Trade Maintenance Mechanic II, Steward Observatory (Safford)

University of Arizona; Safford (AZ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory is seeking a Trades Maintenance Mechanic II to operate and maintain heavy equipment at the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO) in Safford, AZ. The role includes driving CDL trucks, maintaining roads, and supporting utility systems essential to telescope operations.

The position requires high elevation work, strong mechanical skills, and adherence to safety standards in a remote mountain environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Ability to perform physical labor at elevations up to 10,500 feet.

Responsibilities

• Drive large CDL trucks to transport freight and water to the summit.
• Operate heavy equipment for telescope site operations and road maintenance.
• Maintain utility systems, buildings, and site infrastructure.
• Perform plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work as needed at summit/base camp.
• Follow safety protocols and use PPE at remote mountain site.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

CDL driving

Mechanical maintenance

Safety compliance

High elevation work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL license

Job description

Trade Maintenance Mechanic II, Steward Observatory (Safford)

Posting Number

req27453

Department

Steward Observatory

Location

Outside of Tucson

Address

1480 W. State Route 366, Safford, AZ 85546 USA

Position Highlights

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world‑class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground‑and space-based astronomy.

The Department of Steward Observatory seeks to fill the position of Trades Maintenance Mechanic II to work at the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO), located in Safford, Arizona. The selected candidate will operate and maintain heavy equipment, drive semi‑trucks to and from the summit of Mount Graham, and maintain the utility services. This position plays an essential role in supporting the observatory's scientific mission by maintaining critical facilities, utility systems, roads, and equipment necessary for ongoing telescope operations and world‑class astronomical research activities.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Drive large CDL trucks to transport freight, water, and wastewater to and from the summit.
• Operate various pieces of heavy equipment necessary for the continued operation of the telescope site, including grading roads, removing snow, maintaining drainage structures, repairing washouts, and repairing eroded areas of the access road and site.
• Maintain heavy equipment and work with hand tools, utilizing knowledge of mechanical and maintenance skills.
• Maintain water, gas, sewer, and electric utility systems critical to the continued operation of the telescope site.
• Maintain the various buildings located at the summit and at our base camp operations yard, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment and machinery.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and hand tools in a remote mountain environment.
• Knowledge of water, sewer, gas, and electrical utility systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform maintenance on equipment, facilities, and utility systems.
• Ability to perform physical labor at high elevations and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and follow technical instructions, operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe operating practices.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands

• Ability to lift, move, and transport materials and equipment (up to 75 lbs.) as required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Ability to work for extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 10,500 feet.
• Ability to work in environments with elevated noise levels.
• Ability to work around vibrating equipment and machinery.
• Ability to safely work around moving mechanical equipment, vehicles, electrical systems, chemicals, and other workplace hazards.
• Ability to work at heights and on elevated surfaces as needed.
• Ability to work with oils, lubricants, and other maintenance-related fluids.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, mists, gases, and other atmospheric conditions associated with maintenance and equipment operations.
• Follow established safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education, technical training, apprenticeship training, and relevant experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• The selected candidate must have the ability to perform physical labor at a high elevation of 10,500 feet.
• The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Class A CDL within one (1) year of hire date and have the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Facilities, Grounds and Infrastructure

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$20.33 - $25.41

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

5

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

OC2

Job Family

Skilled Crafts & Trades

Job Function

Facil, Grounds, & Infra

Type of criminal background check required

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Nathan Estes

MGIO Operations Manager

[e-mail]

Open Date

10/26/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].