HVAC Technician

Smith College•College Place, WA

22d•$31•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the facilities manager, mechanical trades or designee, this role is responsible for safely operating, repairing, and maintaining the HVAC/R systems for the college. The operator will manage the operations, servicing, and maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and control systems. This includes installation, set-up, calibration, troubleshooting, upgrading, monitoring, and repairing a wide variety of HVAC/R equipment and control systems across all campus facilities. A key responsibility involves the daily monitoring and operation of a microprocessor-based energy management system and a 4,000-ton chiller plant, which includes both mechanical and absorption chillers, as well as making program changes in the energy management system as required. The role also entails inspecting, testing, lubricating, cleaning, adjusting, and replacing parts on various mechanical-electrical equipment, and servicing, operating, and monitoring building ventilation, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and swimming pool equipment to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and water treatment levels. This position requires meticulous record-keeping of operating information, preventive maintenance, and service records, as well as maintaining metering equipment and analyzing systems for accurate data. The technician will report significant issues to the manager and maintain a clean and safe environment around mechanical equipment, adhering strictly to OSHA safety regulations. Additionally, the role involves reading and recording data from energy metering devices, participating in training sessions, assisting in system analysis for improvements, and driving college vehicles, including pre-use inspections and reporting any issues. All maintenance and repair items must be reported via the work order system, and the work area must be kept clean and orderly. Other duties include snow removal and sanding as assigned, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and own transportation as required.
Complete and comply with all college driving credentialing requirements.
Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.
Proficient in the operation of automated control systems.
Able to safely lift and carry up to fifty pounds regularly and up to ninety pounds occasionally.
Able to bend, stoop, kneel, walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders and work in very warm/cold and cramped spaces for extended periods of time.
Demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email, finance, payroll and calendar systems as well as the work order system.
Able to pass a background check.
High school/vocational diploma, GED equivalent or combination of education and experience.
Additional technical training in the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, DDC controls and related fields is required.
Minimum of five years of field experience in the maintenance, servicing, installation, set-up, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of all HVAC/R equipment and controls.
Thoroughly understand the interaction of such equipment with all related HVAC systems.
Familiar with ALC and Alerton systems.
Must not be allergic to chemicals and materials normally used in the HVAC/R or pool maintenance operation.
Capable of wearing respiratory masks and other PPE as required for the job.
Demonstrate a sound knowledge of all parts, terms, schematic drawings, tools and equipment, design, servicing, maintenance and operation of HVAC/R and DDC control systems.
Possess ability to safely operate, maintain and repair all college related plant systems and equipment.
Demonstrate strong communication skills including oral and written and electronic.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations for the safety of the college employees, its users and property.
Able to work independently and in a team environment.
Demonstrate understanding of chemicals used, including but not limited to reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Possess knowledge of all safety regulations applicable to work performed.
Ability to operate and maintain all hand and power tools as required by position.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches and other specifications as well as plan work procedures.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to work well with staff, students and all members of the college community.
Strong commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance.
Clear understanding of the union contract and all college policies.
Ability to use good judgment to take appropriate independent action to carry out the primary functions of the job.
Proficient in working with lift systems, ladders, scaffolding and safety harnesses, etc.

Nice To Haves

Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license
Certified Pool Operators license, preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
OSHA 10 or 30-hour certification may be required
An associates degree in engineering or related field is preferred.
Working knowledge of absorption and centrifugal and screw chillers, preferred.
Must be familiar with variable refrigerant flow HVAC technology.
Ability to perform routine welding and machinist work is desirable.

Responsibilities

Safely operate, repair and maintain the HVAC/R systems for the college.
Operate, service and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and control systems.
Perform installation, set-up, calibration, troubleshooting, upgrading, monitoring and repairing of HVAC/R equipment and control systems.
Daily monitoring and operation of a microprocessor-based energy management system and a 4,000-ton chiller plant.
Program changes in the energy management system as required.
Inspect, test, lubricate, clean, adjust and replace parts on mechanical-electrical equipment.
Service, operate and monitor building ventilation, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Service, operate and monitor swimming pool pumps, water treatment and filters.
Record necessary operating information, maintain preventive maintenance records and service records.
Maintain metering equipment, log associated data and analyze systems.
Ensure specified temperature, humidity levels and control points are being maintained efficiently.
Report more serious issues to manager.
Maintain areas surrounding mechanical equipment, keeping them clean and free from dirt, grease and oil, and in safe operating condition.
Replace, install or maintain all safety devices on equipment.
Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices at all times.
Read and record the data of various types of energy metering devices.
Participate in training sessions related to technical and personal performance.
Assist in analyzing existing systems and their schematics to suggest operating improvements.
Drive college vehicles as assigned, including cleaning, inspecting for damage and performing visual check.
Report all necessary maintenance and repair items via the work order system.
Clean and maintain a neat and orderly work area.
Remove ice and snow and perform sanding as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.