Mechanic/Technician, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin • MCDONALD OBSERVATORY, TX

1d • $45,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas. This position reports to the Technical Trades Crew Leader and the Assistant Physical Plant Manager. The role involves performing day-to-day technical trades skills in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations of a remote research facility, and performing skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment. The position includes variable scheduling with some holiday rotation and is considered essential for emergency or critical response. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Five years of experience in commercial and/or residential electrical and HVAC systems and maintenance and repair of vehicles, facilities, and equipment.
• Three years of experience in facilities/residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication.
• Good organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills about project updates and workload to supervisors and team.
• Assists in assuming the responsibility for the facilities at the observatory, including managing time efficiently, supporting other workers, demonstrating attention to detail, and exhibiting a professional demeanor.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Class "C" operator's driver's license.
• Provide a three-year driving record from the current state of residence.
• Obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident (if not currently a Texas resident).

Nice To Haves

• Journeyman's license in electrical.
• Significant experience in installing and troubleshooting electrical systems, and installation, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting and repairing elevators and other hydraulic lift systems.

Responsibilities

• Assists with carpentry and general residential maintenance, including but not limited to concrete work, structure repair, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing.
• Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining commercial facilities' electrical and HVAC systems, residential structures, elevators, and telescope enclosure buildings.
• General maintenance on the telescope dome systems, infrastructures, and mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance tasks incidental to operating mechanical and electrical equipment, systems, and residential structures.
• Maintains logs and records on equipment.
• Inspects, lubricates, and troubleshoots equipment.
• Informs supervision of conditions.
• Assists with welding of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, as well as torch welding, cutting, and brazing on various mechanical equipment and structures.
• Assists with fabrication and precision machining of metal parts and equipment using metal lathes, milling machines, and drill presses.
• Interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings, knowledge of material properties.
• Helps co-workers as necessary in their various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.
• Drives a UT vehicle.
• Wear protective safety equipment and follow safety guidelines or procedures.
• Performs emergency services duties as assigned, including fire department participation, response, training, and related activities.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

What This Job Offers

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