HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic I

Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: Facilities Management
Department: Building Maintenance
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite

About the Role

The HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic I installs, maintains, operates, repairs and/or initiates repairs on building systems such as pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical controls, refrigeration, air conditioning, equipment and related heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems, and their related controllers and controlled devices. Employing specialized testing and monitoring diagnostic equipment, works synchronously with Control Technicians and trade personnel to maintain building systems integrity and exercises functional supervision of other employees performing related repair and maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Inspects, maintains, repairs, instructs, advises, and mentors employees, technicians, and journeymen in the operation and maintenance of the Campus’s Energy Management Systems, HVAC systems and their related components, including but not limited to: pneumatic/electric controls, electronic controls, electro-mechanical controls, computer software program controls, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and equipment (absorption, centrifugal, and reciprocal units) and their controllers and controlled devices.
• Acts as a first responder inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and initiating repairs for all control systems, including but not limited to: pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical, software program controls in context with the building’s HVAC, hydronic, electrical, and plumbing systems and their related controllers and controlled devices. Uses electrical, electronic testing, microprocessor diagnostic equipment, and pressure gauges.
• Interacts with contractors relating to the operation, maintenance, and repair of various controls systems on campus.
• Provides preventive maintenance services on pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical controls and absorption, centrifugal, and reciprocal units; documents work performed in the equipment maintenance history file.
• Utilizes computer programs that operate, maintain, calibrate, and adjust building HVAC systems, their subsystems, and related devices to maintain an energy-efficient building system campus-wide.
• Maintains and develops operational, procedural, and emergency response standards for controls, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and their related equipment to provide timely systems failure notification and repair response, minimizing equipment downtime campus-wide.
• Assists Engineering staff in drawing review, inspection, troubleshooting as part of the acceptance of new HVAC, refrigeration, and controls equipment, new buildings, upgrades, equipment replacement, and associated software support.
• Operates University-owned motorized vehicle around campus to University buildings.
• Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Massachusetts Refrigeration License.
• Possession and maintenance of a current and valid Class D Driver’s License.
• Metasys Facility Operators Certificate – must complete certification within one year of hiring.
• CFC certification.
• Minimum three (3) years in the HVAC and refrigeration trade, preferably in the Industrial, Commercial arena (full time or equivalent part time) or an Associate’s degree with a major in a technical discipline and two years in the trade.
• Knowledge of the installation, construction, repair, and maintenance of Chillers 30 ton and larger.
• Skill and knowledge in the operation of pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical, software program controls systems.
• Skill and knowledge of building control systems in context with HVAC and refrigeration systems, including but not limited to: pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical, software program controls systems, with a high degree of technical competency in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hydraulic, steam, or forced air systems and their related components.
• Skill and knowledge in the air conditioning/refrigeration field with technical competency including but not limited to absorption, centrifugal, and reciprocal units and their related components.
• Skill and knowledge to respond promptly to control, air conditioning, and refrigeration system deficiencies under any conditions (normal or emergency) without supervision.
• Skill and knowledge to interpret blueprints, schematics, elementary diagrams, logic diagrams associated with all HVAC systems; ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of safety practices, preventive maintenance practices, and the operation of standard testing equipment.
• Skill and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of basic plumbing.
• Ability to operate pneumatic, electric, electro-mechanical, and computerized controls systems effectively to maintain proper building temperature economically.
• Ability to diagnose improper chiller operation and/or maintenance practices, initiate and/or complete repairs, and/or relay findings to the proper authorities.
• Ability to field upgrade control systems and mechanical equipment, including but not limited to: pneumatic/electric, electronic, electro-mechanical, software program controls, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment (absorption, centrifugal, and reciprocal units) and their controllers and controlled devices without technical assistance.
• Ability to accept and implement new technology through training and evaluate the training needs of new employees delegated to them.
• Ability to analyze and relate to the unique needs and concerns of campus customers.
• Ability to coordinate various trades in a harmonious manner to complete multi-trade tasks.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.

Additional Details

This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. It is your responsibility to update the service desk with your current phone numbers. Must wear university clothing when supplied.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use, or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Schedule

Monday–Thursday; 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Pay

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 17