Maintenance Worker III; Utilities), McDonald Observatory

Job Overview

Maintenance Worker III (Utilities) – McDonald Observatory, Texas

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40; FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt;
Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately;
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue.

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, work independently, support journey‑level craft workers, and routinely conduct preventive maintenance.

• Water System Maintenance. Assist in basic water operations and maintain the Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards. Send water samples, file reports, and maintain record‑keeping. Maintain Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing:
  Water Class D, Wastewater Class
  
  D.
• Facility and Preventive Maintenance. Assist 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 subsystems, and water and wastewater systems. Perform preventative maintenance.
• Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. Assist in troubleshooting and repairing commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings. Provide skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
• Record‑Keeping and Inventory. Perform physical inventory, record‑keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submit orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
• Safety and Facility Support. Perform emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations. Maintain a professional customer‑service demeanor and appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code and safety procedures.
• Perform Other Duties. Perform related duties as required, drive UT vehicle, maintain professionalism in public interactions, and assist coworkers in a team‑oriented environment.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Texas Class C Driver's License.
• Water and Wastewater Class D licensing within the first 12 months if not already held.
• At least three years of experience in one or more of the following crafts and trades: installation, carpentry, heavy equipment/construction, maintenance, plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, or maintenance and repair of vehicles, facilities, or equipment.
• One year of experience in facilities maintenance, residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication.
• Provides updates and workload status to supervisors and the team.
• Manages time efficiently, supports other workers, and exhibits a professional demeanor.
• Competencies required: accuracy and attention to detail, services excellence, effective project/task communication skills, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, listening to clients, and strong planning and problem‑solving skills.
• 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.

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Water and Wastewater Class D Licenses.
• Significant experience in installation and troubleshooting electrical systems, HVAC systems, welding, and/or hydraulic lift systems.

This position requires a class "C" driver’s license. Applicants must provide a current three‑year driving record from the current state of residence and obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident if not already a resident.

$40,000 plus depending on qualifications and experience.

• Wear uniforms and personal protective safety equipment as required and follow safety guidelines.
• Conditions…