Asset & Facilities Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration)

WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research); Melbourne; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

12% superannuation payable

Matching superannuation after 6 months

Job summary

WEHI in Melbourne invites applications for an Asset & Facilities Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) to join the Services and Infrastructure Department. You will help deliver maintenance across refrigeration, HVAC and related systems to ensure the safe operation of temperature-sensitive lab equipment.

The role offers structured mentoring with a Refrigeration Technician and opportunities to develop specialist capabilities in laboratory refrigeration and environmental monitoring.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC systems from training or experience.
• Basic fault-finding and maintenance skills with guidance.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment manuals and maintenance docs.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planned and reactive maintenance for refrigeration, HVAC and related systems across facilities.
• Support safe operation of temperature-sensitive laboratory equipment and environmental systems.
• Help with environmental monitoring and general facilities maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with Refrigeration Technician and Facilities team to ensure reliable services.

Skills

RefrigerationHVAC knowledge

Fault-finding skills

Interpreting drawings/manuals

Driver licence (Victorian)

Health and safety commitment

Education

Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Job Title

Asset & Facilities Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration)

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for an Asset & Facilities Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) to join the Services and Infrastructure Department at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position
The Asset & Facilities Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) will assist with delivering planned and reactive maintenance services for refrigeration, HVAC and associated mechanical systems across Institute facilities, equipment and infrastructure. The position ensures the safe, reliable and efficient operation of temperature-sensitive laboratory equipment and critical environmental systems through preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, repairs and technical support.

The role has a primary focus on refrigeration and HVAC maintenance, with an opportunity to progressively develop specialist capability in laboratory refrigeration systems, chilled water infrastructure and environmental monitoring through structured mentoring, practical experience and knowledge transfer with an experienced Refrigeration Technician.

The position supports the Facilities Maintenance team by assisting with general facilities maintenance activities, assisting with multidisciplinary works and maintaining reliable services across teaching, research, laboratory and operational environments.

Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC systems gained through trade studies, an apprenticeship or practical experience.
• Basic fault-finding and maintenance skills with the ability to develop technical expertise under guidance.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment manuals and maintenance documentation.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace health and safety.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220 or equivalent recognised trade qualification) and current Refrigerant Handling Licence is highly regarded.
• Experience using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Experience working within education, research, healthcare or other complex facilities environments.
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude in developing instrumentation and control system capability.

Personal Qualities:

• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary facilities maintenance team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• High level of organisational skills
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality customer service
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and develop specialist technical capability through mentoring, practical experience and ongoing professional development.

Please refer to the position description below for the full selection criteria.

Terms of Appointment
This position isan ongoing rolein a full time capacity. Salary isProfessional Services Employee Level 4 ($78,121- $ **82,911).**Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme.

General enquiries can be directed [e-mail].

A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document briefly addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date: 25 October 2026.