Facilities Maintenance Tech, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Facilities Maintenance Tech, 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 Technical 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

Perform day-to-day technical trades skills in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations of a remote research facility, and perform skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled work with HVAC and electrical systems in commercial and residential structures. Perform maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of residential, commercial, and telescope structures related to mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and hydraulic systems.

• Support projects involving plumbing, electrical, and residential repairs and upgrades. Operate various types of equipment, including tractor, backhoe, and forklift. Assist with welding, machining, and fabrication of aluminum metal parts and assemblies. Utilize a metal lathe, milling machine, and drill press. Interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings. Maintain logs and records on equipment. Communicates with supervisor about projects and status.

• Assist with general residential maintenance and carpentry tasks, including (but not limited to) concrete work, structural repairs, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing repairs. Perform preventive maintenance tasks as required on telescope domes and physical plant equipment.

• Help co-workers as necessary with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.

• Perform emergency service duties, including Emergency Response Team training and related activities.

• Perform additional tasks as assigned to meet the facilities needs. Drives a UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism when interacting with fellow workers and the public, and in appearance, according to UT policy. Wears protective safety equipment and follows safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED. Five years of experience in commercial or residential electrical or HVAC systems, as well as maintenance and repair of vehicles, facilities, or equipment. Three years of experience in facilities maintenance, residential electrical, HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication. Competencies include accuracy and attention to detail, services excellence, effective communications skills, taking initiative and performing work needed around the facility, strong interpersonal skills, listens to clients, and demonstrates strong planning and problem-solving skills. Proficient organizational and project communication skills, including providing updates and workload to supervisors and team. Assists in the responsibilities needed for the