Craftsperson II (HVAC/Plumbing)

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community. NOIRLab operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with approximately 400 employees at facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Hawai’i, and Chile.

NSF NOIRLab is looking for a Craftsperson II (HVAC/Plumbing) to join our team! Responsibilities will include the daily operation and maintenance of the HVAC and plumbing infrastructure and identify and document maintenance risks on equipment. This position will support other facilities staff with various activities and maintenance efforts, as directed.

Essential Functions:

• Troubleshoot and repair any component of the HVAC and plumbing systems including diagnosing electrical and mechanical failures in the HVAC systems. Perform emergency repairs in a prompt, timely manner.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks that ensure proper function of the HVAC and plumbing systems. Calibrate thermostats throughout the facility.
• Perform various sized pump repairs or replacements.
• Perform installation and maintenance of toilets, sinks, urinals, and water filtration systems. Exercise of and/or replacement of domestic water valves.
• Comply with service standards, work instructions and customer requests, including communicating repair efforts with facility management and building occupants and maintaining a respectful, courteous and communicative workstyle.
• Other responsibilities will include daily work order completion, the operation of lifts and forklifts as necessary, maintaining written and/or electronic records, maintaining tools and a clean and organized shared spaces and common areas, and general assistance to other crafts persons or staff members as required or requested.
• Efforts may also include support to the Kitt Peak facility on an as-directed basis.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Working knowledge of: HVAC&R systems; control systems; refrigerant issues, including recapture and/or cleaning; and a basic understanding of the systems interfaces.
• Requires experience using pipe soldering and brazing equipment, operation of equipment cleaning and circulation systems and basic mechanical, plumbing and pipefitting skills.
• Must demonstrate a general aptitude for safety and other various associated OSHA subjects, such as: forklift operator safety, asbestos recognition, Freon management, respirator use, “hot work” requirements and lockout/tag-out requirements.
• Experience with reading blueprints, and have basic reading, writing and speaking skills, plus ability to prepare and maintain equipment records and reports.
• Must be able to obtain refrigerant certifications.
• Valid State driver’s license and a valid GSA permit issued by AURA.
• Requires on call status for emergencies after working hours.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• May occasionally work at 6,800 feet altitude.

Salary: $21.63 - $24.33/hr. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. 

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by August 30, 2024.

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org. 
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process). 

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org 

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/ 

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.