HVAC Technician

Smith College•College Place, WA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the facilities manager, mechanical trades, or designee, the HVAC Technician safely operates, repairs, and maintains HVAC/R systems for Smith College. The role is responsible for the operation, servicing, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and control systems throughout campus facilities. This includes daily operation and monitoring of a microprocessor-based energy management system and a 4,000-ton chiller plant with mechanical and absorption chillers, as well as making energy management system program changes as needed. The position monitors and maintains building systems to control temperature and humidity, services swimming pool pumps and water-treatment equipment, keeps maintenance and operating records, and reports significant issues. It also requires maintaining a safe and orderly work area, following OSHA and other safety requirements, driving college vehicles as assigned, and removing ice and snow when assigned. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule; the Step 1 hourly rate is $33.41, and new hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Requirements

High school or vocational diploma, GED equivalent, or a combination of education and experience.
Additional technical training in HVAC/R systems, DDC controls, and related fields is required.
At least five years of field experience maintaining, servicing, installing, setting up, calibrating, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC/R equipment and controls, with thorough understanding of how the equipment interacts with related HVAC systems.
Proficient in operating automated control systems.
Familiarity with ALC and Alerton systems.
Familiarity with variable refrigerant flow HVAC technology.
Sound knowledge of HVAC/R and DDC control system parts, terminology, schematic drawings, tools, equipment, design, servicing, maintenance, and operation.
Ability to safely operate, maintain, and repair plant systems and equipment, including chillers, air handling units, distribution systems, air conditioning units, and controls.
Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 90 pounds occasionally.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders, and work for extended periods in very warm or cold and cramped spaces.
Ability to access the internet and use Smith College email, finance, payroll, calendar, and work order systems.
Valid driver’s license, own transportation as needed for college work, and completion of college driving credentialing requirements; a DMV background check will be conducted upon award of the position.
Ability to pass a background check.
Not be allergic to chemicals and materials normally used in HVAC/R or pool maintenance operations.
Ability to wear respiratory masks and other required PPE.
Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and other safety regulations applicable to the work, including understanding chemicals and reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Ability to use good judgment and take appropriate independent action, read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and specifications, and plan work procedures.
Ability to operate and maintain required hand and power tools and work with lift systems, ladders, scaffolding, and safety harnesses.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to work well with staff, students, and members of the college community.
Commitment to high maintenance standards, energy conservation, and compliance with the union contract and college policies.

Nice To Haves

Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license (desired).
Certified Pool Operators license (preferred), or ability to obtain it within one year of hire; the posting also states ability to obtain a pool license if requested.
OSHA 10- or 30-hour certification may be required.
Associate degree in engineering or a related field (preferred); equivalent work experience may substitute for the degree.
Working knowledge of absorption, centrifugal, and screw chillers (preferred).
Ability to perform routine welding and machinist work (desirable).

Responsibilities

Operate, service, maintain, install, set up, calibrate, troubleshoot, upgrade, monitor, and repair HVAC/R equipment and control systems across campus facilities.
Operate and monitor the microprocessor-based energy management system and 4,000-ton chiller plant, and make energy management system program changes as required.
Inspect, test, lubricate, clean, adjust, and replace equipment parts, and repair or adjust mechanical-electrical equipment on a regular schedule or as assigned.
Operate and monitor building ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to maintain building temperature and humidity.
Service, operate, and monitor swimming pool pumps, water treatment, and filters.
Record operating information and maintain preventive maintenance and service records for equipment.
Maintain metering equipment, log associated data, analyze systems, and read and record energy meter data, including electric, gas, steam, and condensate meters.
Ensure specified temperature, humidity, and control points are maintained efficiently; report more serious issues to the manager.
Keep areas around mechanical equipment clean and safe, and replace, install, or maintain equipment safety devices.
Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices.
Participate in technical and personal performance training and apply training to improve system operation.
Assist with analyzing existing systems and schematics and suggesting operating improvements.
Drive college vehicles as assigned; clean vehicles, inspect them for damage, perform visual checks before use, and promptly report issues to the supervisor.
Report maintenance and repair needs through the work order system and maintain a neat, orderly work area.
Remove ice and snow and perform sanding as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.