Job Location : Boulder,CO, USA
CIRES/ NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, South Pole Observatory Technician
Requisition Number: 66647
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 19-Aug-2025
Date Posted:
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 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 full-time, with training in Boulder Colorado before deploying to Antarctica in January 2026.
CIRES and GML offer opportunities for career development so this position is appropriate for someone who is excited about work and professional growth in a scientific research environment.
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 GML staff; facilitating onsite logistics such as shipping and cargo deliveries; maintain site parts and supplies inventory; and conduct outreach onsite and virtually. As a member of the larger South Pole community, candidates 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
25% 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 ozonesonde balloon package launches.
10% Coordinates onsite 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 South Pole as available.
10% Synthesizes testing and equipment results and provide 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.
What You Should Know
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.
This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder with the work location being South Pole Station, Antarctica.
If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access.
Ability to work in remote areas, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to occasionally work outside of typical business hours to communicate with international partners in other time zones and/or complete fieldwork.
What We Can Offer
CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package.
The annual hiring salary range for this position is $56,848 to $63,000. Hazard pay and overtime will be provided. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
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.
This position can accommodate a hybrid work environment.
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
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits ( , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder ( .
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Be creative. Be inspired. Be Boulder.
What We Require
Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related physical science fields.
Hands-on, practical experience with basic laboratory and mechanical tools and equipment.
Experience operating specialized atmospheric monitoring instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometry, solar radiometers, IR analyzers, aerosol measurement instrumentation, and air sampling collection systems.
Experience with public speaking and/or presentations to groups.
Remote field operations experience.
Must be able to travel to 12,000 ft ASL, work in extreme cold conditions, and pass a National Science Foundation physical to deploy to Antarctica over the winter.
NSF Physical Qualification Guidelines. (
Experience climbing and working on towers with formal Authorized Tower Climber certification.
Must be able to obtain a visa for New Zealand travel.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license for the operation of government and rental vehicles.
Passport (applicant must have a valid passport through 2027).
What You Will Need
Clear understanding of atmospheric sciences and measurement techniques.
Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and interest in working and interacting with collaborators around the world.
Attention to detail, organization, and basic, practical hands-on skills.
Working proficiency with standard office and laboratory computer systems and software applications (spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing applications).
Ability to create clear technical documentation and/or presentations for use by others.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and in a collaborative and inclusive 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.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
Resume or CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Although not required at the time of application, if you are identified as a finalist for this role, the hiring committee will request professional references at a later time.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
This position will close on August 19, 2025 .
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.
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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.