The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA’s National Solar Observatory (NSO), Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) completed construction and started operations on November, 2021 on the summit of Haleakala. DKIST is the world's largest and most advanced solar telescope.

AURA and the National Solar Observatory is hiring for a Maintenance Technician III. This role performs cleanroom-quality cleaning as well as standard janitorial and craft repair tasks in and around the DKI Solar Telescope Observatory and ancillary locations under the direction of the assigned Supervisor or Manager. Performs a variety of general maintenance activities while having proficiency in at least two primary craft areas and general proficiency in one or two additional craft areas. Cleanroom Cleaning, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical/Millwright, Painting/Drywall/Carpentry, Mechanic, General Labor, etc.

Essential Functions:

• Performs a variety of maintenance and crafts duties in support of facility infrastructure, buildings and equipment. Requires high degree of proficiency in several crafts area, such as but not limited to the following:
• Painting/Drywall/Carpentry - General crafts skills to provide for the general maintenance and upkeep of all structures and/or installations. Includes installation, repair and maintenance of buildings, roofs, interior/exterior walls, floors, ceilings, door hardware, painting and associated finishes.
• HVAC&R – assist mechanical staff with installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. May include cleanroom filters, ductwork, chillers, valves, pumps, air handlers, heaters, pneumatic systems.
• Plumbing/Mechanical – perform and/or assist mechanical staff with installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of all types of plumbing system. Assist mechanical staff with assembly, installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of complicated machine systems. May include hoisting, assembly, repair, fabrication, welding.
• Electrical – assist electrical staff with tasks such as conduit installation, organization of materials, obtaining tools, labeling.
• Others as may be defined.
• Maintain cleanliness and operability of Observatory Facility and equipment:
• Clean building floors, walls, structure, handrails, stairways, etc. by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, wiping, and/or vacuuming.
• Carry out specialized cleaning in optical clean rooms as directed by optical staff.
• Inspect, maintain, and when required and using appropriate PPE, distribute insecticides, pesticides, and fumigants in assigned areas (facility, vehicle, storage yard) to prevent pests and invasive species.
• Drive vehicles required to perform or travel to cleaning work or other assigned tasks, including vans, industrial trucks.
• Clean fleet vehicle interiors and exteriors and treat to keep free of invasive pests.
• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
• Gather and dispose of rubbish regularly and properly.
• Service, clean, and supply restrooms and kitchen areas of the observatory.
• Sanitize equipment and surfaces as instructed.
• Work with designated engineer or admin to select, request, and obtain supplies, services and equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
• Move furniture, equipment, and supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, reach machine, etc. for facility and equipment cleaning, maintenance tasks, handling of materials, disposal of rubbish, etc.
• Performs other general maintenance activities as may be assigned.
• Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system, https://cas.aura-astronomy.org/Awards.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Normally, graduation from High School or vocational school.
• Graduation from a recognized crafts apprenticeship program(s) or equivalent training.
• At least four years experience in a combination of two or more skill trades, with an additional 2 years experience in one or more additional crafts areas.
• Knowledge of and ability to use tools, materials, methods, and practices of crafts area.
• Ability to follow verbal or written directions.
• Basic computer skills such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, and others as need to understand tasking and shift assignments, and to communicate and report on tasks performed in CMMS.
• Ability to cooperate with others as part of a team, and to provide supervision over others.
• Able to read, follow and understand drawings and penciled sketches for specific job directions as appropriate.
• Good reading, writing and speaking skills, able to prepare detailed documents and records.
• General aptitude for safety practices and other various associated safety issues.
• Certifications and/or licenses as may be required for craft or as specified for position.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Physical ability to perform work requirements as dictated by job needs, ie. Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, reaching, etc.
• Valid State driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to obtain GSA license.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and biological significance of the site.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; climb; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing appropriate PPE
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Availability to work varying shifts, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.