Maintenance Technician I, Flathead Lake Biological Station

Salary: $17.99 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: UM Campus Only
Job Number: 202400741
Department: Biological Station, University of Montana
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description
Campus-Only Recruitment

Only current UM Employees* are eligible.

*Open to all employee types including Temporary Staff and Student Employees.

The Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) invites applications for a Maintenance Technician I to provide for the long-term safety and well-being of the FLBS Facility, FLBS personnel, guests and inhabitants both during and after the regular workday.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and general upkeep of facilities, infrastructure, grounds, and equipment
• Maintain and operate vehicles, boats, heavy equipment, and other mechanical assets while ensuring accurate maintenance records
• Independently identify, prioritize, and resolve maintenance issues to support safe and efficient facility operations
• Respond to after-hours emergencies through an on-call rotation and provide operational support in the absence of supervisory staff
• Safely perform assigned duties in a variety of weather and environmental conditions while following established safety standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Montana Driver's license
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including safely lifting, moving, and handling heavy materials, furniture, and equipment, and working at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or similar equipment
• Experience and ability to tow and launch boats; drive boats (including a 30ft research vessel), vehicles and tractor; and operate heavy equipment
• Working knowledge of vehicle maintenance and basic mechanics, with the ability to maintain accurate maintenance records
• Participate in an on-call rotation with timely response to facility emergencies
• Highly responsible, dependable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with sound judgment and decision-making abilities to support a safe environment for staff, guests, and residents
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel) for recordkeeping, reporting, and communication

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma and three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Physical Requirements
(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)

• Lifting: Ground to 60 inches, up to 50 pounds. Ground to 30 inches, 80 pounds.
• Carrying: Front carry up to 50 pounds for 10 feet or less.
• Right and left hand carry up to 75 pounds for wheelbarrow handling.
• Pushing and pulling forces required (pushing and pulling materials, and during the use of tools): 100 pounds sustained.
• Repetitive squatting on both even and uneven surfaces.
• 3 minute overhead work from various positions (standing, crouching, or kneeling).
• Static forward bending from a standing, crouching or kneeling position while using tools.
• Trunk rotation from a standing or kneeling position.
• Balancing when climbing and working on a ladder.
• Walking various distances, continuously, throughout the day on even and uneven surfaces.
• Use of various grip circumferences and strengths as well as static grip positions during the use of various tools (4 1/2" to 5 1/2" circumference needing an average of 50 pounds of grip force) and while manipulating various work materials (maximum 100 pounds).
• Use of foot controls and hand controls to drive and operate light and heavy machinery.

Physical Screen will be administered prior to a final offer of employment.
Additional Information
Position Number: S6B001

Bargaining Unit: LIUNA Local #1686

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, weekends as needed, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

A complete application includes:

• Detailed Resume - listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) Professional References - names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.
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Are you a current UM Employee?

• Yes
• No

Required Question