Utilities Maintenance Worker III, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin • MCDONALD OBSERVATORY, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Maintenance Worker III performs work on water systems and advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large, remote astronomical research facility. The position works independently, supports journey-level craft workers, and routinely conducts preventive maintenance. It reports to the Utilities Trades Crew Leader and the Assistant Physical Plant Manager as required.

The role assists with water operations and maintenance of Observatory water facilities, including water sampling, regulatory reporting, and record keeping. It also supports facility and infrastructure maintenance and repairs across areas such as construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, vehicles, mechanical subsystems, HVAC, electrical and hydraulic systems, and water and wastewater systems. Additional work includes inventory and purchasing documentation, emergency response duties, and general team support.

The position is based at McDonald Observatory in Texas. Scheduling is variable and may include evening, weekend, and holiday work, occasional after-hours work, extended hours in inclement weather, and emergency response. Observatory on-site housing may be available. The position is considered essential for emergency or critical response.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Obtain Water and Wastewater Class D licensing within the first 12 months of employment if not already licensed.
• At least three years of experience in one or more of the following crafts or trades: installation, carpentry, heavy equipment or construction, maintenance, plumbing, commercial or residential electrical work, HVAC systems, or 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.
• Provide updates on workload status to supervisors and the team, including needed facility maintenance and repairs.
• Manage time efficiently, support other workers, and demonstrate a professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail, service excellence, effective project and task communication, initiative, interpersonal skills, listening skills, planning, and problem-solving.
• Comply with safety policies, practices, and procedures and report unsafe activities or structural issues to supervisors.
• Class C operator's driver's license required.
• Selected applicant must provide a current three-year driving record from their current state of residence.
• If not currently a Texas resident, obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic water operations and maintenance of Observatory water facilities to meet or exceed Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards.
• Submit water samples as required by TCEQ, file reports, and maintain water-related records.
• Maintain Water and Wastewater Operator Class D licensing.
• Assist with facility and infrastructure maintenance, including residential and commercial construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, equipment, vehicles, mechanical subsystems, and water and wastewater systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance.
• Assist in troubleshooting and repairing commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings.
• Provide skilled work on HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
• Perform physical inventory and record-keeping, and submit orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
• Perform assigned emergency service duties, including Emergency Response Team training and response to fire, medical, hazardous-material, or other emergencies.
• Wear appropriate protective gear and follow safety procedures.
• Drive a UT vehicle.
• Maintain professional conduct and appearance when interacting with the public and coworkers, and comply with the UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code and UT policy.
• Assist coworkers across disciplines in a team-oriented environment and perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan.
• Voluntary tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and deferred compensation 457(b) retirement programs.
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Observatory on-site housing may be available.

What This Job Offers

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