Job Details

Facilities & Maintenance Lead Technician

The Facilities & Maintenance Lead Technician assists in overseeing the daily workflow of the maintenance team while actively participating in facility maintenance and standard janitorial cleaning activities in and around the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, as well as ancillary locations under the direction of the assigned Manager/Supervisor. Possesses expertise in painting, basic carpentry, and/or drywall and provides quality control and support to the onsite facility maintenance involving standard janitorial tasks, cleanroom-quality cleaning, and building repair tasks.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures that the facility maintenance and cleaning tasks completed by the maintenance team meet quality standards through supervision and assessment. Updates and maintains accurate records of cleaning activities and time tracking through the facility's Computer Maintenance Management System.
• Performs a variety of maintenance and crafts duties in support of the Observatory facility infrastructure and equipment, including, but not limited to:
  • Installation, repair, and maintenance of buildings, roofs, interior/exterior walls, floors, ceilings, door hardware, painting, and associated finishes.
  • Supports weather-related leak detection and mitigation, as needed.
  • Inspect and replace filters for a variety of equipment, such as Air Handling Units, fans, or vacuums, as needed
  • Operates forklifts, scissor lifts, reach machines, etc. for facility and equipment cleaning, maintenance tasks, handling of materials, disposal of rubbish, etc.
  • Moves furniture, equipment, and supplies, either manually or by using hand trucks.
• Performs cleaning tasks to upkeep the cleanliness and operability of the Observatory facility and equipment, including, but not limited to:
  • Specialized cleaning in various machinery spaces.
  • Specialized cleaning within optical clean rooms, as directed by optical staff.
  • Regularly c lean building interior (floors, walls, structure, handrails, stairways, etc.) by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, wiping, vacuuming, etc.
  • Sanitize equipment and surfaces as instructed.
  • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
  • Service, clean, and supply common areas of the facility. Gather and dispose of rubbish regularly and properly.
  • Clean fleet vehicle interiors and exteriors and treat to keep free of invasive pests.
  • Maintain and inspect assigned areas to prevent pests and invasive species (facility, vehicles, storage yard), and use appropriate PPE when required to distribute insecticides, pesticides, and fumigants.
  • Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs in a timely manner.
• Works with the designated supervisor on the Facility Maintenance task planning and execution.
• Capable of selecting, requesting, and tracking supplies, services, and equipment as needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. Maintains existing equipment and regularly keeps track of inventory.
• Capable of performing and developing new, detailed cleaning procedures.
• Works in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensures the safety of operations in areas under purview. Report on any unsafe conditions and practices.
• Drive vehicles, including vans and industrial trucks, when required in order to travel to and around the site when performing cleaning work or other assigned tasks.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property, refer to the AURA Employee Handbook at
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system,

Desired Functions:

• Perform stripping, maintenance, and repair of epoxy flooring throughout the facility.
• Plumbing – perform and/or assist mechanical staff with installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of all types of plumbing systems.
• Capable of installing various domestic water plumbing fixtures such as pipes and drainage systems.
• Diagnose, repair, and replace plumbing fixtures and systems as needed
• Reapply grout in areas where it has degraded.
• Assist mechanical staff with assembly, installation, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complicated machine systems.
• Expected to take initiative in their professional development by seeking feedback, improving skills, and identifying areas for personal growth. This includes participating in training opportunities and development programs provided by the organization.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• Perform other duties and other general maintenance activities as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or vocational school.
• Graduation from a recognized crafts apprenticeship program(s) or equivalent training.
• 5-10 years of relevant full-time experience performing Cleaning, Painting, Drywall, and/or Carpentry tasks in an industrial environment, such as building construction trades, facilities maintenance, or operations.
• Knowledge of and ability to use general maintenance tools, materials, methods, and practices.
• Ability to work independently and follow verbal or written directions.
• Ability to cooperate with others as part of a team, and to provide direction to others.
• Ability to read, follow, and understand blueprints and pencil sketches for specific job directions as appropriate.
• Basic computer skills such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, and others as needed to understand tasking and shift assignments.
• Good reading, writing, and speaking skills, able to prepare detailed documents and records.
• General aptitude for safety practices and other various associated safety issues.
• Physical ability to perform work requirements as dictated by job needs (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, etc.).
• Possess a valid state driver's license and the ability to obtain a GSA license.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and biological significance of the site.

Desired Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• OSHA 30 certification
• Experience communicating and reporting on tasks performed in a Computer Maintenance Management System.
• Experience in cleaning or maintenance of cleanroom (ISO 7 or cleaner) environments.
• Trained in the operation of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms such as manual lifts, scissor lifts, and/or boom lifts.
• Possesses 1-2 years of supervisory experience.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; climb; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess:
  • Ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform the job.
  • Sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses.
  • Sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid.
  • Ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing appropriate PPE
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000' elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional travel between the mainland US and Hawaiian Islands may be necessary.
• Availability to work varying shifts, which will include occasional early mornings, nights, and/or weekends

Salary Range:

$76,500 - $96,030. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at

How to Apply

Apply by September 3, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.