Facilities Maintenance Craftsperson

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. 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. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

Part of the Central Operations Services group, the Kitt Peak facilities team remains successful by working well together with a spirit of cooperation.  Together they provide a safe, healthy, pleasant, and functional environment for all.

We have an opening for a full-time Facilities Maintenance Craftsperson to support the operations of the Kitt Peak National Observatory. We are looking for a talented team player to join our friendly team and perform a variety of general maintenance activities while having proficiency in painting, drywall, carpentry, roofing, flooring etc. This position provides support to other crafts areas and should be willing to learn other trades. The position is based at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona.  Working hours are generally 8-hour days, Monday through Friday; however occasional over-time or weekend efforts may be required.

For the Kitt Peak based positions, transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus.  There is also transportation available via shuttle from Sells or Three Points.

Essential Functions:

• 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, painting and associated finishes.
• Performs other general maintenance activities as may be assigned.
• Assist other craftsperson in the repair of plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and other repair or maintenance within the facilities.
• Maintains records and prepares reports on activities and facilities as may be required.
• Responsible for adhering to KPNO tool and equipment safety practices as well as OSHA general safety practices.
• Responsible for reporting unsafe conditions and/or procedures.
• Efforts may also include support to the Kitt Peak facility on an as-directed basis.
• 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.
• On call status is required. 

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 two years’ experience in one or more skill trades.
• Knowledge and ability to use tools and follow methods and/or practices of skilled trade.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with regulations applicable to crafts area.
• Working knowledge and understanding of appropriate codes and applicability to area of proficiency.
• Ability to follow verbal or written directions including being able to read, follow and understand blueprints and penciled sketches for specific job directions as appropriate. Able to work without written plans and in accordance with verbal direction as necessary.
• Ability to cooperate with others as part of a team and capable of working independently, under the general direction of supervisor.
• Basic reading, writing and speaking skills, able to prepare readable documents and records.
• Basic computer skills as needed to correspond and/or communicate information.
• General aptitude for safety practices and other various associated safety issues.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NSF’s NOIRLab.
• Certifications and/or licenses as may be required for craft or as specified for position.
• Requires on call status for emergencies after working hours.

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 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 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.
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more.
• Ability to climb stairs and work at 6,800 feet altitude.
• The employee 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.

Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: 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.

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the next round of reviews, please submit your application by August 10,2023.

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.