Maintenance Specialist - Military veterans preferred

National Radio Astronomy Observatory


Title: Maintenance Specialist

Location: NRAO Very Large Array, 183 VLA RD, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America

Requisition Number: 39

Job Family: Skilled Maintenance

Pay Type: Hourly

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO has an opportunity for an experienced Maintenance Specialist in our Engineering Services Division at the Very Large Array (VLA). Under general supervision and as part of a diverse and active team, the Maintenance Specialist will provide skilled assistance in carpentry, painting, minor electrical and plumbing.

The position is based at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

What You Will be Doing

Under minimum supervision and instruction, essential duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Provides support assisting the maintenance team in carpentry, painting, minor electrical and plumbing.
• Operates and makes minor repairs to equipment such as tractors, mowers, concrete mixers, and material removal equipment.
• Performs maintenance such as fluid checks, grease and lubrication, and fueling
• Sharpens tools such as weed cutters, edging tools, and shears.
• Maintains and enhances lawns, gardens and natural areas
• Maintains all walks, parking lots, and on-site roadways
• Loads and unloads salvage, garbage and trash
• Refuel all vehicles, equipment, and emergency generators.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including are compressors and generators.
• May be required to secure pricing information from a variety of sources, including soliciting bids from vendors.
• Works as part of Plant Maintenance or Engineering Services team and assists any or all other areas as needed.
• Directs others in their assigned projects.
• Responsible for procurement recommendations as directed by the supervisor.
• Records all repairs and maintenance for future reference, uses PC database as required.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Maintenance Specialist typically works both inside and outside. The Maintenance Specialist generally works at ground level, but occasionally works at heights above 100 feet. While performing the duties of this job, the Maintenance Specialist works near moving mechanical parts, with heavy equipment. The employee must be able to operate a variety of vehicles.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• You have four years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• While not required, you may have six years or more of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Competency Summary

Candidates must have the ability to work independently and reliably with minimal direct supervision. Must be able to read and interpret schematics, operating and maintenance manuals, and other documentation. The candidate must also communicate effectively verbally and in writing and operate a personal computer and common software.

Additional Requirement

Must have (or obtain within twelve months of employment or transfer) and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (minimum of a Class B; Class A preferred) and a pesticide applicator license.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee must be able to climb ladders while carrying equipment and tools, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and operate a variety of tools and equipment. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to communicate clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Safety Sensitive

The selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen. Failure to pass the screen will disqualify the candidate from employment consideration for a period of six months from the date of the results.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

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