Mechanic/Technician, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:Mechanic/Technician, McDonald Observatory----Hiring Department:McDonald Observatory----Position Open To:All Applicants----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40----FLSA Status:Non-Exempt from FLSA----Earliest Start Date:Immediately----Position Duration:Expected to Continue----Location:MCDONALD OBSERVATORY----Job Details: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 the McDonald Observatory near Ft. Davis, Texas. It reports to the Technical 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 essential 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. PurposePerform day-to-day technical trades skills in the maintenance, repair, fabrication, and operations of a remote research facility, and perform skilled work in an electrical, mechanical, and HVAC environment.ResponsibilitiesAssists with carpentry and general residential maintenance, including but not limited to concrete work, structure repair, drywall, painting, appliance servicing, and plumbing.Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining commercial facilities' electrical and HVAC systems, residential structures, elevators, and telescope enclosure buildings. General maintenance on the telescope dome systems, infrastructures, and mechanical and hydraulic systems.Performs preventative maintenance tasks incidental to operating mechanical and electrical equipment, systems, and residential structures. Maintains logs and records on equipment. Inspects, lubricates, and troubleshoots equipment. Informs supervision of conditions.Assists with welding of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, as well as torch welding, cutting, and brazing on various mechanical equipment and structures. Assists with fabrication and precision machining of metal parts and equipment using metal lathes, milling machines, and drill presses. Interpret three-dimensional assemblies from two-dimensional drawings, knowledge of material properties.Helps co-workers as necessary in their various disciplines in a team-oriented environment. Perform additional tasks as assigned. Drives a UT vehicle. According to UT policy, we maintain professionalism in interacting with the public, our fellow workers, and our appearance. Wear protective safety equipment and follow safety guidelines or procedures.Performs emergency services duties as assigned, including fire department participation, response, training, and related activities.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED. Five years of experience in commercial and/or residential electrical and HVAC systems and maintenance and repair of vehicles, facilities, and equipment. Three years of experience in facilities/residential electrical and HVAC, general construction, welding, or machine shop fabrication. Good organization, planning, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication skills about project updates and workload to supervisors and team. Assists in assuming the responsibility for the facilities at the observatory, including managing time efficiently, supporting other workers, demonstrating attention to detail, and exhibiting a professional demeanor. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.Preferred QualificationsJourneyman's license in electrical. Significant experience in installing and troubleshooting electrical systems, and installation, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC systems. Experience in troubleshooting and repairing elevators and other hydraulic lift systems.Driving RequiredThis job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant must provide a 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$45,000 + depending on qualifications and experienceWorking ConditionsWear uniforms and/or personal protective safety equipment and follow safety guidelines or procedures.Maintain professionalism in interactions with the public and fellow workers, as well as professionalism in appearance.Use of tools and equipment standard for working in particular trades.May work around various fire conditions, mechanical and chemical hazards, and other hazardous materials.May work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures.May work around chemical fumes, chemicals, and biohazards.May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.May 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 team 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 ShiftWork evening, weekend, and ho