Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At the GBO in Green Bank, West Virginia, we have an employment opportunity for a Maintenance Specialist. The successful candidate will join the Facilities Division Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of tasks as a general fix-it specialist who uses problem-solving and technical skills to solve facility maintenance problems, involving grounds, roads and building maintenance.

What You Will be Doing:

• Provides support as general fix-it specialist, assisting the maintenance team in minor carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and painting.
• Operates and makes minor repairs on 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/or unloads salvage, garbage, and trash.
• Refuel all vehicles, equipment, and emergency generators.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including air compressors and generators.
• May re-grade roads, patch pavement and assist in repair of water/sewer lines.
• May operate heavy equipment to dig trenches, load/unload dump trucks, and cut timber as directed.
• 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 as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented while performing the duties of this job, the employee works both inside and outside, near moving mechanical parts, with heavy equipment. The employee must be able to operate a variety of vehicles. The employee generally works at ground level but occasionally works at heights above 5 feet.

Who You Are:

Education

• High school diploma or GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NRAO Safety Sensitive - This position is considered safety sensitive and requires successful applicants to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Broad-based knowledge of multiple construction and maintenance trades required. Position requires the ability to read and follow operating instructions.
• Must have and maintain a valid Drivers's License.

Experience

• Four years of relevant experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Must be able to operate a personal computer.

Additional Requirement

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 50 pounds. Must be able to work in a high noise area with PPEs. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

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:

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of this position is between $17.72-$22.60 per hour. 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:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button above. 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