HVAC-Refrigeration Mechanic

the CIA•Hyde Park, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The HVAC/R Mechanic inspects, maintains, repairs, and installs heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems and related equipment at the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus. The position operates under the direction of the HVAC/R Supervisor and serves as the HVAC/R department’s daytime liaison, planning and coordinating work priorities with the supervisor while upholding the CIA’s standards of excellence. The mechanic works with campus stakeholders and outside contractors, completes preventive maintenance and work orders, communicates safety information, and coordinates work to minimize disruption to classes and campus activities. The role may also involve supporting special events and other departmental work. The work is physically demanding and may require overtime, nights, weekends, shift changes, outdoor work, and work in extreme temperatures or confined spaces.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Formal trade school education in HVAC/R theory and practice, or qualifying substitute education/experience: at least five years in the HVAC/R trade under a licensed HVAC/R contractor or evidence of recurring education through industry-relevant classes.
At least five years of HVAC/R trade experience under a licensed HVAC/R mechanic.
Valid driver’s license.
EPA Section 608 Universal Refrigeration Certification.
Ability to read and understand blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical operating manuals.
Experience using hand tools, electrical meters, refrigeration gauges, refrigeration recovery equipment, and brazing torches.
Some experience with low-voltage (0–24V) and high-voltage (208V+/3-phase) equipment.
Ability to carry ladders and heavy supplies and equipment and maneuver in small spaces.
Ability to work safely at heights, including on ladders and near roof edges, while following applicable OSHA, CIA, and other rules and procedures.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team under the general direction of the HVAC/R Supervisor or supervisor on duty.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work overtime, long hours, nights, and weekends as required in emergencies; temporary shift or off-hours assignments may also be required.
Ability to lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds and climb to heights above 20 feet.
Ability to work in temperatures ranging from -10°F to +120°F, outdoors, in electrical rooms, crawl spaces, and confined areas.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, grasp, handle and feel materials, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and taste or smell.
Must supply an initial set of hand tools and a meter.
Must supply an initial pair of safety-toe work shoes or boots.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a commercial kitchen or equivalent industrial equipment environment.
Experience with low-voltage controls and/or high-voltage systems up to 480V.
Formal training in hot-work safety.
Certifications in scissor-lift and boom-lift operations.
Certifications in HVAC/R-related equipment service, such as boilers or air conditioners.
OSHA 10 certification or higher.
Experience servicing air-cooled chillers.
Experience installing and servicing water-source heat pumps and geothermal systems.
Knowledge of Building Automation/Management Controls (BAS/BMS).
Knowledge of control wiring and systems, alarms, HVAC wiring, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

Responsibilities

Install, perform preventive maintenance on, repair, troubleshoot, and diagnose heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation equipment, and control systems.
Interact positively and professionally with students, chefs, faculty, staff, vendors, and campus guests.
Proactively communicate safety information and other important concerns to the appropriate people.
Coordinate work to minimize disruption to classes and campus activities.
Read and follow blueprints, specifications, and manufacturer literature.
Perform preventive maintenance on campus HVAC/R systems and kitchen equipment.
Complete electronic work orders promptly and thoroughly, including details about parts, time, communications, and next steps.
Follow applicable codes and safety practices required by the CIA and governing agencies.
Assist outside contractors, accompany them as needed, and review their work for safe and professional completion.
Advise the supervisor about supply restocking needs, conduct campus-wide quality inspections, and create work orders as needed.
Assist with special-event setups and breakdowns, potentially outside normal business hours, including nights and weekends.
Assist with work outside HVAC/R, such as preparing lists of needed work, cleaning the shop, and supporting other departments.
Perform other duties as assigned.