Utilities Maintenance Worker III, McDonald Observatory

The University of Texas at Austin; Texas; On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing may be available

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory seeks a skilled technician to maintain water systems and a wide range of facility infrastructure. The role supports journey-level trades, performs preventive maintenance, and ensures compliance with TCEQ licensing requirements.

Responsibilities include basic water operations, facility troubleshooting, and safety-focused service delivery across residential and observatory buildings. On-site housing may be available for eligible employees.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Water/Wastewater Class D license required within 12 months of employment (if not currently held).
• At least three years of experience in one or more crafts and trades such as installation, carpentry, maintenance, plumbing, or HVAC systems.
• One year of facilities maintenance experience in relevant environments.
• strong planning, problem-solving and communication skills; safety compliance is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Perform water system maintenance and compliance with TCEQ requirements.
• Assist with preventive maintenance of the observatory facilities and infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and repair facilities, including HVAC, electrical, hydraulic systems, and related equipment.
• Maintain inventory and record-keeping; submit material/service orders per policies.
• Support Emergency Response Team training and related safety duties.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Project management

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Water Class D license within 12 months

Job description

## General NotesThe 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 Utilities 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 ## PurposePerforms 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. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance. ## Responsibilities* Water System Maintenance. Assist in basic water operations and the maintenance of the McDonald Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed the standards mandated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Sends in water samples according to TCEQ requirements, files reports, and performs record-keeping duties associated with water responsibilities. Maintains Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing: Water Class D, and Wastewater Class D.* Facility and Preventive Maintenance. Assists 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 sub-systems, and water and wastewater systems. Performs preventative maintenance.* Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. Assists in the troubleshooting and repair of commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings. Provides skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.* Record-Keeping and Inventory. Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.* Safety and Facility Support. Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, including responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations of the facility. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears the appropriate protective gear and follows safety procedures.* Performs Other Duties. Performs related duties as required to meet business needs. Drives UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism in interaction with the public and fellow workers, as well as in appearance according to UT policy. Assists coworkers as needed with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment. ## Required Qualifications* High school diploma or GED.* Water and Wastewater Class D licensing within the first 12 months of employment, if you do not currently have one.* At least three years of experience in one or more of the following crafts and trades: installation, carpentry, heavy equipment/construction, maintenance, plumbing, and/or repair work in commercial or residential electrical, or HVAC systems, as well as 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 team, including needed maintenance and repair needed for facilities at the observatory.* Manages time efficiently, supports other workers, and exhibits a professional demeanor.* Competencies required are accuracy and attention to detail, services excellence, effective project/task 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.* 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.* ## Preferred Qualifications* 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. ## Driving RequiredThis job requires a class \"C\" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. ## Salary Range$40,000 + depending on qualifications and experience ## Working Conditions* Wears uniforms and personal protective safety equipment, if required, and follows safety guidelines or procedures.* According to UT policy, maintain professionalism in interactions with the public and fellow workers, as well as professionalism in appearance.* Use of tools and standard equipment for the particular trades being worked on.* May work around varied conditions involving fire, mechanical, and chemical hazards, and other hazardous materials.* Work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures.* May work around chemical fumes, chemicals, and biohazards.* May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.* Work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.* Use of manual dexterity.* Climbing stairs and ladders. Lifting and moving heavy objects.* May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials.* Acts as a member of the Observatory's Emergency Response Team that responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with the facility's normal operations.* Observatory on-site housing may be available. Staff on-site in the residential community may serve as an essential employee. ## Work Shift* Work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed* Occasional after-hours work* Required to respond to an emergency or non-emergency situations ## Required Materials* Letter of interest* Resume/CV* Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor **Important** **for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:** You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, and then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.