Jobs

Purpose

Performs work on water systems and provides advanced maintenance and repair tasks across one or more craft areas at McDonald Observatory, a large remote research facility. Will provide on-the-job training for water operator licenses. Works independently and supports journey-level craft workers. Routinely conducts preventive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Water System Maintenance. Assist in basic water operations and the maintenance of the McDonald Observatory's water facilities to meet or exceed the standards mandated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Sends in water samples according to TCEQ requirements, files reports, and performs record-keeping duties associated with water responsibilities. Maintains Water and Wastewater Operator Licensing: Water Class D, and Wastewater Class D.
• Facility and Preventive Maintenance. Assists with maintenance work for the entire facility and infrastructure, including residential and commercial construction, carpentry, plumbing, pipe-fitting, appliances, machining, welding, fabrication, equipment, vehicles, mechanical sub-systems, and water and wastewater systems. Performs preventative maintenance.
• Facility Troubleshooting and Repair. Assists in the troubleshooting and repair of commercial facilities, electromechanical devices, residential structures, and telescope enclosure buildings. Provides skilled work with HVAC, electrical, and hydraulic systems in commercial and residential structures.
• Record-Keeping and Inventory. Performs physical inventory, record-keeping tasks, and general maintenance duties. Submits orders for materials and services in accordance with state purchasing procedures.
• Safety and Facility Support. Performs emergency service duties as assigned, including Emergency Response Team (ERT) training and related activities, including responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, or other emergencies that threaten or interfere with normal operations of the facility. Maintains a professional, customer-service demeanor and a professional appearance according to UT McDonald Physical Plant dress code. Wears the appropriate protective gear and follows safety procedures.
• Performs Other Duties. Performs related duties as required to meet business needs. Drives UT vehicle. Maintains professionalism in interaction with the public and fellow workers, as well as in appearance according to UT policy. Assists coworkers as needed with various disciplines in a team-oriented environment.

For additional information and to apply: Maintenance Worker III

Purpose

Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical systems related to instrumentation, control infrastructure, and telescope operations.

Responsibilities

• Responds to trouble calls, communicates with customers, troubleshoots electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical control systems and components to ensure reliable operation of observing systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance and calibrates electronic, electrical, and electro-mechanical controls and sensors to prevent failures, ensure the observing environment operates at optimal performance, and maximize operational availability.
• Interprets and works from drawings, specifications, and sketches for assigned projects to ensure university standards are maintained. Commissions control systems for new and renovation construction projects to ensure final control installation meets standards and functional requirements. Performs work independently from written or verbal instructions and in accordance with established safety procedures to complete tasks promptly.
• Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist in procuring components. Creates material lists and acquires materials to support efficient work. Keeps accurate records of materials used and maintains daily time reports to complete tasks efficiently and document details of the functions performed. Maintains accurate, up-to-date documentation for all systems.
• Renovates and upgrades control systems to ensure efficient operation of the observing environment and to support evolving scientific needs.
• Assists others as needed to troubleshoot observing subsystems and other equipment, aiming to minimize equipment downtime and address concerns about the stability of the observing subsystems.
• Gathers data on electronics, electrical, and electro-mechanical systems to support analysis and enhance control system performance. Participates in the On-Call Program.
• Supports other shops and team members in achieving shop goals related to key performance indicators. Assists external entities as needed. Provides prompt and courteous customer service, keeps supervisors informed about daily work order status to ensure clear, concise, and effective communication, and meets customer expectations. Driving University vehicles to job sites may be required for this role and other duties. Performs other duties as requested to meet business needs.

For additional information and to apply: Control Systems Electronics Engineer

Application deadline is February 15, 2026 

Join the McDonald Observatory in a paid public outreach internship for undergraduate astronomy and physics students. Spend the summer under magnificently starry skies!

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited undergraduate institution, have completed AST 307 or an equivalent course in introductory astronomy (for science and engineering majors), and have a valid class “C” driver’s license with a current three-year driving record. 

For additional information and to apply: 2026 Summer Internship

Responsibilities

The summer intern will assist with the daily operations of the visitors center, present programs like Solar Viewing and Guided Tours, operate telescopes at Star Parties several nights a week, support summer workshops for K-12 teachers, and participate in local outreach activities. The internship is an excellent opportunity to develop and practice public speaking skills, share knowledge of astronomy and physics, and spend time with world class telescopes at a major observatory.

The position requires driving a shuttle van, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in low light and various weather conditions. A job offer includes a private room and bathroom in the onsite Astronomers Lodge with the option to purchase meals. Dinnertime at the Lodge is an excellent opportunity to make contacts with researchers, graduate students, and professors. Interns are not required to stay at the Lodge, but there is no housing stipend provided for offsite accommodations.