Maintenance Specialist III

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services seeks a Maintenance Specialist III to maintain and repair building systems at Austin State Hospital. You will inspect, troubleshoot, and perform scheduled upkeep on plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and related systems to ensure safe, reliable campus operations.

The role requires hands-on trade skills, the ability to read drawings and schematics, and the capacity to work independently or with a team.

Qualifications

• Vocational training in one or more trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, welding, painting, or mechanical equipment) required.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly and may work a specific or rotating shift; performs maintenance and repair on building systems per codes and standards.
• Inspects, adjusts, maintains, and repairs plumbing, HVAC, electrical, welding, carpentry, painting, and other systems.
• Maintains safe, uninterrupted services; completes and keeps records on work orders and materials.

Skills

Building maintenance

HVAC systems

Electrical work

Plumbing

Carpentry

Education

Trade training

Tools

Forklift operation

Backhoe operation

Hand tools

Job description

Date: Sep 1, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Maintenance Specialist III
Job Title: Maintenance Specialist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Plant Maintenance
Posting Number: 20735
Closing Date: 10/31/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Austin State Hospital
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 1169,1171,1300,1316,1371,12C,12G,12N,12V,12W,3E2X1,3E3X1,3E4X1,3E4X3,914A,91C,91E,91J,91L,AB,AN,BM
BOSN,BU,CM,CN,DC,ENG,EO,FN,HT,MAT,MK,SN,SW

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Performs inspections, adjustments, maintenance and repair work on building systems in accordance with recognized codes and standards for various trades such as plumbing, HVAC, welding, carpentry, painting and electrical, to ensure proper maintenance and repair. Demonstrates proper use of hand tools or equipment while performing repairs or inspections. Follows directions in performance of duties.
Performs repairs and renovations to modernize a building, building system, or adapt it to new uses. Identifies necessary information such as time required to perform repair/renovation and physical location of necessary repair/renovation. Identifies necessary materials and assembly details.
Selects appropriate material to replace and repair building or building systems. Assists in identifying the causes of system or equipment failure. Calculates material, labor costs, and orders parts and supplies to properly make the necessary repairs.
Maintains safe and uninterrupted services to campus operations and programs systems.
Tests safety equipment as necessary.
Accurately completes and maintains records on work orders, projects, and material requisitions.
May operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, forklifts, etc. as necessary.
May train and provide guidance to others on the proper procedures and methods for repairs or inspections.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of the repair, maintenance, and operations of buildings, building systems and grounds
Knowledge of building mechanical systems, electrical distribution systems, electronics, boilers, painting, and carpentry
Knowledge of building materials, plumbing and electrical fixtures
Knowledge of welding procedures, HVAC, sanitation, and refrigeration
Knowledge of industrial safety, fire, and safety regulations
Skills in the use of hand tools, power tools, and test equipment
Skills in preventative maintenance and inspections of buildings and building systems.
Ability to perform maintenance, to follow instructions, and estimate materials.
Ability to apply proper methods, techniques, and procedures in the maintenance and repair of buildings, building and utility systems.
Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, or sketches.
Ability to work independently or with a team.
Ability to solve problems, make decisions and use good judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

Vocational training in one or more of the following trades required: electrical, plumbing, masonry, mechanical equipment, locksmithing, painting, motor vehicle maintenance, grounds keeping, equipment maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, welding, or electronic cabling.
OR
Minimum two (2) years’ experience in construction, maintenance, or equipment/vehicle repair work as follows: two years’ experience in at least one trade and six months experience in at least two other trades (electrical, plumbing, masonry, mechanical equipment, locksmithing, painting, motor vehicle maintenance, grounds keeping, equipment maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, welding, or electronic cabling).

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.Nearest Major Market: Austin