Maintenance Worker I, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Maintenance Worker I, McDonald Observatory

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Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Jul 15, 2025

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

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Job Details:

General Notes

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from UT Austin campus). Position may be 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: and

Purpose

Provides grounds maintenance services for McDonald Observatory buildings, domes, and public spaces as assigned. Assists in custodial services and special events setup and breakdown. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Responsibilities

• Grounds Maintenance. Responsible for mowing grass, operating string trimmers, leaf blowers, and other related grounds tasks. Emptying all outdoor trash cans (mountain-wide) and litter disposal, Responsible for raking granite and sweeping sidewalks in the Visitor Center patio and plaza areas, and general cleaning of trash in parking areas, fences, and grounds. Operates and maintains the irrigation system. Primarily during non-growing season, assists in fire prevention and tree trimming, including operating a chainsaw for tree removal.

• Custodial Services. Assists and backs up custodial staff with general building cleaning, restroom sanitation, floor maintenance, trash and litter removal, and other related chores. Weekend and holiday work is required and will be rotated. Drive UT vehicle to perform duties and maintain a Texas driver's license.

• Special Events. Assists with special events including, set up and take down of tables, chairs, equipment, trash receptacles, cleans grounds and facilities, and replenishes supplies as necessary. Prepares the grounds around the houses for the arrival of new residents.

• Safety and Facility Support. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears applicable protective gear as appropriate. Participates, as necessary, as part of the Emergency Response Team for the Observatory, including wild-land fire training, first aid, CPR, AED as required.

• Performs Other Duties as Assigned. After completing scheduled daily tasks, move to tasks that improve the condition of the facility: i.e., re-painting restrooms, changing light bulbs, cleaning otherwise neglected areas.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• At least one year of experience as a laborer.

• Use of equipment used in grounds and custodial maintenance.

• Manages accuracy and attention to detail when performing cleaning assignments.

• Effective communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal relationships) and listening.

• Excellent organizational skills, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and be an integral project team member.

• Demonstrates service excellence.

• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years experience as a laborer.

• Experience with fire mitigation.

• Experience with methods, materials, and equipment used in cleaning university buildings.

Driving Required

This 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

$32,000 + depending on qualifications and experience

Working Conditions

• Wear uniforms and/or personal protective safety equipment and follow safety guidelines or procedures.

• May work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures.

• May work around chemical fumes, chemicals, and biohazards.

• 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.

• Work from an eight-foot stepladder.

• Lifting, pushing, and moving required up to 50 pounds.

• May be required to respond to emergency calls during off-duty hours.

• Work assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the Observatory.

Work Shift

• M-F, 8 a.m. 5 p.m.

• Work evening, weekend, and holiday hours as needed

• May involve rotating Saturday schedule

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, 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 can 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.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu, and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The universitys company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 .

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.