Emergency Systems Technician

University of Texas at Austin

26d • Onsite

About The Position

Utilities and Energy Management at The University of Texas at Austin seeks an Emergency Systems Technician to perform journey-level work on emergency generators and standby electrical systems. The role provides advanced technical expertise in the design, maintenance, and evaluation of electrical conversion equipment and battery systems, supporting reliable utility services across campus facilities and infrastructure.

The technician performs maintenance and testing, coordinates equipment repairs, evaluates upgrades, maintains technical drawings and records, and prepares specifications and operating instructions. The position works alongside trades and craft personnel in power plants, chilling stations, utility tunnels, and other underground utility locations. It includes an on-call program, required use of a university cell phone during work and on-call hours, and work in variable weather and potentially confined or elevated spaces. The position requires a Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

This is a regular staff position scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Extended shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required; overtime may be requested. The listed salary is $65,000 and up, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Five years of journey-level repair and maintenance experience with natural gas and diesel generators, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or utility distribution equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Class C operator's driver's license; selected applicant must provide a current three-year driving record. A non-Texas resident must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
• Ability to complete physical abilities testing, including removing or replacing a 100-pound manhole cover and dragging it 10 feet; pushing or pulling 100 pounds of resistance; lifting and carrying 90 pounds; lifting one 45-pound weight up a ladder; and performing kneeling work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and on elevated structures, and to participate in on-call work and overtime as requested.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• More than five years of related journey-level experience repairing and maintaining natural gas and diesel electrical generators, industrial plant mechanical, electrical, or industrial equipment, or utility distribution systems.
• Experience maintaining power plant or similar industrial or utility equipment.
• Training as a power generation/electrical technician.
• Vocational diploma from a relevant technical institution.
• Current relevant electrical certification.
• Experience creating technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled corrective and routine maintenance on electrical emergency systems.
• Coordinate and monitor repairs performed by support groups or contractors, determine equipment upgrade needs, and test and evaluate systems for operational readiness.
• Record and update electrical drawings, including one-line diagrams and control-system circuitry.
• Write testing and operating instructions for emergency systems; review equipment submittal drawings and provide input to equipment specifications.
• Prepare detailed equipment specifications and review bid tabulations.
• Inform appropriate personnel of unusual conditions, problems, or deficiencies and take appropriate action.
• Order, receive, and maintain inventories of materials, supplies, and tools; assist with estimates of job time and materials; and maintain work records.
• Work with trades and craft personnel in power plants, chilling stations, utility tunnels, and other underground utility areas.
• Identify and report safety hazards, maintain clean equipment and work areas, and complete work orders using automated maintenance systems.
• Monitor compliance with workmanship and safety standards and train personnel on operational and maintenance procedures as needed.
• Maintain and operate natural-gas-powered engines and generators.
• Drive a UT vehicle and maintain a driving record acceptable under UT Systems Policy UTS157.
• Attend electrical distribution shop, plant, and equipment operations and maintenance training courses, as well as staff and safety meetings.
• Follow university and UEM safety policies, complete required safety training, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents.
• Participate in the on-call program and carry a university cell phone during work and on-call hours.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
• Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with employer matching funds.
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training access and professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with a staff ID card.
• Free rides on UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with a staff ID card.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED