Operations and Maintenance Technician - Poker Flat Facilities

Operations and Maintenance Technician - Poker Flat Facilities

  • 528610
  • Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
  • On Campus
  • Staff Full-time
  • Crafts & Trades T2
  • UAF Geophysical Institute

Are you a proactive problem solver with a passion for maintenance and a drive to excel in a dynamic environment? Poker Flat Research Range is seeking an Operations and Maintenance Technician to join our team. Nestled just 30 miles north of Fairbanks, Poker Flat is a remote facility with a long history of collaboration with NASA, and a diverse group of researchers exploring disciplines from space physics to oil spill research. As the world's largest land-based rocket range, Poker Flat offers opportunities for interesting and meaningful work. If this sounds like you, please apply today!

The Geophysical Institute is a research-driven organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers an attractive work environment and strong benefits including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute is committed to equity, inclusion, and accountability and values the open sharing of different perspectives. We support a respectful and welcoming environment and a commitment to serving Alaska and Alaskans with strong applied science. Career growth and professional development are expected and encouraged.

The successful applicant should have the following:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals and technical procedures.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other similarly classified employees and management.

Ability to work independently and in a group setting including following, interpreting and communicating instructions given by management; relating to management and other employees in a positive manner; making efforts to solve crew conflicts, and assisting in providing a productive and safe work environment.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as pressures, frequency, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages women, minorities, members from marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

To thrive in this role, you should have strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to troubleshoot issues and find practical solutions for maintaining facilities, equipment, and roads. Be a team player, collaborate with a small close-knit team, including supporting NASA and contributing scientists, requires effective communication and a willingness to respond quickly. Be part of a flexible team operating in challenging conditions with the ability to adapt rapidly to changing tasks and environments. Be able to prioritize safety in all aspects of the job.

This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including preventive maintenance, construction tasks, supporting rocket launch operations, and assistance with many other scientific research programs. If you are eager to work in a collaborative team, tackle diverse tasks, and play a vital role in pushing the boundaries of research. Poker Flat Research Range may be the perfect place for you.

Minimum Qualifications:

Journeyman level or equivalent certification in a specialized field including but not limited to carpentry, plumbing, or electrical; or a minimum of ten years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This includes certification or ability to be certified in the following areas:

Pyro/Ordnance certification required by NASA (training provided annually).
Hazwhoper certification, emphasis on oil spill and hydrocarbon cleanup (training provided annually).
Commercial Driver’s License preferred or have the ability to obtain.
Lifting Device (Cranes, forklifts, manlifts, etc) certification.
Certification on Building Controls or the ability to obtain them.
First Responder training/certification (provided annually).

Position Details:

*This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at Poker Flat on the first day of employment. 

Local 6070 Generic Union Job Description

**All APPLICANTS **

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.  

Applications must be received prior to 11:55 PM Alaska time on 07/08/2024 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.

  • If an adequate pool of applicants is not received at that time, applications will be reviewed by date received until the position is filled.
  • This recruitment is Open Until Filled and successful submission of an application does not guarantee employment.

Salary Information: CT2 /Step 1 $27.40/hr.  (See Article 9.2 in the L6070 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Wage Grade Schedule)

*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.


This position is represented by the Alaska Higher Education Crafts & Trades Employees (L6070).


This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.


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 affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider 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 need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI - Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357 or at uaf-gi-hr@alaska.edu. 


All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.

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