NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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 for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

Part of the Central Operations Services group, the Kitt Peak Food Services team remains successful by working well together with a spirit of cooperation. Together they provide a safe, healthy, pleasant, and functional environment for all.

We have an opening for a full-time Cook to support the operations of the Kitt Peak National Observatory. We are looking for a talented team player to join our friendly team and perform basic cooking duties at a proficient level and more advanced functions as required in the preparation and serving of food within the Dining Facility under supervision of the Food Services Supervisor or designee. The work location is at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Working hours are generally 10-hour days, Wednesday through Saturday; however occasional over-time or additional workdays may be required.

Transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus. Under current COVID-19 preventative measures, employees can drive or share an AURA vehicle from the base facility to Kitt Peak (driving an AURA vehicle requires a valid state driver’s license and an AURA issued GSA license).

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and assists in cooking meals per planned menu.
• Makes fresh soups, salads and sauces as required.
• Prepares night or box lunches as requested.
• Assists in planning and preparing meal portions to limit waste.
• Serves food to staff and visitors.
• Cleans cooking utensils, dishes and kitchen area as required.
• Prepares and stores leftovers to prevent spoilage.
• May assist in menu preparation, food inventory maintenance as required.
• Performs other tasks as required.
• Employs safe operating methods and practices and reports unsafe conditions or procedures. May serve on emergency response team as required.
• Complies with applicable health department guidelines.
• 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.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• At least one-year experience in food preparation with emphasis on cooking. Experience cooking for large groups, preferred.
• Ability to cooperate with others.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Communications skills necessary to effectively complete assignments.
• Must have or be able to obtain Food Sanitation Certificate with the Pima County Health Department – certificate must remain valid through employment.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by AURA/NOIRLab

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must be able to work at 6,800 feet altitude

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/employee-benefits-guide/

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at NOIRLab. Our managing organization, AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by February 17, 2023.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.