Assistant Physical Plant Manager, McDonald Observatory
Core
Supervision and technical support for facilities maintenance, utilities, and custodial functions at a major astronomical research observatory.
Role type
Assistant Physical Plant Manager (Facilities & Utilities)
Builds
Maintains operational readiness of research buildings, housing, roads, visitor centers, and utility infrastructure (water/wastewater).
Domain
Higher Education / Astronomical Research / Facility Management
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Facilities management, construction management, utilities operations, team supervision, budget prioritization, fleet management, technical trades knowledge (electrical/HVAC/plumbing), compliance management, procurement, performance management.
Preferred skills
Business and fiscal management, university facilities experience, project management, stakeholder management, commercial driver's license (CDL).
Technologies
Office management tools (spreadsheets, word processing), process control systems.
Responsibilities
Manage staff-led renovation, repair, and work-order response; oversee water and wastewater treatment operations and regulatory compliance; manage custodial services and standards; assist with budget prioritization and procurement; act as fleet manager; supervise all Physical Plant teams and handle recruitment/appraisals.
Seniority
Mid-Senior, hands-on IC with supervisory duties
