Maintenance Specialist III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Maintenance Specialist III
Job Title: Maintenance Specialist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Plant Maintenance
Posting Number: 21684
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
Salary Range: $3,095.33- $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Waco Center for Youth
Job Location City: WACO
Job Location Address: 3501 N 19TH ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 1169,1171,1300,1316,1371,12C,12G,12N,12V,12W,3E2X1,3E3X1,3E4X1,3E4X3,914A,91C,91E,91J,91L,AB,AN,BM
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Brief Job Description :

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Maintenance Specialist III performs complex (journey-level) work in one or more building maintenance and construction trades. Work involves conducting inspections, adjustments, and installations; maintaining and repairing buildings, utility systems, and stationary equipment, dependent on the trade; operating motorized equipment; requisitioning materials and supplies; and maintaining records. Completes paperwork and maintains work order records. Communicates verbally and in writing, possibly using electronic equipment and devices. Works as a team member with other shops and employees. May be required to perform other tasks to include operation of a motor vehicle, making deliveries, picking up supplies, and other incidental tasks. May provide training and guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• Performs inspections, adjustments, maintenance, and repair work on building systems in accordance with recognized codes and standards for various trades such as plumbing, HVAC, welding, carpentry, painting, and electrical to ensure proper maintenance and repair. Demonstrates proper use of hand tools or equipment while performing repairs or inspections. Follows directions in performance of duties.

• Performs repairs and renovations to modernize a building, building system, or adapt it to new uses. Identifies necessary information such as time required to perform repair/renovation and physical location of necessary repair/renovation. Identifies necessary materials and assembly details.

• Selects appropriate materials to replace and repair building or building systems. Assists in identifying the causes of system or equipment failure. Calculates materials, labor costs, and orders parts and supplies to properly make the necessary repairs.

• Maintains safe and uninterrupted services to campus operations and programs systems.

• Tests safety equipment as necessary.

• Accurately completes and maintains records on work orders, projects, and materials requisitions.

• May operate heavy machinery such as backhoes, forklifts, etc. as necessary.

• May train and provide guidance to others on the proper procedures and methods for repairs or inspections.

• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the repair, maintenance, and operations of buildings, building systems, and grounds.

• Knowledge of building mechanical systems, electrical distribution systems, electronics, boilers, painting, and carpentry.

• Knowledge of building materials, plumbing, and electrical fixtures.

• Knowledge of welding procedures, HVAC, sanitation, and refrigeration.

• Knowledge of industrial safety and fire regulations.

• Skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, and test equipment.

• Skill in preventative maintenance and inspections of buildings and building systems.

• Ability to perform maintenance, to follow instructions, and estimate materials.

• Ability to apply proper methods, techniques, and procedures in the maintenance and repair of buildings and utility systems.

• Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, or sketches.

• Ability to work independently or with a team.

• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, and use good judgment.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Vocational training in one or more of the following trades is required: electrical, plumbing, masonry, mechanical equipment, locksmithing, painting, motor vehicle maintenance, grounds keeping, equipment maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, welding, or electronic cabling.

OR

• Experience in construction, maintenance, or equipment/vehicle repair work as follows: two years’ experience in at least one trade and six months' experience in at least two other trades (electrical, plumbing, masonry, mechanical equipment, locksmithing, painting, motor vehicle maintenance, grounds keeping, equipment maintenance, HVAC, carpentry, welding, or electronic cabling).

Additional Information :

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases it's treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.