Grounds Maintenance Technician

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Job Summary

Position is full-time and located at Palomar Observatory. The position works under the supervision of the Facilities Maintenance group supervisor. Under limited direction, the position will work alone or with other members of the observatory staff to perform grounds and building maintenance. Duties include, but are not limited to, weed/brush abatement, tree trimming, mowing, fence repair, snow/ice abatement, building repair/maintenance, painting, wood working, and general water systems/plumbing repair. As needed, the position will assist with industrial water and septic systems repair. Position will perform and document grounds and building preventive maintenance tasks.

Essential Job Duties

• Building maintenance including wall/door/roof repair, painting, wood working, water systems and plumbing repair, and other building maintenance tasks, which require lifting equipment more than 50 lbs. and driving observatory vehicles to various sites across the observatory. (40%)
• Assist with general mechanic tasks such as scheduled preventive maintenance, unplanned repairs, and planned upgrades. (15%)
• Basic troubleshooting and repair of observatory equipment, including lawn/ground equipment, mowers, and vehicles. (15%)
• Grounds maintenance including blowing, weed/brush control, mowing, tree trimming, fencing, snow/ice abatement, and other grounds maintenance tasks. (10%)
• Schedule, perform, and document grounds and buildings preventive maintenance tasks. (10%)
• Assist with water and septic infrastructure inspection and repair. (5%)
• Assist with telescope and dome maintenance tasks as needed.  Assist with mirror cleaning and coating as needed. Other duties as assigned (5%)

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to safely use basic tools, grounds tools, power tools, and chain saws.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout the course of employment
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of facility maintenance equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Ability to walk, stand, push, pull, climb, twist, stoop, and bend to accomplish job requirements on a consistent/regular basis, on dirt, snow, ice, mud, and uneven terrain. 
• Must be able to work outside in inclement weather, in confined and/or elevated spaces, at an elevation of 6000’.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 or more years of grounds and facility/building maintenance experience preferred.

Required Documents

• Resume. 
• Cover Letter.