HVAC Technician (44451)

Build Your Career While Supporting a World-Class Campus

The University of Akron is seeking a skilled and motivated HVAC Technician to join our Facilities Management team. In this role, you will help maintain and improve the critical heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that support academic, research, residential, and administrative facilities across campus.

This position offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of commercial and industrial HVAC systems while enjoying exceptional benefits, long-term stability, career development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.

If you are a hands-on problem solver who takes pride in delivering reliable building comfort, energy efficiency, and exceptional service, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

As an HVAC Technician, you will perform installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance on a variety of HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Key Responsibilities

HVAC Maintenance & Repair

• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair commercial and industrial HVAC/R equipment and systems.
• Diagnose and repair heating, cooling, refrigeration, pneumatic, and steam systems.
• Service components including:
  • Steam traps
  • Pressure regulators
  • Pumps
  • Fans
  • Motors
  • Compressors
  • Temperature and humidity controls
• Replace defective components and ensure equipment operates according to manufacturer specifications.
• Monitor refrigerant levels and system performance.
• Inspect, test, and adjust gauges, controls, regulators, and related HVAC equipment.
• Detect gas leaks using approved tools and techniques.

Installation & System Upgrades

• Install HVAC/R equipment ranging from small-scale units to large commercial systems exceeding 700 tons of cooling capacity.
• Assemble and disassemble HVAC systems and equipment.
• Install and connect electrical controls, relays, timers, motors, compressors, and ventilation devices.
• Retrofit refrigeration systems and install associated control devices.
• Cut, bend, thread, flare, and install piping and tubing systems.
• Perform soldering and brazing to complete HVAC installations and repairs.

Planning & Operations

• Read and interpret installation drawings, technical manuals, and operating specifications.
• Coordinate projects with other skilled trades, contractors, and Environmental Health & Safety personnel.
• Investigate HVAC concerns, identify solutions, and recommend corrective actions.
• Order repair parts, equipment, and maintenance supplies.
• Monitor inventory and ensure materials are available for ongoing operations.
• Document inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Minimum Qualifications

• Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

• License

• Valid Ohio Driver's License required.

• Experience

  One of the following is required:

• Completion of a two-year University of Akron or other State-approved HVAC apprenticeship program; OR
• Minimum of five (5) years of commercial and/or industrial HVAC experience.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience repairing and maintaining HVAC, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, pneumatic, and steam systems.
• Experience installing commercial HVAC equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Working knowledge of powered and non-powered trade tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform applied trade mathematics, including fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to collaborate with energy management personnel and other skilled trades.

• Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, direction, and oversight to student employees and temporary workers as assigned.

• Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 80 pounds without assistance.
• Frequently bend, crouch, kneel, reach, and climb.
• Work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and rooftops.
• Perform duties in confined spaces and varying campus locations.

• Working Environment

  This position routinely works in:

• Indoor and outdoor environments
• Hot and cold temperatures
• Wet and humid conditions
• Inclement weather
• Noisy mechanical spaces
• Areas with moving mechanical equipment and chemical substances

• Overtime and emergency call-ins may be required to support University operations.

  Why Join The University of Akron?

  Competitive Compensation

• Starting wage of $22.97/hour
• Increases to $23.67/hour after one year, per collective bargaining agreement

• Outstanding Retirement Benefits

• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
• University contribution of approximately 14% toward retirement, in accordance with union agreements

• Comprehensive Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance resources

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• 11 paid holidays annually

• Family-Friendly Benefits

• 20 paid days of parental leave for eligible employees

• Education Benefits

• Tuition remission opportunities for employees and eligible dependents

• Additional Perks

• Uniform and tool allowances
• Stable, year-round employment
• Overtime opportunities
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunity to serve a vibrant university community

• Work Schedule

  Monday through Friday
  7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Weekends off (Saturday and Sunday)

Employment Type: Full Time

Years Experience: 3 - 5 years

Salary: $23 - $24 Hourly

Bonus/Commission: No