
The maintenance staff of MGIO boast a very broad range of talents. The crew, Joe James,
Shane Olson, Doug Roden, Armando Alvarado, Brian Waggoner, and Larry Hutchins are the "jacks of all trades." From plumbing to diesel mechanics; heavy
equipment operation to telecommunications system maintenance; road maintenance to telescope
maintenance; even design and fabrication of intricate assemblies; and finally -- complete
re-builds on equipment in addition to maintaining a 24 hour on-call duty system.
All team members are trained in "First Responders" life saving
techniques. These men do it all...
"The Water Wagon," a Kenworth tractor and our newest addition to the
truck fleet, provides enhanced capabilities for the operation of the remote observatory
site. This semi-tractor and 3,150 gallon tanker make the haul of potable water
to the "top" a bit more tolerable.
Preventative maintenance (in systems such as power generation, fire suppression,
utility plant operation and heavy equipment) is what keeps the site operating at an
extraordinarily high level of reliability. Road maintenance (especially in the winter
season) requires a high level of expertise.
Each maintenance technician is required to participate in the 24 hour on-call
"Duty System". The "Duty
Person" insures the smooth operation of all self contained systems at the
remote observatory site. The crew also maintain and repair the heavy equipment,
buildings, utility systems and grounds.