Maintenance Worker

Summary

The Maintenance Worker will perform a variety of duties involved in the maintenance of the office complexes, laboratories, machine and automotive shops, dormitories, telescope buildings, and other ancillary structures at FLWO that are in 24 hour, 365 day/year operation; and the infrastructure associated with a remote site location including the mountain road and water storage systems.

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Duties

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• Operate snowplows and sanders in winter weather on an unpaved mountain road.
• Participate in grounds maintenance activities as required, including tree trimming, weeding, and grass cutting along the mountain road and at the administrative complex, while operating and maintaining related tools and equipment.
• Collaborate with scientific, support staff and Ridge Telescopes' staff to troubleshoot and resolve issues across telescope systems and facilities.
• Determine and implement appropriate repair methods for components such as telescope seams, dome structures, rotation motor assemblies, and telescope instrument changes.
• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, man lifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, etc. in open areas and on level, hilly and/or mountainous terrain to move earth, rocks, sand, stumps and other equipment.
• Transport safely the optical, scientific equipment and liquid nitrogen Dewars required for telescope instruments' operation from base camp to the summit.
• Perform routine operational support tasks in accordance with work orders, schedules, and manufacturer instructions, including delivery and pickup of materials between facilities.
• Conduct fueling and minor servicing of vehicles and heavy equipment and serves as an alternate driver for transportation of goods to and from Tucson in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer instructions
• Remove debris and rocks from culverts (150) along the mountain road and clears fallen rocks following rainstorms and high winds, performing work with minimal supervision while coordinating with coworkers to maintain safe road conditions.
• Assess maintenance and repair requirements and carry out work on vehicle and equipment systems with minimal supervision
• Perform other related maintenance duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds for salary payments
• Use of respirator and annual respirator fit testing and training required.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Applicants must have a valid driver's license.

Annual physical examinations are required to be certified for using a respiratory system for a limited number of tasks.

An annual respirator fit testing and training is required.

Heavy physical effort will be required in constantly reaching, bending, turning and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls to operate tools, equipment, and vehicles. Due to the nature of some duties, the incumbent is required to work in awkward positions, on ladders and scaffolds, and will handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Duties at the Ridge telescopes and on other areas of the mountain are recurring. The environment can be extreme, and range from dry heat to bitter cold. Travel to the Ridge or higher over a mountain road an be hazardous, and involve exposure to snow and rain, lightning, and flash floods.

Qualifications

Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Specialized Experience includes: performing 2-4 of the following trades carpentry, painting, electrical, and plumbing, welding and roofing; ability to perform trades under minimal supervision; ability and skill in operating two- and four-wheel drive passenger cars, trucks, forklifts, front-end loaders, backhoes, cranes, man lifts, etc. on unpaved, steep, mountainous roads, and experience using most hand and power tools associated with the trades.

There is no substitution of education for experience for this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at for a complete description.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.