Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Facilities Management

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic to join their Facilities Management team. This full-time role involves ensuring the safe and efficient operation of campus-wide HVAC systems, addressing complex maintenance tasks, and providing expert support to the Operations and Maintenance department. The successful candidate will work independently while collaborating with various teams, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for all campus users. If you are passionate about HVAC systems and thrive in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning field service.
• Expertise in BMS automation platforms and pneumatic/electronic controls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair Refrigeration and HVAC systems across campus.
• Plan and execute preventive maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.

Skills

Refrigeration and HVAC systems

Troubleshooting

Customer service

BMS automation

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

Communication skills

Education

Journeyman Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade certificate

Tools

BMS systems (Invensys, Siemens Apogee, Siemens Desigo)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Facilities Management is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RM) is a member of the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) department, as a part of Facilities Management. Campus is divided into 6 operating zones. Within each zone, RMs ensure that building structures and systems for all University owned and leased properties are operated and maintained in a reliable, efficient and cost-effective manner. This ensures a safe and comfortable work environment in which campus users can carry out their activities. The RM receives no formal supervision or direction in their day-to-day activities. They work independently of the other trades on how to resolve operational issues, and report to the Facilities Management, Manager of Maintenance & Planning.

RMs are considered subject matter experts in the Refrigeration and HVAC field. They ensure the proper installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of all refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems. The RM assigns duties, sets direction, and acts as a resource to others in the performance of their duties. They apply professional trade knowledge, provide operational advice, analyze data and solve complex problems in high pressure situations. Problems encountered are from moderate to high complexity due to a vast scope of equipment and systems to be maintained, as well as, a wide range of system variety from antiquated, obsolete equipment, up to and including pneumatic and electrical automated BMS systems. The diverse workload involves operational deadlines, shifting priorities, and simultaneous organization, all of which can impact the performance of each facility or group of facilities. RMs must remain calm, exercise good judgment and maintain diplomacy in all situations. They have a high understanding of the impact of their work unit within the University programs and make recommendations to management on the development of policies, procedures or plans.

This position is a part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. The normal shift is 7.5 hours per day, five days per week, usually Monday to Friday. Transfer to other shifts, with notice, is also a possibility. Overtime may be required, and the incumbent will be expected to participate in a rotating 'stand-by' schedule. Callouts to the campus can be expected while on 'stand-by' and during emergencies. This position includes a continuous high volume of work with certain peak periods, imposing high physical and mental demands. Stress resulting from work pressure is high because of the quality standards expected and there may be internal or external complexities impeding the delivery of service. This position requires work to be completed in the following conditions:

• within confined spaces,
• using scaffolds, ladders and aerial lifts of heights up to 10 meters,
• requiring heavy lifting up to 25 kilograms,
• physical activities that require whole-body agility such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping,
• handling of materials,
• year-round indoor and outdoor responsibilities and controlled hazardous environments, in close proximity to and possible contact with many species of animals, and exposure to high noise levels, extremes of hot & cold temperatures, toxic/unpleasant odors, fumes and dust,
• work in a variety of environments, including office settings, classrooms, research laboratories including areas that support animals, mechanical rooms, service tunnels etc.

The primary purpose of this position is supporting the Operations and Maintenance team by ensuring safe and consistent operation of campus-wide Refrigeration and HVAC systems, while completing planned, preventive, and daily-demand maintenance activities through completion of assigned work tasks, customer generated work requests and self-initiated work requests.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Planning, installing, commissioning, maintaining, troubleshooting, & repairing Refrigeration and HVAC systems including (but not limited to); air handling units, chillers, ventilation systems, heat pumps, hydronic, and other heating/cooling systems.
• Ensure facility Refrigeration and HVAC systems are operated in a manner which conserves energy while meeting the needs of the facility occupants.
• Monitoring, adjusting and operating HVAC equipment through the BMS.
• Creating BMS reports to proactively identify problems before they are reported.
• Reading the BMS logic programming (PPCL (Power Process Control Logic)) to troubleshoot and optimize HVAC equipment operation.
• Identifying programming issues and discrepancies in the field, suggesting solutions and escalating for repair, service and maintain BMS panels.
• Supervising and managing contractors for the replacement of the University's energy metering devices.
• Supervising and managing Refrigeration and HVAC projects to ensure that the contractors, when required, are maintaining the University of Calgary's standards along with proper industry practice and carry out necessary warranty repairs.
• Implements and complies with the legislated Federal Halocarbon Regulation Program.
• Identifying future project potentials, for operational improvement and energy savings.
• Review and monitor new construction projects and upgrades and provide input and recommendations to Utility Reduction Program (URP), Campus Engineering, Project Management team and consultants.
• Complete Federally mandated fume hood performance testing (CSA Z316.5-04 standard) and troubleshoot and repair related system components.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other trades for Refrigeration and HVAC equipment repairs and provide BMS services for other University Departments.
• Working collaboratively with interdepartmental teams and contractors and taking pro-active steps to resolve issues.
• Pleasantly and respectfully interacts with co-workers, supervisors, contractors, consultants, suppliers, students and other members of the University community.
• Strengthen the Refrigeration Mechanic team through mentorship, training and the sharing of experience so the team can work efficiently, ensuring a high level of technical service.
• Managing contractors by providing BMS access, site knowledge and multi-system interaction.
• Repairing, maintaining, calibrating and adjusting both pneumatic and electronic DDC control systems.
• Performing Refrigeration equipment testing, repairs and installations in accordance with applicable Federal & Provincial regulations, including (but not limited to) Refrigerant Code of Practice, Federal Halocarbon Regulations, and the 'Environmental Code of Practice for the Elimination of Fluorocarbon Emissions from Refrigeration & AC Systems'.
• Performing HVAC electrical equipment testing, repairs and installations.
• Developing, maintaining and expanding the preventative maintenance programs with minimal use of contracted services including the seasonal air conditioning, departmental refrigeration equipment (-80 freezers), maintenance and coil cleaning.
• Responsible to become familiar with all existing University structures and systems, as well as, staying current with advancements in industry, codes and equipment as they become relevant to the operation of the University.
• Perform after hours on call duties such as assessing the majority of building problems carrying out repairs and advising the on-call manager when to arrange the required University or contractor services.
• Assemble, install, repair and startup Refrigeration / HVAC systems, components, and related controls.
• Repair heating equipment, troubleshoot gas-fired equipment and calibrate all gas related controls.
• Service and replace the University's Energy Metering devices.
• Service and maintain Life Safety HVAC Systems, Interpret as-builds, schematic diagrams, specifications and maintenance manuals.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Journeyman Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic trade certificate required.
• Minimum 8 years experience as a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic field service technician adept at troubleshooting.
• 3 years of diversified trade experience with BMS automation platforms such as Invensys, Siemens Apogee, Siemens Desigo and Phoenix automation systems.
• Minimum 5 years progressive experience working with pneumatic and electronic controls and unitary air handling units.
• Understanding theory and operation of all refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• Must be familiar with and be able to work with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) programming.
• Must be familiar with and be able to visualize Powers Process Control Language (PPCL) coding language.
• Ensure the work assigned is completed as required and is in compliance with the University specifications, standards and procedures
• Must be thoroughly familiar with applicable building codes.
• Knowledge of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Measurement and Verification would be an asset.
• Skilled communicator, with the ability to deal with colleagues at various levels of organizations, including senior management, suppliers, engineering firms, supporting trades and contractors.
• Must have proven record of providing superior customer service including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, e-mail, mobile communication devices, such as iPhone, Smartphone, etc;
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).

Consideration will be given to candidates who possess demonstrated experience operating facilities in an institutional setting.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Trades Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research shows that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.