Maintenance Worker I, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Maintenance Worker I, McDonald Observatory

----

Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

----

Position Open To:

All Applicants

----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

----

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

----

Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

----

Job Details:

General Notes

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, which is 440 miles away from the 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 with the facilities’ custodial services, and setups and breakdowns for special events. Weekend and holiday work is required as needed to meet business operations.

Responsibilities

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

• Custodial Services. Supports and assists custodial staff with routine building cleaning, restroom sanitation, floor upkeep, trash and litter removal, and related tasks. Weekend and holiday shifts are required and will be rotated. Operate a UT vehicle to perform duties and maintain a Texas driver's license.

• Special Events. Assists with special events by setting up and taking down tables, chairs, equipment, and trash receptacles. Clean grounds and facilities, and replenish supplies as needed. Prepares the grounds around the houses in preparation for the new resident's arrival date.

• 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, and AED as required.

• Performs Other Duties as Assigned. After completing scheduled daily tasks, shift focus to tasks that improve the condition of the facility, such as re-painting restrooms, replacing light bulbs, and cleaning areas that are usually overlooked.

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 of experience as a laborer.

• Exper