Maintenance Worker I, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Maintenance Worker I, 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 an astronomical observatory located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from UT Austin campus). Position may be 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

Provides grounds maintenance services for McDonald Observatory buildings, domes, and public spaces as assigned. Assists in custodial services and special events setup and breakdown. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Responsibilities

• Grounds Maintenance. Responsible for mowing grass, operating string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other related grounds tasks. Emptying all outdoor trash cans (mountain-wide) and litter disposal, Responsible for raking granite and sweeping sidewalks in the Visitor Center patio and plaza areas, and general cleaning of trash in parking areas, fences, and grounds. Operates and maintains the irrigation system. Primarily during non-growing season, assists in fire prevention and tree trimming, including operating a chainsaw for tree removal.

• Custodial Services. Assists and backs up custodial staff with general building cleaning, restroom sanitation, floor maintenance, trash and litter removal, and other related chores. Weekend and holiday work is required and will be rotated. Drive UT vehicle to perform duties and maintain a Texas driver's license.

• Special Events. Assists with special events including, set up and take down of tables, chairs, equipment, trash receptacles, cleans grounds and facilities, and replenishes supplies as necessary. Prepares the grounds around the houses for the arrival of new residents.

• Safety and Facility Support. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears applicable protective gear as appropriate. Participates, as necessary, as part of the Emergency Response Team for the Observatory, including wild-land fire training, first aid, CPR, AED as required.

• Performs Other Duties as Assigned. After completing scheduled daily tasks, move to tasks that improve the condition of the facility: i.e., re-painting restrooms, changing light bulbs, cleaning otherwise neglected areas.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• At least one year of experience as a laborer.

• Use of equipment used in grounds and custodial maintenance.

• Manages accuracy and attention to detail when performing cleaning assignments.

• Effective communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal relationships) and listening.

• Excellent organizational skills, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and be an integral project team member.

• Demonstrates service excellence.

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years experience as a laborer.

• Experience with fire mitigation.

• Experience with methods, materials, and equipment used in cleaning university buildings.