Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a premier remote field station located 360 miles north of Fairbanks off the Dalton highway. TFS is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to fill the position of Maintenance, Equipment Support and Fabrication Lead. Experience related to facility maintenance/operation, remote science support, vehicle/equipment maintenance/repair, technical support, and leadership/staff oversight, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. This is a full-time, 12-month position with significant shifts spent at the station, complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. This is a Union represented position. You will spend shifts of up to 4 weeks at the station, and some occasional time needed at the Fairbanks office. For more detailed information or to apply, please click the link above.
Duties:
1-30%Provide facility maintenance, monitoring, and repair. On a defined schedule this position checks and records fuel levels, water levels, power consumption, vehicle mileage, and other performance and consumption data around the station. This position identifies priorities, regular and higher level tasking in conjunction with the Facility Supervisor, performs and tasks the technicians in the team, and participate in providing basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical assistance to the station. It plans, develops, and interprets specifications and assembly/support of complex systems, methods of construction, sequence of operation or monitoring equipment. Mechanical assistance includes, but is not limited to: small boiler and furnace maintenance, Toyo heater maintenance, basic plumbing repair and fixture replacement, basic and rough carpentry, basic electrical troubleshooting and repair, maintenance on cooling and refrigeration systems, and painting. Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on buildings components; non-structural repairs to walls, floors, ceilings, wall surfaces, and finishes; install floor coverings, wall coverings, sheet rocks, and furnishing such as shelving, windows coverings, door seals, and institutional support equipment. This position will on occasion lead or participate in repair, maintenance, and fabrication of larger and more complex systems in collaboration with the outside National Science Foundation (NSF) contractor*. Examples of some major projects include, but are not limited to, the construction of small outbuildings and repair and replacement of hydronic heating systems. This position operates a State of Alaska Large Water system and must have, or be able to obtain, the ADEC Large Water System Operator, Water Treatment 1 certification. This position administers computerized building control systems/energy management fonctions; restores and reprograms computerized building controls sequences in conformance to management specifications and applicable codes.
*The NSF owns and-- through a contractor-- maintains some of the large, more complex facilities and systems at TFS, including the electrical generators, water plant, Dining Hall, Garage, and utility distribution systems. Toolik Field Station uses and operates these facilities (excluding the generators), but major maintenance, upgrade, and repair is directed and performed by NSF through their contractor who have a year-round presence at Toolik. TFS staff, including this position, assist in these activities when needed. TFS and the contractor work collaboratively throughout the year to maintain the highest standard of operation for the station.Essential
15%Provide equipment maintenance, monitoring, and repair. This includes, but is not limited to: assembling, overhauling, maintenance and rebuilding of small engines, outboards, motors, pumps, generators, ATVs and snowmachines. Basic vehicle maintenance includes fluid and filter changes, brake replacement and repair, seal changes, and tire changing. Inspects and performs various maintenance, repairs, and construction tasks for compliance with applicable CMMS work orders, regulations, codes, and professional practices.Essential
15%Provide grounds maintenance, snow removal, loading and unloading of commercial and UAF vehicles, and distribution of materials around the station and beyond. This includes, but is not limited to, operating construction and road maintenance equipment in excess of 100 horsepower or vehicles in excess of 33000 GVWR, including wheeled loaders, bulldozers, forklifts, and utility tractors. It also includes shoveling, raking, augering, snowplowing, use of pallet jacks, hand trucks, hand carts, sleds, and other manual labor techniques.Essential
30%Serve as the Maintenance, Equipment Support and Lead to users, projects and staff at the Toolik Field Station. Under the guidance of the TFS Facility Supervisor and the Spatial and Environmental Data Manager, this position leads a team of two to four technicians to provide a variety of support to the facility: science support in field, basic fabrication, equipment troubleshooting and repair, training on tools and equipment, and transportation. This position assists the Facility Supervisor in resolving worker-related problems as well. Field support includes, but is not limited to: assistance installing equipment in the field, augering holes in lake ice, changing gas cylinders in deployed equipment, checking and monitoring gauges, providing “hands and eyes in the field” to projects that are not present at the station, cleaning equipment, and taking basic scientific measurements. Basic scientific fabrication includes, but is not limited to: providing practical knowledge, advice, and hands on assistance to research projects in making modifications to research equipment and structures in the field. This can include basic carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical, and other skill sets to fabricate the pieces needed to support the field work. Some examples include fabricating basic waterproof enclosures, equipment tripods, and mounts to install instrumentation. Equipment troubleshooting and repair includes, but is not limited to: helping researchers diagnose, and when possible, repair a wide range of scientific equipment. Training on tools and equipment can include giving snowmachine orientations to winter researchers, providing training on using basic power tools such as ice augers and saws, and support using basic lab equipment such as purified water systems, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, chillers, and related. Transportation includes, but is not limited to: assistance transporting researchers and equipment over the Dalton Highway in trucks and over the tundra on snow machines, skis, snowshoes, hiking, and skiff/canoe usage on the lake. It also includes fueling TFS and researcher equipment and adherence to the TFS Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan.Essential
5%Act as a Toolik Field Station team member. In a remote location with a small staff and an important mission, everyone at TFS is expected to assist all others when safe and appropriate to do so. This includes, but is not limited to, basic housekeeping, janitorial, customer service, snow removal, food service, general labor, and other duties as assigned. Most of these duties are needed during the winter months (October-March).Essential
5%Manage inventory, warehousing, and supply ordering. This position manages inventories, orders equipment and materials, stocks shelves, racks and bins, and issues materials. Identifies compatible substitute maintenance and operational repair and replacement parts as needed. Verifies all receiving documents, and accounting information for accuracy and completeness; provides the necessary documents for the successful stocking of materials and supplies. This position also performs upload and maintains facility assets in a CMMS database.Essential
| Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: |
This is a customer-facing role in a highly community and team-oriented environment. Required soft skills include interpersonal communication, active listening, creativity, adaptability, resourcefulness, conflict resolution, enthusiasm, dedication and interest in the Arctic. Applicants must be excited to work in a culturally diverse, inclusive, and responsive environment.
The work location is in the remote Arctic, and often requires backcountry travel. Those in the position need to be physically capable of negotiating severe arctic conditions and terrain and maintain a level of fitness and health appropriate for long-term work in a remote location. The ability to deal with being outside all day in extreme cold, mosquitoes, rain, and sun while hiking, lifting, climbing ladders/small towers, and/or backpacking science gear up to several miles are necessary attributes.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities to do all the tasks outlined in the position description, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fabrication, welding, vehicle maintenance and repair, and ATV and snow machine maintenance and repair. IT and/or broad technical skills preferred. Ability to research best practices when needed. Must have knowledge of the scientific research process and equipment used for research. This position operates a State of Alaska Large treated water system and must have, or be able to obtain, the ADEC Large Water System Operator, Water Treatment 1 certification.
Solid knowledge of vehicle operation, maintenance, and repair. Must be familiar with the operation of one ton trucks, including gas and diesel engines, 4 wheel drive operations, tire changing, and proper maintenance schedules. Experience wiith fuel storage and handling. Must be able to drive and orient others in driving rural Alaska highways.
Knowledge of computer operation, e-mail, web FTP, spreadsheets, data entry and online tracking systems. Must be able to build and maintain spreadsheets and other online documents to track inventory on site, build tasks schedules, etc.
Must have the experience and be able to lead up to four employees. Must be able to direct, schedule, and monitor work assignments for the department.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to organize and present metrics, reports, and opinions.
Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy and good judgment when dealing with people, in analyzing situations and making decisions.
Must be able to be certified in forklift and heavy machinery operation like loader and dozer.
Must be able to regularly travel to the North Slope of Alaska and live and work with a variety of people in a close environment.
Ability to move/lift boxes of 70 lbs.
Ability to travel for up to three weeks at a time.
Ability to drive the Dalton highway without assistance between Fairbanks, Toolik Field Station, and Deadhorse, AK. |
| Required Experience: |
Requires a Master level or equivalent experience in a specialized field including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, mechanical, facility maintenance; or a minimum of 15 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education. Demonstrated experience with Facility mainteance, Science support design fabrication, and experience as crew or department lead. Ability to live in a remote field station for shift rotations two or mor weeks in lenght.
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| Required Education or Training: |
A valid Alaska driver’s license meeting the following criteria is required: The driver’s license has not been revoked or suspended in any country, state or province within the last 5 years, any serious violations within the last 5 years or three or more major violations within the past three years. Experience with large trucks, trailer towing, and driving in snowy/icy/muddy conditions preferred. Serious violations include reckless driving; driving while impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol; homicide by vehicle, negligent homicide or involuntary manslaughter; fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; driving without a license or while license is suspended or revoked; and Hit and Run or failure to stop after an accident. Major violations include speeding, failure to yield; failure to obey traffic sign or signal; improper backing, turning or passing; following too closely; careless operation of a vehicle; moving violations and “at fault” accidents.
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| Salary Information: |
This is a full-time, 12-month, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed in a Grade CT3, step is based on education and experience.
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references with your application.
Applications must be received prior to 11:55 PM Alaska time on February 6, 2023, to be considered. Applications received after this time and date may not be considered for this position. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date.
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If an adequate pool of applicants is not received at that time, applications will be reviewed by date received until the position is filled.
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This recruitment is Open Until Filled and successful submission of an application does not guarantee employment.
Salary Information: CTX /Step 1. (See Article 9.2 in the L6070 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Wage Grade Schedule - http://www.alaska.edu/labor/local-6070/ ).
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This position is represented by the Alaska Higher Education Crafts & Trades Employees (L6070).
Current University of Alaska Local 6070 employees will be provided priority employment considerations for the first 5 days, when they meet the minimum qualifications for the posted position. Current University of Alaska Local 6070 employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the posting should apply before the review date. However, there is no requirement to be a Bargaining Unit Member in order to apply.
*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
At this time, all university employees are strongly encouraged to vaccinate themselves against the COVID-19 virus. While the federal government is not actively enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including its mandate requiring vaccination of federal contractor employees, UAF remains contractually obligated as a federal contractor to comply with those requirements should federal enforcement efforts recommence. As a result, UAF may adjust its vaccination requirements for covered UAF employees (currently Troth Yeddha’ campus and employees working in connection with certain federal contracts) at any time in the future, as needed, in order to comply with its contractual obligations.
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Abby Dunham, Institute of Arctic Biology HR Coordinator, at adunham3@alaska.edu or (907) 474-7463.
