CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC

Position Summary

The Central Plant Chiller Mechanic performs routine and preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, replacement, and installation of centrifugal chillers and refrigeration equipment, components, and supporting equipment located in the Central Plant buildings and other outlying facilities on campus. This role may assist other maintenance personnel, including Central Plant Repairers, Central Plant Operators, Water Treatment Specialists, Electricians, and Plumbers. The mechanic reads, understands, and interprets blueprints, drawings, floor plans, schedules, and manufacturer's specifications related to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, millwright, and machinist work, special equipment, and building structures and finishes.

Essential Accountabilities

• Performs preventive maintenance on electronic, direct digital, pneumatic, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control systems and devices for chillers, refrigeration units, and associated equipment; including troubleshooting, repairs, modifications, replacements, and installations.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on electrical and mechanical components of chiller and refrigeration systems, including condensing units, evaporators, purge units, compressors, cooling towers, chilled and evaporator water pumps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, motors, hoists, motor control centers, power and lighting panels, fan units, emergency generators, lighting systems, air compressors, drying systems, and 13.2 KV/4160-volt breakers.
• Performs complete centrifugal chiller overhauls, including removal and replacement of O-rings, gaskets, shaft seals, and bearing assemblies (sleeve Babbitt, thrust/counter-thrust, and rolling-element bearings).
• Establishes and verifies operational clearances for labyrinth seals, journal bearings, seal bores, and thrust assemblies in strict accordance with OEM tolerances, utilizing precision metrology equipment such as dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth micrometers, and calibrated calipers.
• Rebuilds and performs advanced machinist operations on cooling tower gearboxes, drive couplings, intermediate shafts, fan blade pitch assemblies, centrifugal pumps, and associated seal systems.
• Conducts reverse dial-indicator alignment and other precision shaft-alignment methodologies to verify angularity, offset, concentricity, and runout.
• Utilizes calibrated metrology instruments—including dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth gauges, and feeler gauges—to ensure all components meet OEM dimensional tolerances and mechanical specifications.
• Operates CFC and HCFC refrigerant recovery, recycling, and evacuation equipment in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations; maintains all required recovery and service documentation; and performs all refrigerant-related maintenance activities in accordance with current federal environmental standards.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support plant operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in steam fitting and pipefitting techniques used in industrial and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including steam, chilled water, compressed air, and HVAC operations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Multi-trade knowledge including refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, and electronics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues.
• Knowledge of confined-space entry procedures and adherence to all applicable safety regulations.
• Advanced troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills for mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with computers and maintenance software, including Microsoft Office and digital work-order platforms.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork, coordination, and conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and respond to emergencies.
• Leadership and mentoring capability, including guiding junior staff and supporting process improvement and quality-assurance initiatives.

Hourly Pay Range

Hourly Pay Range: $24.05 - $31.30 (commensurate with experience & qualifications)

Work Schedule

Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, with overtime as required. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including participation in on-call.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC
• Four (4) years of related experience is required
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for the educational requirement
• Licenses/Certifications/Registrations: Motor Vehicle Record (MVR): Valid U.S. driver’s license; Minimum age of 21; At least three years of driving experience; Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) required; Currently certified with a Section 608 Technician Type I, II, or Ill Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) required.

Additional Information

Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please be certain to showcase depth and breadth of experience, as it relates to the needs of this job announcement. UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can explore the full benefits overview here: https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits. For more information about UAB Facilities and the work we do across campus, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.