HVAC Mechanic I

JOB TITLE
HVAC Mechanic I

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Facilities

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Trades Manager, the HVAC I Technician is responsible for the diagnosis, maintenance, installation, and repair of a wide range of HVAC, heating, and air-filtration equipment to ensure systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Perform installation, troubleshooting, servicing, and repair of large-scale HVAC systems, including chillers, package units, split systems, and other air-conditioning, refrigeration, and climate-control equipment.
• Maintain and repair individual HVAC components such as damper actuators, valve actuators, thermostats, and laboratory fume hood exhaust systems to ensure optimal system performance.
• Diagnose malfunctions in HVAC control systems and repair air-conditioning (A/C) units to maintain peak operational efficiency and reliability.
• Apply knowledge of standard mechanical system configurations (e.g., VAV, constant volume with or without reheat), direct digital control (DDC) systems, and water-treatment requirements for closed- and open-loop systems.
• Work with steam systems, chiller operations, cooling towers, pumps, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS), preferably Automated Logic Controls (ALC), for monitoring and optimizing HVAC performance.
• Work a regular schedule but remain available for emergency repairs, overtime, and critical coverage during extreme weather or major campus events.
• Perform non-mechanical work as needed to support efficient plant and facilities operations.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of current field service experience in a commercial or institutional setting as a licensed HVAC technician
• Valid Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician License
• EPA/DEP Certification and Universal CFC Reclamation Certification

General Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints
• Working knowledge of computers in a Windows environment, BAS systems, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), with Archibus preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective time-management and organizational abilities; must work well under pressure and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work professionally and tactfully with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff, including in stressful or challenging situations
• Must maintain a professional appearance and comply with the University's uniform policy
• Physical ability to meet all job demands, including:
• Lifting items over 50 lbs
• Bending, sitting, squatting, standing, crawling, walking, climbing, kneeling
• Pushing/pulling and reaching above shoulder level
• Using tools and performing manual and fine-finger movements
• Ability to work independently, climb stairs, and work on ladders, staging, lifts, and similar equipment
• Willingness to work indoors and outdoors, including in confined spaces and during inclement weather year-round
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and motor-vehicle record check
• The employee must frequently move, transport, install, or remove items up to 50 pounds; they must frequently use their hands to feel while operating, activating, using, preparing, inspecting, or positioning various equipment or objects required to perform the job.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to stand, move, and traverse. The employee is frequently required to ascend/descend, work atop, and traverse while performing essential job duties. The employee is also frequently required to sit in a stationary position, or move to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and high precarious places. The employee frequently works in outdoor various weather conditions.
• The employee regularly works with vibration and the risk of electrical shock.
• The employee rarely works with toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level is often loud.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in this environment is normal.

Compensation: $35.97 per hour ($74,818 annualized), in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. Overtime opportunities are available as outlined in the agreement.

Compensation at WPI

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.