Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse, exciting, and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO has an opportunity for an experienced Maintenance Specialist in our Engineering Services Division at the Very Large Array (VLA). Under general supervision and as part of a diverse and active team, the Maintenance Specialist will provide skilled assistance in carpentry, painting, minor electrical and plumbing. 

The position is based at the Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM.  Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.  In addition to competitive pay, we provide excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave).  Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of employment.  Our retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay. No contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

What You Will be Doing:

●        Providing support and assisting the maintenance team in carpentry, painting, minor electrical and plumbing.

●        Operating and making minor repairs to equipment such as tractors, mowers, concrete mixers, and material removal equipment.

●        Performing maintenance such as fluid checks, grease and lubrication, and fueling

●        Sharpening tools such as weed cutters, edging tools, and shears.

●        Maintaining and enhances lawns, gardens and natural areas

●        Maintaining all walks, parking lots, and on-site roadways

●        Loading and unloading salvage, garbage and trash

●        Refueling all vehicles, equipment, and emergency generators.

●        Operating a variety of heavy equipment, including are compressors and generators.

●        May be required to secure pricing information from a variety of sources, including soliciting bids from vendors.

●        Working as part of Plant Maintenance or Engineering Services team and assists any or all other areas as needed.

●        Responsible for making procurement recommendations as directed by the supervisor.  

●        Recording all repairs and maintenance for future reference, uses PC database as required.  

●        Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.  

●        Other duties may be assigned.

●        Applying the proper pesticides on site and maintain the required records.

●        Mowing and trimming weeds on the central square mile VLA site and also on the VLA railroad track system and 72 each Antenna Array pad sites.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Maintenance Specialist typically works both inside and outside.  While performing the duties of this job, the Maintenance Specialist works near moving mechanical parts, with heavy equipment. The employee must be able to operate a variety of vehicles.

Who You Are:

●        You have a High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

●        You have four years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

●        While not required, you may have Six years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Competency Summary

Candidates must have the ability to work independently and reliably with minimal direct supervision. Must be able to read and interpret schematics, operating and maintenance manuals, and other documentation. The candidate must also communicate effectively verbally and in writing and operate a personal computer and common software.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee 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 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Must be able to communicate clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Requirement

Must have (or obtain within six months of employment or transfer) and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (minimum of a Class B ; Class A preferred).

Must have (or obtain within six months of employment) and maintain the proper pesticide applicator licenses ( right away and Industrial weed control)

Safety Sensitive

(NOTE: not all positions are “Safety Sensitive” – if not SS, delete this item) 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:

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. 

Benefits:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. 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. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to [email protected].

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)