Maintenance Specialist III

Health & Human Services Comm; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Maintenance Specialist III to perform journey-level work across building maintenance trades at the Waco Center for Youth. You will inspect, adjust, and repair building systems, manage materials, and maintain records, often coordinating with other shops and crews.

Ideal candidates have two years in at least one trade and six months in others, with strong knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, electrical, welding, carpentry, and painting.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in at least one trade and six months in at least two other trades.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, or sketches.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, adjustments, maintenance, and repair work on building systems across trades such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, welding, and carpentry.
• Operate heavy machinery such as backhoes or forklifts as needed.
• Maintain records, complete work orders, and requisition parts and supplies.
• Train and guide other staff on proper procedures for repairs and inspections.

Skills

Plumbing

HVAC

Welding

Carpentry

Painting

Electrical

Education

Vocational training in trades

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Career Opportunities: Maintenance Specialist III (21684)

Posting ID21684-Posted09/23/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-Plant Maintenance-Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance-Waco Center for Youth-Not Eligible for Telework-b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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 IIIJob Title:Maintenance Specialist IIIAgency:Health & Human Services CommDepartment:Plant MaintenancePosting Number:21684Closing Date:10/07/2026Posting Audience:Internal and ExternalOccupational Category:Building and Grounds Cleaning and MaintenanceSalary Range:$3,095.33-$4,594.50Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group:TEXAS-A-14Shift:DayAdditional Shift:NoneTelework:Not Eligible for TeleworkTravel:Up to 15%Regular/Temporary:RegularFull Time/Part Time:Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:NonexemptFacility Location:Waco Center for YouthJob Location City:WACOJob Location Address:3501 N 19TH STOther Locations:NoneMOS 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. The 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.

The Maintenance Specialist III performs complex (journey-level) work in one or more building maintenance and construction trades. Work involves conducting inspections, adjustments, and installations; maintaining and repairing buildings, utility systems, and stationary equipment, dependent on the trade; operating motorized equipment; requisitioning materials and supplies; and maintaining records. Completes paperwork and maintains work order records. Communicates verbally and in writing, possibly using electronic equipment and devices. Works as a team member with other shops and employees. May be required to perform other tasks to include operation of a motor vehicle, making deliveries, picking up supplies, and other incidental tasks. May provide training and guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

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 materials to replace and repair building or building systems. Assists in identifying the causes of system or equipment failure. Calculates materials, 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 materials 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 and fire regulations.
• Skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, and test equipment.
• Skill 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 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's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Vocational training in one or more of the following trades is required: electrical, plumbing, masonry, mechanical equipment, locksmithing, painting, motor vehicle maintenance, grounds keeping, equipment maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, welding, or electronic cabling.
• 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).

OR

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, and 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 at least 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 of 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.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases it's treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

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