General Maintenance Person I

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.

The General Maintenance Person I works under the direction of assigned Lead, Supervisor or Manager to assist in the maintenance and operation of the facilities on Kitt Peak. This position work involves plumbing, carpentry, painting, custodial, grounds keeping and general renovation/maintenance.

Transportation is provided from NOIRLab’s base facility, located on the University of Arizona campus if needed. Employees may drive or share an AURA vehicle from the base facility to Kitt Peak (driving an AURA vehicle requires a valid state driver’s license and an AURA issued GSA license).

Essential Functions:

• Provides custodial services as needed to maintain a clean and orderly condition.
• Performs general maintenance under the direction of a Craftsperson or other COS staff lead.
• Performs grounds upkeep, using lawn mower and the weed eater.
• Performs general vehicle maintenance on GSA fleet under the direction of a Craftsperson or other COS staff lead.
• Willing to learn and advance basic knowledge through on-the-job training, online course work and in class training.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• General knowledge of maintenance and janitorial methods such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming or shampooing carpets, cleaning wall, windows, restroom facilities, etc.
• General knowledge in crafts including carpentry, electrical, mechanical and plumbing and working knowledge of the same.
• General knowledge of use of tools required for custodial and maintenance duties.
• Ability to cooperate with others to work as a team, or independently as assigned.
• Computer skills for basic communication a plus
• Basic reading, writing, and speaking skills needed to communicate with co-workers and supervisor regarding work to be done, and to report on tasks completed.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by NOIRLab.
• Ability to fulfill occasional on call requirements

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.
• Ability 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.

Salary: $17.20/hr. 

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 April 30, 2024.

• 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/ 

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.