Facility Maintenance Technician II

Job Description

Job Description

Join the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) team at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) and play an important role in supporting groundbreaking solar research. Located atop Haleakalā on Maui, DKIST relies on carefully maintained facilities and specialized environments to support its scientific mission.

We are seeking a Facility Maintenance Technician II to help maintain the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of the observatory and its supporting facilities. In this hands-on role, you'll perform specialized cleanroom-quality cleaning, routine facility upkeep, and general maintenance activities that help protect sensitive equipment and maintain the conditions necessary for world-class solar observations.

Working under the direction of a supervisor or manager and alongside experienced technicians, you'll contribute to a collaborative team dedicated to maintaining the observatory's infrastructure, equipment, and operational readiness.

As a Facility Maintenance Technician II, you will:

• Maintain clean and operational facilities: Perform routine and specialized cleaning throughout the observatory, including machinery spaces, optical cleanrooms (as directed by optical staff), building interiors, common areas, and supporting facilities.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation: Sweep, mop, scrub, wipe, vacuum, and sanitize floors, walls, stairways, handrails, equipment, and other surfaces using approved procedures and cleaning products.
• Support safe cleaning practices: Follow established procedures for chemical cleaners, power equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect personnel, equipment, and facility surfaces.
• Manage waste and supplies: Service and restock common areas, collect and properly dispose of rubbish, and assist senior technicians or supervisors with selecting, requesting, and inventorying cleaning supplies, services, and equipment.
• Maintain vehicles and prevent pests: Clean fleet vehicle interiors and exteriors; inspect facilities, vehicles, and storage areas for pests and invasive species; and apply appropriate pest-control treatments using required PPE.
• Operate facility vehicles: Drive vans, industrial trucks, and other assigned vehicles when required to support cleaning, maintenance, and site operations.
• Assist with facility maintenance: Support senior technicians with general maintenance and craft activities, including weather-related leak detection and mitigation, inspecting and replacing equipment filters, and moving furniture, equipment, and supplies.
• Identify maintenance needs: Monitor assigned areas and promptly notify management of major repair needs, unsafe conditions, or operational concerns.
• Maintain accurate records: Document cleaning activities, timekeeping, inventory requests, and completed tasks using computer-based systems.
• Support safety and compliance: Follow applicable safety standards, AURA property management policies, and government award requirements.

Additional Duties (Desired Functions):

Depending on assignments and demonstrated capabilities, you may also:

• Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of buildings and structures, including roofs, walls, floors, ceilings, door hardware, painting, and finishes under the direction of a supervisory engineer or senior technician.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, reach machines, and similar equipment to support facility maintenance, cleaning, materials handling, and waste disposal.
• Perform other general maintenance activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or vocational school.
• At least one year of experience working in an industrial environment or the field of facility maintenance.
• Knowledge of and ability to use general maintenance tools, materials, methods, and practices.
• Ability to work independently and follow verbal or written directions.
• Ability to cooperate with others as part of a team and provide supervision over others.
• Ability to read, follow, and understand blueprints and pencil sketches for specific job directions, as appropriate.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and other applications needed to understand assignments, communicate, and document completed work in a Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Good reading, writing, and speaking skills, including the ability to prepare detailed documents and records.
• General aptitude for safety practices and awareness of associated safety issues.
• Physical ability to perform work requirements, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
• Possession of a valid state driver's license and ability to obtain a GSA license.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and biological significance of the site.

This position is based at the DKIST facility atop Haleakalā, at approximately 10,000 feet elevation. Work takes place in a unique, high-altitude observatory environment and may involve inclement weather, specialized cleaning areas, machinery spaces, and facility maintenance activities.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Regularly sit, use hands to handle objects and equipment, and communicate with others.
• Stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl as required by assigned tasks.
• Regularly lift or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring close vision, depth perception, color differentiation, and the ability to adjust visual focus.
• Have sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity to operate tools, equipment, computers, and office machinery.
• Read and understand written instructions, technical drawings, and safety procedures.
• Hear and understand instructions, alarms, and safety warnings, and communicate information effectively.
• Occasionally work at heights while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Be able to work at approximately 10,000 feet elevation, including during periods of inclement weather.
• Be available for varying work shifts, including occasional early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Occasionally travel between the Hawaiian Islands and the mainland United States, as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits

Compensation: $25.00–$31.00 per hour, depending on skills, qualifications, and experience.

This position offers an opportunity to:

• Contribute directly to the operation and maintenance of a world-class solar research facility.
• Work alongside skilled technicians and scientific professionals in a unique observatory environment.
• Gain experience with specialized cleaning practices, facility infrastructure, and maintenance operations supporting advanced scientific instrumentation.
• Be part of an organization dedicated to advancing solar research and scientific discovery.

As an AURA employee, you'll have access to a benefits package that includes:

• Paid time off.
• Retirement plan contributions.
• A collaborative work environment supporting scientific research and innovation.
• Opportunities to participate in professional development, including classes and mentoring.

About AURA

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and three international affiliates committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and collaborative research environments that support groundbreaking discoveries.

This position will remain open until filled. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may request support here.