Maintenance Worker III (Utilities), McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Maintenance Worker III (Utilities), McDonald Observatory

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Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

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Job Details:

General Notes

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 

For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards 

Purpose

Performs work on water systems and provides advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large remote research facility. Will provide on-the-job training for water operator licenses. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Water System Maintenance. 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.

• Facility and Preventive Maintenance. 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.

• Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. 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.

• Record-Keeping and Inventory. Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.

• Safety and Facility Support. Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, including responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations of the facility. 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 Other Duties. Performs related duties as required to meet business needs. Drives UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism in interaction with the public and fellow workers, as well as in appearance according to UT policy. Assists coworkers as needed with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• Texas Class C, Driver's License.

• Water and Wastewater Class D licensing within the first