HVAC O&M Technician (Entry Level)

Entry-Level BESS HVAC Technician

Terra-Gen is seeking an Entry-Level BESS HVAC Technician to assist in the maintenance and operation of critical cooling systems for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to standards above the industry's best practices. Unlike standard comfort cooling, this role focuses on high-precision thermal management systems (liquid cooling or forced air) that keep large-scale battery plants within strict operating temperatures. This role focuses on maintaining high-precision thermal management systems, including liquid cooling and forced air systems, to ensure reliability and optimal performance of our utility-scale battery storage assets.

The Tech III performs fieldwork under close supervision, including assisting with installations, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of mechanical, refrigeration, and controls systems. This role is primarily focused on learning the systems, developing hands-on skills, and supporting more experienced technicians in maintaining uptime and reliability.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, is eager to learn, safety-conscious, and able to follow technical guidance and standard operating procedures. Tech III technicians report to the Lead or Tech II technicians and are expected to grow toward increased independence and technical responsibility over time.

This full-time position is based near Mojave, CA, and may include rotating schedules, overtime, nights, weekends, holidays and participation in an on-call rotation. Some travel will be required for this position. The position provides structured opportunities for skill development and advancement within Terra-Gen.

Salary: $20- $27 hourly

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of HVAC and thermal management systems.
• Support troubleshooting and repair of refrigeration, HVAC units, chillers, and liquid-to-air heat exchangers.
• Assist in testing and validation activities (basic voltage, current, resistance, refrigerant pressure).
• Monitor cooling loops and assist with flushing, refilling, and leak detection under guidance.
• Observe and follow high-voltage and environmental safety protocols (NFPA 70E).
• Document maintenance tasks and report findings to senior technicians.
• Participate in training, skill development, and on-call rotation as required.
• Support senior technicians in system commissioning, performance testing, and emergency response.
• Complete safe work permits and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), exercise stop-work authority when required.
• Complete assigned training and qualification requirements within a specified time frame, including meeting or exceeding minimum test score requirements.
• Travel to alternate worksites as assigned, to perform essential duties and to provide operational coverage.
• Perform other qualified duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 02 years experience in HVAC, refrigeration, or mechanical maintenance.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits and mechanical systems.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• HVAC certification or coursework.
• Familiarity with electrical systems, PV, or energy storage equipment.
• OSHA 10 or CPR certification.

Physical Demands

• Be able to inspect and work maintenance activities in outdoor construction type areas without handicap access.
• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands to dexterously maneuver small parts in confined spaces, such as wires, screws, and various components within electrical equipment.
• Regularly required to kneel, crawl, climb ladders and stairs, use scissor lifts and manlift (cherry picker).
• Lift 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100 pounds assisted.

Work Environment

Some of the work will be performed in an office environment; however, the environment for field inspections exposes the employee to the risk of electric shock, heights, moving mechanical parts, hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles. Additionally, while working outdoors, the employee is exposed to heat, cold, inclement weather, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The noise levels may require hearing protection.

Terra-Gen is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws and regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Employees must be authorized to work in the US and employment is contingent upon presentation of acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization, as detailed on Form I-9.

Terra-Gen provides a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.

The posted compensation is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.