About the role
VP Area: Facilities
Department: Facilities
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Benefit Eligibility: Yes
Position Summary
The HVAC Technician III – Journeyman performs advanced, journey-level work in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems serving university academic, residential, and administrative facilities. This position works with a high degree of independence, applies in-depth trade knowledge and licensure, and serves as a technical resource for lower-level technicians. The role supports campus reliability, safety, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance while providing general facilities maintenance support as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the HVAC field, including commercial or institutional systems.
Job Duties
- Advanced HVAC & Mechanical Systems
- Independently inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair complex commercial and institutional HVAC/R systems, including boilers, chillers, air handling units, rooftop units, exhaust systems, pumps, compressors, and associated controls.
- Perform advanced diagnostics of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Test system efficiency using instruments and make adjustments to thermostats, valves, blowers, and control components.
- Perform system evacuations, leak detection, refrigerant recovery, charging, and retesting in accordance with EPA regulations.
- Support system start-up, commissioning, and verification of proper operation prior to returning systems to service.
- Interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to plan and execute work.
- Building Systems, Leadership, and Technical Guidance
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor to HVAC Technician I and II staff, providing guidance on proper methods and safety practices.
- Coordinate work with other Facilities trades, supervisors, and contractors to resolve complex system issues.
- Monitor HVAC system performance and report deficiencies, recommended repairs, or capital needs.
- Utilize building automation or control systems to evaluate system operation and respond to alarms, escalating issues as appropriate.
- General Maintenance & Campus Support
- Perform skilled general maintenance tasks as needed, including mechanical repairs, minor plumbing work, basic electrical troubleshooting, and equipment installation.
- Respond to emergency service calls, after-hours issues, and on-call assignments as scheduled.
- Assist with campus operations support, including seasonal preparation, event support, and coordination of maintenance activities.
- Safety, Compliance, and Documentation
- Apply and enforce safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space awareness, PPE usage, and chemical safety
- Maintain accurate documentation of work performed, inspections, and preventive maintenance activities using the campus maintenance system.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and institutional standards.
- Other Duties as Assigned
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of HVAC/R systems, refrigeration cycles, and mechanical and electrical components.
- Skill in diagnosing and repairing complex system failures with minimal supervision.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
- Ability to plan work, prioritize tasks, and provide technical guidance to others.
- Strong communication skills and ability to interact professionally with campus stakeholders.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
- Frequent exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, chemicals, and electrical hazards.
- Participation in 24-hour emergency on-call rotation, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to bend, twist, and reach to load or unload materials and equipment.
- Ability to read blue prints or drawings to measure.
- Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by two-way radio.
- Ability to understand conversation in a noisy environment and/or communicate at a moderate distance.
- Ability to determine location of sounds and discriminate among various power tools and equipment sounds.