Maintenance Worker III; Utilities), McDonald Observatory
Listed on 2026-03-01
-
Trades / Skilled Labor
HVAC Tech / Heating Engineer, Maintenance Technician / Mechanic, Building Maintenance
Location: Fort Davis
Overview
Job Posting
Title:
Maintenance Worker III (Utilities), McDonald Observatory
Hiring Department: McDonald Observatory
Position Open To: All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled
Hours:
40
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Earliest
Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration: Expected to Continue
Location: MCDONALD OBSERVATORY
Job DetailsThe 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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-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. Will provide on-the-job training for water operator licenses. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance.
ResponsibilitiesWater 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.
High school diploma or GED.
Texas Class C, Driver's License.
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, electrical, 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…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).