The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services.
The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Coordinator is responsible for supporting all safety, security, health, and environmental programs for the NOIRLab Arizona locations. This role collaborates with the Global EHS Team, as well as managers, engineers, technical staff, administrative staff, and contractors, to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations. Responsibilities include maintaining a safe and healthy working environment through regular inspections, training sessions, incident response, and on-site safety support. The Coordinator plays a key role in fostering a proactive safety culture across all programs and operations in Arizona. We provide a flexible work schedule for the successful candidate.
This Position will require travel to Kitt Peak National Observatory multiple days a week, approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona.
Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation
Essential Functions:
- Performs routine and as-needed inspections, audits, and investigations of the NOIRLab Arizona facilities to ensure compliance with NOIRLab site procedures and accepted EHS standards and best practices. Reviews procedures and assesses risks before critical tasks, taking corrective action when necessary to maintain a safe working environment. Examples include, but are not limited to: reviewing fall protection equipment and programs, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), electrical safety (lockout/tagout, arc-flash etc.), rigging and lifting practices, scaffold assembly and use, PPE and its proper use and maintenance, equipment operator certifications, confined space evaluation, welding safety, fire prevention measures etc.
- Maintains appropriate documentation and required records; prepares reports and other necessary documents, and meets with EHS leadership regularly to discuss progress and address any issues.
- Documents incidents, conducts investigations to determine root causes, and participates in post-incident reviews and follow-up activities; prepares and disseminates post-incident paperwork and reports in coordination with other company EHS personnel.
- Coordinates, schedules and provides OSHA, NFPA and other recommended safety training sessions for employees, volunteers and contractors, develops and delivers training as needed, ensures training records are maintained and up to date, and assists in the development of new training courses to address emerging safety and security needs.
- Assists in updating policies, procedures, forms, and other technical documents related to EHS programs, ensuring they align with applicable current regulations, codes, standards, best practices, and NOIRLab organizational needs.
- Ensures necessary reporting requirements are met regarding NOIRLab safety, health, workers compensation, security, and environmental compliance.
- All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
Other Functions:
- Depending on the assigned duty location, the employee may be required to maintain a state and/or national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and perform associated emergency and medical response duties.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management or similar relevant field and 2 year’s experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Working knowledge of health and safety principles, safety system implementation and auditing, management practices, and engineering principles, especially structural or mechanical.
- Knowledge of OSHA, State, Local or Tribal regulations, codes and standards pertaining to safety, health and environmental hazardous and waste.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including outstanding presentation and training skills. Proven communication and team constructing abilities/skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and projects.
- Ability to meet the physical aspects of performing inspections, audits, surveys, equipment evaluations, etc. including walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, etc. at altitudes of 7000+ feet.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (docs, sheets, etc) and/or MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) or similar software, multimedia and standard office equipment
- Must possess a current, clean, and valid driver’s license as required by local laws.
- Ability to safely drive mountain, dirt and gravel roads.
Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:
- Active industry certification such as ASP, CHST etc.
- Experience in construction safety and contractor management
- Knowledge of observatory facilities infrastructure
- Fall Protection and Critical Lift Competent Person training
- RCRA training and experience
- NFPA 70-E Electrical Safety training
- Bilingual in English & Spanish
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
- Frequent need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
- Frequent need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
- Frequently moves technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds throughout office locations.
- Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
- Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
- Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).
- Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees
Salary Range:
$70,736 - $98,342. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/
How to Apply
Apply by April 2, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here
