Building Technician, HVAC/R

Nevada System of Higher Education•Reno, NV

3d•$60,611 - $78,406•Onsite

About The Position

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a 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! This role involves performing preventative and emergency maintenance on HVAC/R equipment, light plumbing maintenance, responding to work orders, HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB), diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment failures, performing maintenance on various heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, and monitoring the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS)/Direct Digital Control (DDC). The position also includes modifying existing mechanical systems, maintaining department budgets, supervising spending, and managing vendor purchasing accounts. Other duties may include providing general assistance, ensuring building safety and security, and inspecting/maintaining emergency systems. Mechanical systems involved 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. This position requires participation in a rotating on-call schedule for after-hours alarms and emergencies. The incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety. The role also involves working in a team environment and participating in all aspects of facility maintenance, including remodeling, renovation, equipment installation, moving furniture, light carpentry, drywall installation, painting, and plumbing.

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
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

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, including changing air filters, bearing lubrication, belt replacement, equipment inspections, chiller tube bundle cleaning, compressor/condenser repair and installations.
Perform light plumbing preventative/emergency maintenance, including faucet repair, mixing valve replacement, water heater replacement, clearing drains, and replacing flush valves.
Respond to work orders for temperature issues, leaks, smells, and repairs.
Conduct 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, replacing compressors, brazing, soldering, replacing motors, and programming VFDs, actuators, and controls.
Monitor the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS), aka Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, and diagnose issues.
Modify existing mechanical systems.
Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts.
Provide general assistance to department personnel, faculty, and staff.
Ensure building safety and security and inspect and maintain emergency systems for buildings and the physical plant.
Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and respond to after-hour alarms and emergencies.
Independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.
Participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed, including remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups.
Perform tasks such as moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting, and plumbing.