Utility Crew Leader, McDonald Observatory

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

12d•$55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Supervise and lead a small team responsible for operating the public water and wastewater systems, as well as assisting with infrastructure maintenance and repairs at McDonald Observatory. This includes fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, commercial and residential structures, and telescope dome systems. The position reports to the Assistant Physical Plant Manager and collaborates closely with other crew leaders and the Physical Plant Manager.

Requirements

Diploma (High School) or GED.
Texas Class C, Driver's License.
One of the following related certifications or both: Texas Class D (or higher) Ground Water Operator license, or Texas Class D (or higher) Wastewater Operator license.
Understanding of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules and regulations or equivalent such as the Environmental Public Agency (EPA) rules and regulations.
Three years of experience operating public water and wastewater systems and/or equivalent regulated industrial facility, including related trades and the use of tools and equipment typical for the trade.
Three years of experience in leadership roles in the facility maintenance trade or a related field, consistently performing the typical work of other employees in the work group.
Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and understand process control systems.
Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrate professionalism in all work and public interactions, support other workers, and manage time efficiently.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to adapt, work independently, and collaboratively as part of a team.
Excellent computer literacy skills.
The required competencies include accuracy, attention to detail, decision making, critical thinking, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and a commitment to service excellence.
Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures; reports unsafe activities or structural issues to supervisors.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

One or more of the following related certifications or both: 1) Texas Class C (or better) Ground Water Operator license, or Texas Class C (or better) Wastewater Operator license.
Experience with two of the four processes: activated sludge process, SCADA, gas chlorination, and calcium hypochlorite solution disinfection.
Five years of supervisory experience in the commercial, institutional, construction, or facility maintenance field.
Five years of experience in managing the public water and wastewater systems, including trades related to this position.
Up to five years of journeyman experience in construction/facility multi-crafted maintenance trades, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, refrigeration, controls, as related to the job functions listed.

Responsibilities

Utility Operations and Performance. Perform work in public water and wastewater systems, and other trades as needed. Provide training and supervision in proper maintenance procedures, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other craft work. Inspects, maintains, and recommends purchases of equipment and tools.
Supervision. Provide daily leadership and oversee staff responsible for public water and wastewater systems, as well as other trade areas as needed.
Administration and Compliance. Prepare, review, and manage shop paperwork, including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulated documents, letters, reports, timesheets, labor reports, and material and equipment requisitions. Organize and maintain preventive maintenance plans and their status.
Maintenance and Repair. Receive general specifications from upper management and report progress on assigned projects. Plan, assign, and inspect maintenance, repair, construction, renovation, and/or operations work. Work effectively with crew leaders to address special needs or concerns that require the participation of other team members; collaborate with other departments as needed to achieve common goals related to facility development or repairs.
Employee Performance and Training. Motivate workers to meet production and quality standards. Assist workers in solving work-related problems at the job site. Conduct employee training, counseling, disciplinary actions, and complete performance evaluations. In consultation with Physical Plant management, interviews and hires new personnel.
Essential Employee. Act as a member of the McDonald Observatory’s Emergency Response Team, responding to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other emergencies that threaten or disrupt normal facility operations. Requires operating a UT vehicle. Perform additional duties as assigned to meet business needs.

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

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