Utility Crew Leader, McDonald Observatory
The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from UT Austin campus). Residence in the Observatory's residential community is available. Position is considered an essential employee for emergency or critical response.
McDonald Observatory is an owner-operator of a small water system and handful of wastewater systems. Both systems have roughly 180 connections. The water systems includes domestic and firewater, and is capable of pumping up to 1000 gallons per minute (through typical flow rates are considerably lower than this). The wastewater system is served by one gas chlorinator facilities. The wastewater system includes a small scale package activated sludge plant disinfected via calcium hypochlorite solution generator typically treating under 0.01 MGD, a small jet plant, and a septic plant.
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
Purpose
Supervise and lead a small team responsible for operating the public water and wastewater systems, as well as assisting with infrastructure maintenance and repairs at McDonald Observatory. This includes fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, commercial and residential structures, and telescope dome systems. The position reports to the Assistant Physical Plant Manager and collaborates closely with other crew leaders and the Physical Plant Manager.
Responsibilities
Utility Operations and Performance. Perform work in public water and wastewater systems, and other trades as needed. Provide training and supervision in proper maintenance procedures, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other craft work. Inspects, maintains, and recommends purchases of equipment and tools.Supervision. Provide daily leadership and oversee staff responsible for public water and wastewater systems, as well as other trade areas as needed.Administration and Compliance. Prepare, review, and manage shop paperwork, including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulated documents, letters, reports, timesheets, labor reports, and material and equipment requisitions. Organize and maintain preventive maintenance plans and their status.Maintenance and Repair. Receive general specifications from upper management and report progress on assigned projects. Plan, assign, and inspect maintenance, repair, construction, renovation, and / or operations work. Work effectively with crew leaders to address special needs or concerns that require the participation of other team members; collaborate with other departments as needed to achieve common goals related to facility development or repairs.Employee Performance and Training. Motivate workers to meet production and quality standards. Assist workers in solving work-related problems at the job site. Conduct employee training, counseling, disciplinary actions, and complete performance evaluations. In consultation with Physical Plant management, interviews and hires new personnel.Essential Employee. Act as a member of the McDonald Observatory's Emergency Response Team, responding to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other emergencies that threaten or disrupt normal facility operations. Requires operating a UT vehicle. Perform additional duties as assigned to meet business needs.Required Qualifications
Diploma (High School) or GED.Texas Class C, Driver's License.One of the following related certifications or both : Texas Class D (or higher) Ground Water Operator license, or Texas Class D (or higher) Wastewater Operator license.Understanding of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules and regulations or equivalent such as the Environmental Public Agency (EPA) rules and regulations.Three years of experience operating public water and wastewater systems and / or equivalent regulated industrial facility, including related trades and the use of tools and equipment typical for the trade.Three years of experience in leadership roles in the facility maintenance trade or a related field, consistently performing the typical work of other employees in the work group.Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical systems and understand process control systems.Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Demonstrate professionalism in all work and public interactions, support other workers, and manage time efficiently.Strong organizational skills.Ability to adapt, work independently, and collaboratively as part of a team.Excellent computer literacy skills.The required competencies include accuracy, attention to detail, decision making, critical thinking, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, listening, problem-solving, and a commitment to service excellence.Complies with all safety policies, practices, and procedures; reports unsafe activities or structural issues to supervisors.Preferred Qualifications
One or more of the following related certifications or both : 1) Texas Class C (or better) Ground Water Operator license, or Texas Class C (or better) Wastewater Operator license.Experience with two of the four processes : activated sludge process, SCADA, gas chlorination, and calcium hypochlorite solution disinfection.Five years of supervisory experience in the commercial, institutional, construction, or facility maintenance field.Five years of experience in managing the public water and wastewater systems, including trades related to this position.Up to five years of journeyman experience in construction / facility multi-crafted maintenance trades, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, appliance repair, refrigeration, controls, as related to the job functions listed.Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license to perform job responsibilities. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If you are not currently a Texas resident, you must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Salary Range
$55,000 + depending on qualifications and experience
Work Shift
Monday - Friday, generally, 8 : 00 am - 4 : 30 pmRequires rotational weekend workOccasional after-hours and holiday workOccasional travel requiredRequired to respond to emergency or non-emergency situationsWorking Conditions
Position is located at the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, Texas. If you do not live in the surrounding areas, you will need to relocate.Work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures. The McDonald Observatory is located at approximately 6900 ft. above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -10?F to +95?F. Inclement winter weather can be expected, which requires comfortable driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.Exposure to shop and construction site hazards associated with the trades. May include exposure to extreme temperatures, mechanical and electrical hazards, high-pressure and high-speed equipment, confined spaces, noise, fumes, heights, dust, and other weather conditions.Uniforms and / or personal protection equipment (furnished)Work around chemical fumes, bio-hazards, and chemicalsWork around electrical and mechanical hazardsWork around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstationUse of manual dexterityClimbing of stairs and laddersLifts, pushes, and pulls up to 50 pounds.Principal working environment is outdoors.Required Materials
Letter of InterestResume / CVThree work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor