Job that requires a head for heights (From Warrington Guardian)

Job that requires a head for heights

AN ELECTRICIAN with a head for heights could land himself a job fixing Jodrell Bank's famous Lovell telescope.

The observatory needs a new technician to join its high-flying team.

"When you go up there and the wind starts blowing it does get a bit scary," said telescope engineer Ray Comber, 41.

But no one needs to worry.

Electricians are taught rope climbing techniques before they start work on the giant structure that dominates the Cheshire horizon.

Electrical supervisor Frank Manning, 40, said applicants who liked climbing would enjoy the challenge.

"It's quite fun for people who like that sort of thing," he said.

"I do a bit of climbing myself so I've got a head for heights." The 290ft Lovell telescope is almost as tall as Big Ben's clock tower in London. Its 250ft dish is more than twice the width of the dome at St Paul's Cathedral.

Last week Tony Battilana, chief engineer at Jodrell Bank, said bosses would ensure job applicants were prepared.

"An ability to work at heights is a standard item on any of our job ads," he said.

"Some people get a bit wobbly from being off the ground."

The Lovell telescope is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world.Some of its parts, which help to tilt the dish at any angle, are more than 45 years old.

Scientists have used the telescope to probe space since 1957, producing groundbreaking results such as pictures of the first Moon landing.

Electricians at the observatory are responsible for keeping the telescope in action throughout the year.

Last week Mr Comber, who has worked at Jodrell for six years, said staff sometimes had to work unusual hours.

"The main telescope had a bit of a failure on Christmas Eve last year," he said. "A couple of people had to come in then and get it going again."

Last week staff at Jodrell Bank said most people would enjoy working in the unusual setting.

But Mr Comber said the new electrician, who should get between £16,000 and £19,000, would still perform many routine tasks.

"Some days they might just be fixing plugs in the office," he said.