Water Plant Operator I

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

Under the direction of assigned Lead, the Water Plant Operator I provides operations support to the onsite water plant. This role provides material transportation and/or other general support activities as directed. the Water Plant Operator I responds to facility emergencies and provides minor repairs as necessary to prevent damage or ongoing loss until response by appropriate staff. This role may provide support to general maintenance tasks as assigned. It may be required to work 8-10 hour shifts and some weekends as scheduled.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for water plant facilities as necessary to maintain the supply of potable water to Kitt Peak water system. Services include but not be limited to treatment, storage, distribution meeting or exceeding EPA standards for Potable drinking water.
• Required to maintain records related to specific activities associated with water plant operations and prepare reports as requested.
• Provides material transportation services as directed.
• General knowledge and ability to use tools, materials and methods for emergency response.
• Performs general maintenance/crafts duties as required for emergency response to facility infrastructure, buildings, equipment and Telescope domes (at observatories) to prevent damage.
• May provide support or perform other general/basic maintenance activities or support as assigned.
• Responsible for knowing and using safe operating methods and practices as well as general safety issues. Also, responsible for reporting unsafe conditions and/or procedures.
• Must be capable of working independently and as part of a team
• If assigned, serves as Member of Site-Specific Emergency Response Team. Will assist in drills and emergency response efforts as assigned. 

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Graduation from High School or vocational school, or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience in general building maintenance.
• Familiarity with operation of water processing plants and distribution systems. Able to obtain appropriate certifications, Class 1 Treatment/Class 1 Distribution within 18 months of initial hire date, and maintain certifications.
• Must abide by EPA requirements for Potable Water Treatment and Distribution licensing to maintain certifications.
• Minor proficiency in general crafts areas as may be appropriate for shutdown of equipment or protection of facility items.
• Able to operate material transportation equipment and obtain necessary certification.
• Ability to follow verbal or written directions.
• Basic reading, writing, math, and speaking skills to prepare documents and records, working knowledge of algebra a plus.
• Basic computer skills as needed to correspond and/or communicate information.
• Ability to cooperate with others as part of a team and work independently.
• General aptitude for safety practices and other various associated safety issues.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain a CDL license as may be required.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of algebra
• Water processing plant & distribution system experience
• Existing Class 1 Treatment and/or Distribution certifications

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 occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception 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
• Able to climb stairs and work at 6,800 feet altitude
• May be required to extend worktime and/or stay overnight at Kitt Peak based on emergency operational and/or safety needs.

 Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O’odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by December 22, 2023.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

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 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/ 

Consistent with the actions of the Biden Administration, as of 12 May 2023, AURA will no longer require COVID-19 vaccination of its employees in the U.S. AURA employees in the U.S. may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements from other entities, such as host institutions or partner affiliations. 

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.