Utilities Maintenance Worker III, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin • TX

107d • $40,000

About The Position

The McDonald Observatory is a major astronomical research observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from The University of Texas at Austin campus). This position is at McDonald Observatory and reports to the Utilities Trades Crew Leader and the Assistant Physical Plant Manager as required. The position includes variable scheduling with some holiday rotation. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available. The position is considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response. The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including: 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Texas Class C, Driver's License.
• Water and Wastewater Class D licensing within the first 12 months of employment, if you do not currently have one.
• At least three years of experience in one or more of the following crafts and trades: installation, carpentry, heavy equipment/construction, maintenance, plumbing, electrical, and/or repair work in commercial or residential electrical, or HVAC systems, as well as maintenance and repair of vehicles, facilities, or equipment.
• One year of experience in facilities maintenance, residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication.
• Provides updates and workload status to supervisors and team, including needed maintenance and repair needed for facilities at the observatory.
• Manages time efficiently, supports other workers, and exhibits a professional demeanor.
• Competencies required are accuracy and attention to detail, services excellence, effective project/task communications skills, taking initiative and performing work needed around the facility, strong interpersonal skills, listens to clients, and demonstrates strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures; reports unsafe activities or structural issues to supervisors.

Nice To Haves

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Water and Wastewater Class D Licenses.
• Significant experience in installation and troubleshooting electrical systems, HVAC systems, welding, and/or hydraulic lift systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in basic water operations and the maintenance of the McDonald Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed the standards mandated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
• Sends in water samples according to TCEQ requirements, files reports, and performs record-keeping duties associated with water responsibilities.
• Maintains Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing: Water Class D, and Wastewater Class D.
• Assists with maintenance work for the entire facility and infrastructure, including residential and commercial construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, equipment, vehicles, mechanical sub-systems, and water and wastewater systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance.
• Assists in the troubleshooting and repair of commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings.
• Provides skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
• Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties.
• Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
• Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities.
• Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code.
• Wears the appropriate protective gear and follows safety procedures.
• Performs related duties as required to meet business needs.
• Drives UT vehicle.

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
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees