HVAC Watch Mechanic Facilities Services

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

This position maintains and repairs the steam and refrigeration equipment on campus. The HVAC/Steamfitter engages in projects requiring the highly specialized skills of steamfitter/refrigeration mechanical work for campus clients under general supervision.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 6, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

Steamfitting / Refrigeration (60%)

• Repair and maintain large chiller systems.
• Repair and maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems.
• Maintain all equipment pertaining to each system, including low, medium, and high-pressure steam lines and traps, pressurized, gravity, and vacuum condensate return systems, condensate and steam-operated pumps.
• Repair or replace pneumatic control valves relating to pressure reducing stations, radiators, heating coils, convectors, unit heaters and boiler controls.
• Maintain steam distribution systems in steam manholes as required.
• Install and repair lab steam, vacuum, air, oxygen lines, hard pneumatic lines and control valves.
• Repair heat exchangers for heating, domestic and industrial hot water.
• Repair, maintain autoclaves, cage washers, dishwashers, warm rooms, cold rooms, constant temperature rooms, growth chambers, incubators, dehumidifiers and humidifiers.
• Repair and replace controls on heat exchangers for heating and domestic hot water.

Administrative Duties (30%)

• Adhere to scheduling of work through the work management program.
• Consult the shop superintendent and/or lead for technical information.
• Support maintenance projects and programmatic work assignments.
• Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner.
• Define and describe materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods and task sequences.
• Serve as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or superintendent.
• Obtain materials and equipment.

Safety (5%)

• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
• Attend job-related and safety training as required.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines and instructions.

Other (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess five years apprentice or equivalent work experience and two years journeyman experience in craft-related trade.
• Experience using a variety of craft techniques and all tools pertaining to the trade, including welding, brazing, soft and hard solder and pipe fitting.
• Ability to gain access to small/tight areas and is able to work or maneuver around obstacles that requires stairs and ladders; ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Repair and test boilers. Includes all piping, gas valves, low water and make up valves. Replacement of controls and failed components. Operate boiler when a component of the heating system has failed and a repair is needed.
• Troubleshoot, repair or replace heat exchangers and their components for HHW, DHW, IHW and replacement of heating and cooling coils. Repair and replacement of all control valves and diaphragms over one inch in diameter.
• Repair or replace radiators, convectors and baseboard heaters, heating and cooling coils and their actuators.
• Repair, replace and when necessary, adjust controls, for HHW, DHW and IHW heat exchangers.
• Installation of hard pipe pneumatic control lines for new and existing control systems.
• Repair or replace pneumatic diaphragms over 1 inch in diameter.
• Troubleshoot and repair, replace and provide preventative maintenance where necessary for all permanent chillers, air conditioning, humidity control systems, absorbers, growth chambers, cold rooms, warm rooms, constant temperature rooms, walk in boxes, reach in boxes, incubators, air driers for compressors, humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
• Repair and replacement of low, medium and high-pressure steam lines, strainers and steam traps condensate lines, HHW lines and chilled water lines.
• Repair and replace pressure reducing stations and their components on steam, air and water lines in buildings.
• Repair and coordinate preventative maintenance for autoclaves, dishwashers, cage washers, all related piping, valves and steam traps.
• Repair and replace hard piped air lines, valves and pressure switches on compressors and vacuum pumps.
• Knowledge of and ability to conform to University, state, and federal policies and procedures including safety policies such as the EPA, IIPP, Hazard Communication Program, and Health and Safety Manual.
• Ability to work with a fitted work respirator as required.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel, in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to track jobs to completion and prioritize requirements; able to work and support shutdowns and project schedules to minimize interference with others.
• Must be able to read information from equipment manufacturers' manuals, service requests, layout sketches, blueprints, appropriate state and local government codes, trade-specific manuals and practices, and determine how the fixture or equipment should perform.
• Knowledge of relevant building codes and regulations.
• Ability to execute all job assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly over the telephone and two-way radio.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies, work on-call, rotating swing shift, and holidays.
• Adhere to Facilities Services' work rules and Code of Conduct.

Education/Training:

• 5-year apprenticeship or equivalent training and work experience.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly rate that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $73.25/hour.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time Career position that is eligible for full benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Physical Exam

• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Other Information

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Skilled Crafts Unit (KB) between the University of California and the Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council (ACBCTC). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at:
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This is an on-site position at the University of California, Berkeley.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.