Observatory facility staff requirements and local labor markets

David Rabanus

doi:10.1117/12.925440

25 September 2012 Observatory facility staff requirements and local labor markets

David Rabanus

Proceedings Volume 8449, Modeling, Systems Engineering, and Project Management for Astronomy V; 84490J (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925440
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Current large observatories, both in operation and projects in development or construction, face the challenge to find skilled personnel for integration and operation. Typical locations of these observatories are found to be remote, mainly due to electromagnetic pollution prevention, which in many if not all cases reduces the attractiveness of the work posts. Additional budgetary limitations restrict the recruitment radius for certain positions to the local labor market. This paper outlines these staffing constraints in more detail and elaborates on the need for training programs on various levels, which can be costly. This, in turn, drives the need for creative retention efforts. Therefore, financial modeling, contingency, risk and quality management, and the reliability, availability, and maintainability of an observatory are directly coupled to the local embedding in the labor market of the host country.

Citation Download Citation

David Rabanus "Observatory facility staff requirements and local labor markets", Proc. SPIE 8449, Modeling, Systems Engineering, and Project Management for Astronomy V, 84490J (25 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925440

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