Building Technician, HVAC/R

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking dedicated individual to fill a full-time Building Technician – HVAC/R position for the Reno campus. Entry level applicants who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply! Perform preventative/emergency maintenance on all associated HVAC/R equipment; change air filters, bearing lubrication, belt replacement, equipment inspections, chiller tube bundle cleaning, compressor/condenser repair and installations, etc. Perform light plumbing preventative/emergency maintenance including, but not limited to, faucet repair, mixing valve replacement, water heater replacement, clearing drains, and replacing flush valves. Respond to work orders assigned by the for temperature, leaks, smells, repairs, etc. HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and calibration of laboratory fume hoods Diagnose/Troubleshoot equipment failures, make repairs, and test system functionality using common HVACR meters, analyzers and equipment. Perform maintenance on a wide variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including recycling refrigerant, replacing pipes & valves, replacement of compressors, brazing, soldering, replacing motors, programing VFDs, actuators and controls work. Monitor the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS), aka Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, and diagnose issues while performing the duties of the operator. Modifying existing mechanical systems Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts to maintain department fiscal accountability. Other duties as assigned. May include, but is not limited to providing general assistance to department personnel, faculty and staff; provide for building safety and security as well as inspect and maintain emergency systems for the buildings and physical plant. Mechanical systems include chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, furnaces, boilers, fan coil units, compressors, heat pumps, VAV boxes, walk in freezers and refrigerators, and related mechanical/electrical equipment such as variable frequency drives, motors, pumps and fans. This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies. As a Building Technician, the incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety. In addition, the Building Technician – HVAC/R will be working in a team environment and will participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed. Examples include remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups. Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to HVAC/R systems, as well as other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of buildings, facilities, and equipment OR Successful completion of trade school, technical coursework or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months
• Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics and maintenance manuals
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Knowledge of construction safety standards and ability to strictly enforce all safety protocols
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff
• Experience working within a team environment
• Obtain Niagara 4 Technical Certification for building automation system within 1-years of hire. This is a DRI paid training.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as: lifting and moving objects in excess of 50 lbs.; digging, excavating, planting, and pulling wire; climbing ladders and working at heights up to 30 ft; frequently stooping, bending, kneeling; exposure to dust, fumes, pollutants, chemicals, and construction materials.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Regular work hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may vary during the week.
• Long and irregular hours may be required on occasion.
• This position is required to be on-call (on a rotating basis) to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s Degree in HVAC/R or similar from an accredited institution
• Facilities maintenance experience in a large hospital, laboratory, educational or institutional facility
• Hands-on experience in a variety of building trades, including plumbing, and electrical
• Knowledge of controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC), preferably with Tridium Niagara, Delta, or other.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative/emergency maintenance on all associated HVAC/R equipment; change air filters, bearing lubrication, belt replacement, equipment inspections, chiller tube bundle cleaning, compressor/condenser repair and installations, etc.
• Perform light plumbing preventative/emergency maintenance including, but not limited to, faucet repair, mixing valve replacement, water heater replacement, clearing drains, and replacing flush valves.
• Respond to work orders assigned by the for temperature, leaks, smells, repairs, etc.
• HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and calibration of laboratory fume hoods
• Diagnose/Troubleshoot equipment failures, make repairs, and test system functionality using common HVACR meters, analyzers and equipment.
• Perform maintenance on a wide variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including recycling refrigerant, replacing pipes & valves, replacement of compressors, brazing, soldering, replacing motors, programing VFDs, actuators and controls work.
• Monitor the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS), aka Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, and diagnose issues while performing the duties of the operator.
• Modifying existing mechanical systems
• Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts to maintain department fiscal accountability.
• Other duties as assigned.
• May include, but is not limited to providing general assistance to department personnel, faculty and staff; provide for building safety and security as well as inspect and maintain emergency systems for the buildings and physical plant.
• This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies.
• As a Building Technician, the incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.
• Examples include remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups.
• Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to HVAC/R systems, as well as other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• DRI offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 19.25% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits.
• Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction.
• This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED