interest and proficiency in analyzing data streams and other sources of information and working with colleagues and external partners to diagnose problems and formulate solutions.
Commitment to transparent communication regarding errors or uncertainties without hesitation, ensuring the integrity of the data and the safety of the instrumentation.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and interest in working and interacting with collaborators around the world.
Ability to maintain a high standard of lab etiquette, including workspace organization, tool accountability, and proactive cleanliness. Demonstrates the interpersonal "soft skills" required to share a workspace with colleagues of diverse technical backgrounds and learning styles.
Ability to recognize and immediately report data anomalies or equipment malfunctions.
Judgment to pause operations and seek authorization before deviating from standard operating procedures (SOPs).

What We Would Like You to Have

Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

At least 3 years of experience beyond bachelor’s degree in fieldwork operations in remote environments.
Experience in scientific project management or logistics.
Experience with foreign travel, comfortable with evolving itineraries and adaptable to abrupt schedule changes.

Special Instructions

To apply please submit the following materials with your application:

Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are identified as a finalist, the search committee will request professional references at a later time.

This position will close on June 3, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Julianne Fernandez

Posting Contact Email: [email protected]

Job Summary

Who We Are

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What You Should Know

What We Can Offer

Benefits

Be Statements

What We Require

What You Will Need

What We Would Like You to Have

Special Instructions

Posting Contact Information

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