Building Technician, HVAC/R

Building Technician – HVAC/R

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full-time Building Technician – HVAC/R position for the Reno campus. Entry level applicants who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply!

This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies. As a Building Technician, the incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.

In addition, the Building Technician – HVAC/R will be working in a team environment and will participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed. Examples include remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups. Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to HVAC/R systems, as well as other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of buildings, facilities, and equipment OR Successful completion of trade school, technical coursework or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months
• Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics and maintenance manuals
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Knowledge of construction safety standards and ability to strictly enforce all safety protocols
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff
• Experience working within a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in HVAC/R or similar from an accredited institution
• Facilities maintenance experience in a large hospital, laboratory, educational or institutional facility
• Hands-on experience in a variety of building trades, including plumbing, and electrical
• Knowledge of controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC), preferably with Tridium Niagara, Delta, or other.

Conditions of Employment:

• Obtain Niagara 4 Technical Certification for building automation system within 1-years of hire. This is a DRI paid training.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as: lifting and moving objects in excess of 50 lbs.; digging, excavating, planting, and pulling wire; climbing ladders and working at heights up to 30 ft; frequently stooping, bending, kneeling; exposure to dust, fumes, pollutants, chemicals, and construction materials.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license
• Regular work hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may vary during the week. Long and irregular hours may be required on occasion.

• This position is required to be on-call (on a rotating basis) to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Salary/Benefits

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 34 with a salary range of $60,611 – $78,406 and is commensurate with education and experience.

DRI offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 19.25% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits. Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Department Overview

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI's Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings, totaling over 364,000 square feet, spread across 47 acres of land. These campuses house over 40 specialized labs, administrative, and educational spaces. The Facilities Department operates and maintains central utility systems (backup generators, UPS, boilers, chillers, air handlers, DI water, and building automation systems) and provides in-house laboratory modification, renovation, and construction services to the site. In addition, DRI operates and maintains several renewable energy systems including solar hot water and a 2.1 MW photovoltaic system.

Our Mission

To support the institute through stewardship of infrastructure and properties; to manage energy usage on campus; and to provide whatever services the institute and its faculty need to support their mission.

Our Vision

To be an innovative team that is recognized and respected for fostering a high-quality, lasting environment

Our Values

• We exceed expectations
• We do the right thing – not the easy thing
• We are committed to continuous improvement
• We validate and incorporate new and effective technologies
• We treat every member of the institute with courtesy, dignity, and respect