EAO/JCMT Employment Opportunities
The East Asian Observatory embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to creating a team that welcomes different backgrounds, perspectives, experience and skills. A diverse team works better, and we commit to making a working environment in which everyone feels empowered.
ASIAA/EAO Computing/Network Specialist (ID #225653)
This position is joint between ASIAA and EAO, and is advertised on RCUH as position #225653.
CLOSING DATE: December 4, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), Hawaii Operations office, and East Asian Observatory (EAO), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,100 – $9,029/Mon.
DUTIES: Manages the computing and the network need for the telescope projects operated by the ASIAA Hawaii Operations project. The current projects are the Submillimeter Array (SMA) located on Maunakea, the Y.T. Lee Array for Microwave Background Anisotropy (YTLA) site on Mauna Loa, and the FRB site located in Ka’u, Hawai’i, and any other ASIAA ongoing projects sited in Hawai’i. Advises the engineering and scientific staff in the array testing as necessary. Communicates with Taipei staff for observational data transfer and documents operation process and progress. Required to drive themselves, ride with others and possibly drive others to the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), SMA, YTLA, and FRB site, and other locations in the community. Manages the computing and the network need for the East Asian Observatory. The EAO operates the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), located on Maunakea. Advises the engineering and scientific staff on computing and network needs. Communicates with international partners on interface to computing and data systems.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Science, Engineering or a closely related discipline (Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Science, Engineering or a closely related discipline and at least two (2) years of related experience may substitute for Bachelor’s Degree.).
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience in computing and networking associated with astronomical telescopes in an academic environment, or an office/industrial environment. Must have demonstrated capability in managing and networking a complex computing system with different platforms (e.g., Window, Linux, UNIX, and Mac, etc.).
KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of PC, and Mac, workstations, and knowledge of various operating systems, as well as TCP/IP network switching, routing, and connectivity. Familiar with the command line interface and computing application scripting languages such as CSH, Perl and Python.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Able to set up and maintain blogging and data logging systems. Able to provide clear and concise self-expression both verbally as well as written. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within twelve (12) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination and maintain proof of high-altitude clearance throughout the duration of employment.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with database systems. Experience with setup and maintenance of web systems.
INQUIRIES: Susan O’Neal 808-961-2942 (Hawai‘i).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.
EAO/JCMT Head of Administration (ID #251201)
JOB SUMMARY: Regular, Full-Time position with the East Asian Observatory (EAO), located in Hilo, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
This is a Senior administrative position and the postholder reports to the President EAO and leads the EAO’s Administration Division including its reorganization, which provides all the administrative support for the EAO and covers the range of activity that can usually be found within the finance and human resources functions of a public sector organization. The postholder is required to act as Designated Official in the off-island absence of the President EAO, and during such times is required to deal with any situation including any emergencies arising. Required to drive themselves, ride with others and possibly drive others to the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) and other locations in the community.
SCOPE OF POSITION:
Reports to: Director, Geoffrey Bower, or his designee.
Supervises:
(1) EAO/JCMT Finance Administrator
(1) EAO/JCMT HR Associate
(1) EAO/JCMT Financial Assistant
(1) EAO/JCMT Administrative Office Associate
Budgetary and/or Fiscal Responsibilities: Budget/Fiscal Responsibilities are considered a primary role in this job. Responsibilities include budget planning and administration. Outcomes will affect single/multiple EAO operations directly or indirectly. Work is reviewed and approvals are provided by specific delegation.
Signature Authorities:
- Personnel Actions
- Time Reports & Payroll Actions
- Purchasing Actions
- Receiving Reports/Communications
- Receiving Supplies/Services
Level of Interaction: The success of the EAO depends on its ability to attract, retain and motivate a highly-skilled scientific, engineering and technical, and administrative workforce, and strategic management of human resources is therefore of particular importance. The postholder must also interact effectively and professionally with a wide range of people within the EAO, collaborators with the EAO, and in the local community. Planned site visits to the JCMT will be carried out at the summit of Maunakea at 14,000 feet elevation, and may be required to drive themselves, ride with others and possibly drive others to the JCMT.
Required to work effectively with little supervision. Good communicator with problem solving skills appropriate to the job; able to work as part of a team. Interacts and communicates (verbally, in written form or electronically) respectfully and professionally with supervisors, coworkers and others at all times.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
| 50% | 1. | Finance
|
| 25% | 2. | Assumes general responsibility for the efficient running of the Hilo Office. Works closely with the EAO/JCMT Deputy Director/Head of Instrumentation and Engineering on matters relating to the arrangements for cleaning, accommodation, refurbishment, telephones, etc. Liaises with the University of Hawaii and other Maunakea observatories on matters relating to University Park. |
| 10% | 3.
|
Acts as office in charge of the EAO during the President’s absence off-island. Develops and maintains effective contacts and working relationships in the local community, including staff and management of Mauna Kea Observatories Support Services, Office of Mauna Kea Management, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, other Manuakea observatories, and local businesses.
Acts as risk management coordinator. Services as member of the EAO Safety Committee and on any ad hoc Accident/Injury Investigation Committee. |
| 10% | 4. | Serves as a member of the Senior Management Team that advises and makes recommendations to the President EAO on matters concerned with the operational effectiveness of the EAO. |
| 5% | 5. | Performs other duties as assigned. |
Primary Qualifications
Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience: At least seven (7) years experience at management level including effective staff management. At least five (5) years of experience supporting accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing. At least two (2) years of experience in line management including annual performance reporting, training, and disciplinary matters. Experience with change management. Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment. Relevant experience in the finance area.
Knowledge: Significant experience in public sector administration including a sound understanding of the key principles of financial planning and control, risk management and mitigation. Knowledge of accounting principles, including accruals and management accounting requirements. Knowledge of Oracle based accounting systems, Accounts Payable, Cash Management and Project Accounting modules.
Abilities and Skills: The ability to command the respect of peers and colleagues and to maintain a calm composure at all times. The ability to interact effectively with multi-disciplined staff at all levels in a multi-cultural environment. The ability to apply policies and procedures effectively within a small- to medium-sized organization, to make sound decisions under the pressure of tight deadlines, and to display good judgment. Excellent organizational and communication skills; the ability to produce clear and concise written work and to communicate effectively in a range of media, i.e., electronically, by phone, videoconference or face-to-face. The ability to use a range of administrative software such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation packages.
Proficiency with computerized accounting packages for both Financial and Management Accounting, word processing software (Microsoft Word) and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel). Ability to clearly convey, both orally and in writing, financial requirements and procedures to all levels of staff. Ability to clearly explain financial issues with international partners. Proven ability to interact effectively and deal tactfully with others.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle (or be able to drive these vehicles following appropriate training). If personal vehicle will be used for business purpose: Must possess proof of personal vehicle insurance and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must also provide the EAO Human Resources Department with driver’s license information and keep current throughout the duration of employment. Failure to meet this requirement or falsification of documents may result in disciplinary action including and up to termination of employment.
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS
Experience of delivering change management programs. Experience with Human Resources functions. Experience of working in a scientific or operational environment. Membership in the Chartered Institute of Professional Development or equivalent. Certification as Public Accountant.
Physical and/or Medical Demands: Any moving, handling, or lifting is likely to be negligible but in all cases would be undertaken within the Health and Safety standards set by the EAO.
How To Apply: You must submit the following documents to be considered for the position: cover letter, resume, (2) supervisory references (contact details including title and email address), and a copy of any educational degrees or certifications relevant to the position. All submissions must be received by the closing date stated on the job posting via email to careers@eaobservatory.org, fax (808/961-6516) or on location at 660 N. A’ohoku Place, Hilo.
Closing Date: December 26, 2025
Posted: EAO Employment Page