Utilities Maintenance Worker III, McDonald Observatory

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

2d • 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 research facility. The role 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 position is based at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, and is considered essential for emergency or critical response. Observatory residential-community housing may be available.

The role assists with water operations and maintenance of the Observatory's water facilities to meet Texas Commission of Environmental Quality standards, including submitting water samples, reports, and records. It also supports maintenance and troubleshooting across buildings, infrastructure, equipment, vehicles, water and wastewater systems, and mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and hydraulic systems. Duties include inventory and purchasing-related records, emergency response, and other work needed to support facility operations.

The position has a 40-hour weekly schedule with variable scheduling, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed, occasional after-hours work, and emergency response. Work takes place in varied weather and temperatures and may involve fire, chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical hazards. The employee uses trade tools and equipment, wears required uniforms and protective gear, and may climb stairs and ladders, lift and move heavy objects, and work extended hours in inclement weather.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least three years of experience in one or more relevant crafts or trades, including installation, carpentry, heavy equipment or construction, maintenance, plumbing, commercial or residential electrical work, HVAC, or repair of vehicles, facilities, or equipment.
• One year of experience in facilities maintenance, residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine-shop fabrication.
• Obtain Water Class D and Wastewater Class D licenses within the first 12 months of employment if not already licensed.
• Class C operator's driver's license; the selected applicant must provide a current three-year driving record from their state of residence.
• If not currently a Texas resident, obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
• Manage time efficiently, support other workers, and maintain 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.
• Be prepared to respond to emergency or non-emergency situations and work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Texas Commission of 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 maintain McDonald Observatory water facilities to meet or exceed Texas Commission of Environmental Quality standards.
• Submit water samples as required by TCEQ, file reports, and maintain records related to water responsibilities.
• Maintain Water Class D and Wastewater Class D operator licensing.
• Assist with maintenance of facility and infrastructure, 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 with troubleshooting and repairing commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings.
• Perform skilled work on HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
• Perform physical inventory, record-keeping, and general maintenance duties.
• 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, and other emergencies.
• Wear appropriate protective gear and follow safety procedures; report unsafe activities or structural issues to supervisors.
• Drive a UT vehicle and maintain the required driver's license and driving record.
• Provide supervisors and the team with updates on workload status and needed facility maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain a professional, customer-service demeanor and appearance according to UT policies and the Physical Plant dress code.
• 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, subject to eligibility.
• 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