Chiller Mechanic

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $4,944

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Chiller Mechanic with responsibilities for air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs to ensure reliability across campus cooling systems. This SHRA role requires a high school diploma or equivalent with related experience and appropriate certifications.

A sign-on bonus is available; on-call and occasional after-hours work are expected.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience, or equivalent training/experience.
• Requires certification(s).
• EPA Universal 608 Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on chilled water systems and components.
• Troubleshoot technical problems (control and mechanical) and repair/upgrade chillers.
• Inspect and teardown chillers as needed to ensure reliability.
• Maintain cooling towers, pumps, motors and related equipment.
• Participate in on-call rotations and adverse weather/emergency handling.

Skills

Pumps operation

Air compressors

Electrical troubleshooting

EPA 608 Certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification(s)

Job description

Posting Information

Department: ES CW-227310

Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 09/16/2026

Application Deadline: 09/30/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Energy Utilities Technician - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent: NC07 / GN08

Working Title: Chiller Mechanic

Position Number: 20016998

Vacancy ID: P021383

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule: Primarily Monday - Friday 6:30am to 3:00pm. This position is ADVERSE WEATHER EMERGENCY EVENT and COMMUNICABLE DISEASE MANDATORY ON-SITE PRIMARY. (This means the employee in this position is expected to report to or remain at work during adverse weather and emergency events and, if deemed necessary, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned). Participation in On-Call rotation.

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $44,500 - $54,978

Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Chilled Water Systems (CWS) oversees the operation of sophisticated chilled water generating system. Chilled water is used to cool buildings and equipment and is provided by either the district cooling system comprised of a network of chiller plants and underground piping or by standalone chillers dedicated to individual buildings.

The purpose of Chilled Water Systems (CWS) is to produce and distribute chilled water for approximately 155 buildings located at the main campus and two (2) satellite campuses in a cost effective, efficient and reliable manner. Chilled water is produced in two ways. One is by an extensive chilled water generating system - the single, virtual chilled water plant, comprised of four (4) networked chiller plants that are operated as a single virtual system and the second is by stand‑alone chillers that are building specific. Additionally, Chilled Water Systems provides electric and steam load balance for Cogeneration Systems. CWS is part of UNC Energy Services.

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4,944 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,472 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,472 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This position is assigned to Chilled Water Production and is responsible for air‑cooled and water‑cooled chiller systems. This includes preventive and predictive maintenance, troubleshooting technical problems (both control and mechanical) and making repairs and upgrades to chillers to maintain reliability. This position will address repairs including inspections and teardowns of chillers as needed. Employee must understand how large chillers operate (centrifugal, scroll, and screw). The employee shall be able to perform preventative and predictive maintenance procedures and repairs of cooling towers, pumps, motors, air compressors and auxiliary equipment that contribute to the production of chilled water. This position is also required to perform other job‑related duties as required by the supervisor.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Management Preferences:

• Working knowledge of the operation of large pumps.


• Working knowledge of the operation of large air compressors or electric actuated valves.


• Ability to troubleshoot and repair auxiliary equipment used in district cooling systems.


• Electrical knowledge/skills to apply to troubleshooting and safety.


• *EPA Universal 608 Certification.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements: This position requires bending, reaching, stooping, climbing/working from ladders and/or scaffolding, ascending/descending stairs, working on hands and knees, working with arms and hands above head for long periods of time, heavy lifting/moving in excess of 60 lbs. and other physical activity as required, with or without accommodation. This position uses manufacturer specs, maintenance manuals, EPA, OSHA, EHS and Health and Safety Regulations (including CFC regulations). Also uses systems and Procedures from Energy Services and the University. The position is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as assigned.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements:

• Evening work occasionally


• Night work occasionally


• On-call


• Overtime occasionally


• Valid NC Driver's License


• Weekend work occasionally


• Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Special Instructions: **ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.