HVAC Technician

Job Summary Under the direction of the facilities manager, mechanical trades or designee, safely operate, repair and maintain the HVAC/R systems for the college. Works Tuesday‑Saturday, 7am‑3pm. Job Responsibilities The operator is responsible for the operations, servicing and maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and control systems. Servicing and maintenance of HVAC/R equipment and control systems, including installation, set‑up, calibration, troubleshooting, upgrading, monitoring and repair. Daily monitoring and operation of a microprocessor‑based energy management system and a 4,000‑ton chiller plant with mechanical and absorption chillers. Program changes in the energy management system as required. Inspect, test, lubricate, clean, adjust and replace parts (e.g., fan belts, bearings, couplings) and repair varied mechanical‑electrical equipment (e.g., fans, motors, pumps, compressors, filters, engines, generators, refrigeration equipment and controls). Service, operate and monitor building ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to control 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 all equipment. Maintain metering equipment, log data and analyze systems to maintain accurate records. Ensure specified temperature and humidity levels are maintained efficiently; report serious issues to the manager. Maintain areas surrounding mechanical equipment clean and safe. Replace, install or maintain all safety devices on equipment. Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices at all times. Read and record data from various energy metering devices (electric, gas, steam, condensate). Participate in training sessions and apply learning to improve system operation. Assist in analyzing existing systems and schematics to suggest operating improvements. Drive college vehicles as assigned, keeping them clean and checking for damage before use. Report maintenance and repair items via the work order system. Maintain a neat and orderly work area. Remove ice and snow and perform sanding as assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Valid driver’s license and own transportation; mileage allowance provided. Must meet all college driving credentialing requirements. Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license (desired). Certified Pool Operator license (preferred) or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. OSHA 10 or 30‑hour certification (may be required). Proficiency in the operation of automated control systems. Ability to 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 in very warm/cold and cramped spaces for extended periods. Proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email, finance, payroll, calendar systems and the work order system. Pass a background check. Minimum Education/Experience High school/vocational diploma, GED equivalent or equivalent education and experience. Associate’s degree in engineering or related field (preferred). Equivalent work experience accepted as a substitute for such a degree. Technical training in operation and maintenance of HVAC/R systems, DDC controls and related fields. Minimum of five years of field experience in maintenance, servicing, installation, set‑up, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of all HVAC/R equipment and controls. Familiar with ALC and Alerton systems. Working knowledge of absorption, centrifugal and screw chillers (preferred). Familiar with variable refrigerant flow HVAC technology. Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license (desired). Ability to obtain a pool license if requested. Skills Sound knowledge of HVAC/R components, schematic drawings, tools and equipment. Ability to operate, maintain and repair plant systems and equipment, including chillers, air handling units, distribution systems, A/C units and controls. No allergy to chemicals and materials used in HVAC/R or pool maintenance. Capability to wear respiratory masks and other PPE as required. Desirable routine welding and machinist skills. Strong communication skills (oral, written, electronic). Commitment to high maintenance standards. Knowledge of OSHA regulations for safety. Independent and team‑orientated work ability. Understanding of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Knowledge of applicable safety regulations. Focus on energy conservation. Ability to operate and maintain hand and power tools. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches and specifications. Excellent customer service skills; work well with staff, students and the community. Strong commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance. Knowledge of union contract and college policies. Good judgment for independent action in primary job functions. Proficient with lift systems, ladders, scaffolding, safety harnesses. Compensation This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step1 hourly rate is $31.15. New hires are typically placed at Step1. Position Type Regular Equal Opportunity Employer Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter151B, it policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at View email address on click.appcast.io. As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. #J-18808-Ljbffr