Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Boulder, CO

5d

About The Position

NIST is seeking an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic to support the safe and reliable operation of complex HVAC systems across campus. The mechanic will maintain, troubleshoot, and repair heating and cooling equipment to help research laboratories, specialized spaces, and campus buildings maintain the environmental conditions needed to operate efficiently and without interruption.

At grade 10, the position operates, monitors, and regulates centralized HVAC systems; performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on equipment such as packaged units, chillers, steam systems, boilers, and controls; interprets technical drawings and manuals; tests and adjusts equipment; and operates snow-removal equipment as needed.

At grade 11, the position installs, adjusts, maintains, and repairs complex HVAC systems, including ductwork and associated components. It diagnoses equipment malfunctions, analyzes performance data and diagnostic reports, conducts system tests and calibrations, uses building management control systems to resolve issues and optimize performance, and safely handles refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals. The mechanic also assists with snow removal, including outside normal business hours or during weather events.

The position requires a valid state driver's license and Universal CFC Certification for refrigerant handling within six months of appointment if the employee does not already hold it. Callback or emergency overtime is required. The work has significant physical demands and may involve varied indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, hazardous materials, machinery, and irregular or extended hours.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment.
• Must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment medical examination.
• Must obtain and maintain Universal CFC Certification for handling refrigerants within six months if not already held.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Callback or emergency overtime is required.
• Must demonstrate, through overall experience, education, and training, the ability to perform A/C Equipment Mechanic duties without more than normal supervision.
• Must meet the screen-out elements and achieve an overall score of at least 50%.
• A valid state driver's license is a screen-out requirement.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and regulate large, complex, centralized HVAC systems to maintain desired temperatures, humidity levels, and air quality.
• Install, adjust, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC equipment, including commercial packaged units, chillers, steam systems, boilers, and control systems.
• Install ductwork and related components, including round, square, rectangular, spiral, and flexible ducts and connections, ensuring proper sealing and airflow.
• Analyze system issues and performance data, interpret diagnostic reports, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and specifications to plan work, determine repair methods, and comply with applicable codes and standards.
• Conduct tests, adjustments, and calibrations to optimize HVAC system performance and ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.
• Use building management control systems to diagnose and resolve complex issues, make modifications, and optimize performance for specific space requirements.
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals in accordance with safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Operate snow blowers, plows, heavy equipment, and shovels to clear snow and ice from walkways, parking areas, lots, and building entrances, including during weather events or outside normal business hours.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, with eligibility depending on position type.
• Work-life flexibilities to help employees balance responsibilities at home and at work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed