Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) installs, repairs, and maintains air-conditioning, refrigeration, and chiller equipment. The position supports continuous chilled-water production and the chilled-water utility distribution system, helping maintain reliable utility service and building environments across campus. The work may involve complex and unpredictable operating conditions, as the plants run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mechanic communicates with utility staff, departmental personnel, Facilities & Services staff, building occupants, and the campus community, and receives work assignments from the Foreperson. The position also assists with and trains apprentices and follows safe working procedures.

Requirements

Complete a Pipetrade apprenticeship under a registered Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training program, or have experience sufficient to qualify as a journeyman Pipefitter or another Pipetrade classification, with at least five years (60 months) of actual trade work. Experience may include apprenticeship and/or applicable vocational training.
Trade experience must involve work normally performed by Pipefitters, Pipefitter Welders, Refrigeration Mechanics, Temperature Control Mechanics, Sprinkler Fitters, and/or Oil Burner Mechanics.
Basic math skills.
Ability to interpret diagrams and electrical schematics.
Thorough knowledge of and skill in repairing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Working knowledge of technical equipment and safety procedures.
Ability to follow directions.
Journeyman-level skills in refrigeration mechanics.
Ability to communicate and sufficient trade knowledge to assist and train apprentices.

Nice To Haves

Current CFC certification.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and repair air-conditioning, chiller, and chiller-plant equipment.
Service air-conditioning units ranging from window units and fractional-horsepower compressors to 5,500-ton units.
Service refrigeration machinery ranging from ice machines to scientific laboratory equipment.
Install new air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and related equipment.
Assist and train apprentices.
Comply with safe working procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Support continuous production of chilled water and the chilled-water utility distribution system.
Communicate factually, politely, clearly, concisely, and professionally with campus stakeholders.