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About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Elevator Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting vertical transportation systems across campus, including traction and hydraulic elevators, chair lifts, and stage lifts. This role ensures the safe and efficient operation of these systems by performing routine and corrective maintenance, responding promptly to service calls, and conducting annual safety inspections in compliance with regulatory standards. The Elevator Mechanic also provides technical support during contractor-led projects and ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.

In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change to meet business needs. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Hiring Range

This is a term-limited (1 year), full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of $26.92 to $33.61 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• No formal education required
• 2+ years of elevator maintenance experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis

Skills:

• Proficient in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing traction and hydraulic elevator systems
• Skilled in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and control components, including PLCs and relays
• Able to interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and service manuals
• Experienced with standard tools and testing instruments used in the elevator trade
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills

Preferences

• High school diploma or GED, associate degree or trade school certification in a relevant field, or bachelor's degree in a related discipline
• 3-5 years of experience in elevator installation, maintenance, or repair
• Knowledge of Safety Code for Elevators/Escalators
• Strong understanding of safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined space entry
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Excellent customer service skills and professionalism when interacting with building occupants or contractors
• State-issued Elevator Mechanic License or Certification

Essential Functions

• Inspect, maintain, and repair traction and hydraulic elevators, chair lifts, and stage lifts
• Respond to elevator trouble calls and perform corrective maintenance
• Conduct required safety inspections, including annual inspections and five-year load tests with inspectors
• Perform monthly Phase I and II Fire Service Tests on all campus elevators
• Stay current with local and national elevator codes and standards
• Monitor elevator contractors and assist as needed
• Oversee new elevator installations and create punch lists at project completion
• Review construction and modernization plans for compliance and functionality
• Attend required training sessions to maintain technical proficiency
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Utilize and maintain proficiency with work order management systems and other relevant Rice University platforms to document and track maintenance activities
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to team members on complex mechanical and elevator systems to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Assess equipment conditions and determine the need for repair or replacement of components, coordinating procurement as necessary
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and testing to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate audits
• Collaborate with facilities management and other departments to schedule maintenance with minimal disruption to campus operations
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to elevator and mechanical systems
• Participate in emergency response activities related to elevator malfunctions or failures, ensuring timely resolution and occupant safety

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform moderate to heavy physical tasks, including bending, stooping, climbing ladders and stairs, balancing, and standing or walking for up to 8 hours per day. Work may require access to confined spaces, utility tunnels, and areas with piping and wiring obstructions.

Work Environment:

• Involves exposure to high-pressure steam systems, high-voltage electricity, loud noise, rotating machinery, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Work occurs in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, unconditioned spaces, and dusty or wet environments. Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., hearing protection, safety shoes, safety glasses) is required.

Work Hours & Travel:

• May require after-hours work or schedule flexibility. Must be available for on-call response to operational emergencies. Occasional travel may be necessary for training, conferences, or vendor site visits.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https: //knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.