Refrigeration HVAC/r Technician or Sr. Technician

About the role

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is seeking skilled HVAC/r professionals to join its Facilities Services team. These positions are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing campus heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The work has an emphasis on refrigeration, including air conditioning, chilled water systems, and campus chillers. The level of responsibility will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The HVAC/r Technician performs routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, while the HVAC/r Technician, Sr. independently plans and performs more complex repairs, advanced troubleshooting, and challenging maintenance activities. Both positions participate in an on-call rotation to support campus operations and emergency maintenance needs.

Candidates may be considered for either the HVAC/r Technician or HVAC/r Technician, Sr. classification based on their education, relevant experience, technical knowledge, demonstrated skills, and overall qualifications. The HVAC/r Technician level requires a minimum of three (3) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum. The HVAC/r Technician, Sr. level requires a minimum of five (5) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum with at least four (4) years of related and progressively responsible experience. The HVAC/r Technician level is intended for candidates who demonstrate foundational HVAC/r knowledge and the ability to perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. The HVAC/r Technician, Sr. level is intended for candidates who demonstrate advanced technical expertise, significant progressively responsible experience, and the ability to independently diagnose, plan, and perform complex HVAC/r and refrigeration system repairs. The final classification and level of appointment will be determined by the department's Hiring Manager based on the candidate's qualifications, demonstrated technical capabilities, and departmental needs. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not automatically determine placement at the Senior level.

Responsibilities

• Install, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair HVAC/r equipment, including refrigeration, comfort cooling, heating, air compression, air filtration, and ventilation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve refrigeration system issues, including refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, mechanical failures, and equipment malfunctions.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot reciprocating, screw, and centrifugal chillers and associated cooling towers.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and assist in developing maintenance procedures.
• Recover, handle, and recharge refrigerants in accordance with EPA regulations and documentation requirements.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, pneumatic, and digital control systems.
• Utilize computer-based building management systems to monitor equipment, identify system issues, and make necessary adjustments and repairs.
• Assist with the setup and installation of laboratory equipment and specialized HVAC systems.
• Evaluate contractor work for quality and provide feedback to supervisors.
• Support cooling tower water treatment activities, including testing, chemical monitoring, and maintaining appropriate chemical inventories.
• Maintain accurate work orders documenting labor, materials, equipment identification numbers, and completed repairs.
• Participate in the on-call rotation and respond to campus maintenance emergencies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• HVAC/r Technician: Minimum of three (3) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum.
• HVAC/r Technician, Sr.: Minimum of five (5) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum with at least four (4) years of related and progressively responsible experience.
• EPA Refrigeration Certification to handle EPA Type I and II or Universal refrigerants, or the ability to obtain the required certification within 120 days of hire.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Ability to meet medical requirements for respirator use.
• Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical training in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/r) or a related field.
• Experience with refrigeration systems, chilled water systems, and cooling towers.
• Experience with centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers.
• Experience with building automation and management systems.
• Experience with HVAC/r installation, maintenance, and repair in a large institutional, commercial, or campus environment.
• New York State 7G Commercial Certification for pesticide application to cooling towers.

Skills

• Fundamental knowledge of refrigeration systems and HVAC/r equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment.
• Ability to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and basic control system issues.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematic drawings, pneumatic diagrams, and control diagrams.
• Ability to operate and maintain HVAC/r equipment, including boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, and air compressors.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts.
• Ability to utilize computer-based building management systems.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Advanced knowledge of refrigeration systems, HVAC/r equipment