Chiller Systems Specialist — Central Plant Technician

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Central Plant Chiller Mechanic to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize centrifugal chillers and related equipment on campus. You will read blueprints, interpret specs, and work with a team to keep cooling systems reliable and safe.

The role requires HVAC vocational training, 4 years of related experience, and EPA 608 certification; duties include preventive maintenance, repairs, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC.
• Four years of related experience required.
• EPA Section 608 certification (Type I/II/Ill) required; EPA certified applicants encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on chillers and related equipment, including controls and pumps.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and equipment specs for installation and troubleshooting.
• Repair and replace components; perform precision alignments and machining as needed.
• Ensure compliance with EPA regulations and safety policies.

Skills

Steam fitting

Pipefitting

Mechanical systems

Reading blueprints

Multi-trade

Troubleshooting

Metrology

Safety compliance

Maintenance software

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Education

HVAC vocational training

Tools

Maintenance software

MS Office

Job description

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Join UAB as a Central Plant Chiller Mechanic and play a vital role in keeping our campus running at peak performance by maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the chilled water systems that power our world-class facilities.

Position Summary:

The Central Plant Chiller Mechanic performs routine and preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, replacement, and installation of centrifugal chillers and refrigeration equipment, components, and supporting equipment located in the Central Plant buildings and other outlying facilities on campus. This role may assist other maintenance personnel, including Central Plant Repairers, Central Plant Operators, Water Treatment Specialists, Electricians, and Plumbers. The mechanic reads, understands, and interprets blueprints, drawings, floor plans, schedules, and manufacturer's specifications related to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, millwright, and machinist work, special equipment, and building structures and finishes. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise and commitment to safety and teamwork.

To provide routine and preventive maintenance, repair, modification, replacement, and installation of centrifugal chillers and associated refrigeration equipment located in the Central Plant and other campus facilities. To ensure optimal performance and reliability of the University's central cooling systems, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Performs preventive maintenance on electronic, direct digital, pneumatic, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control systems and devices for chillers, refrigeration units, and associated equipment; including troubleshooting, repairs, modifications, replacements, and installations.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on electrical and mechanical components of chiller and refrigeration systems, including condensing units, evaporators, purge units, compressors, cooling towers, chilled and evaporator water pumps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, motors, hoists, motor control centers, power and lighting panels, fan units, emergency generators, lighting systems, air compressors, drying systems, and 13.2 KV/4160-volt breakers.
• Performs complete centrifugal chiller overhauls, including removal and replacement of O-rings, gaskets, shaft seals, and bearing assemblies (sleeve Babbitt, thrust/counter-thrust, and rolling-element bearings). Establish and verify operational clearances for labyrinth seals, journal bearings, seal bores, and thrust assemblies in strict accordance with OEM tolerances, utilizing precision metrology equipment such as dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth micrometers, and calibrated calipers.
• Rebuilds and performs advanced machinist operations on cooling tower gearboxes, drive couplings, intermediate shafts, fan blade pitch assemblies, centrifugal pumps, and associated seal systems. Conduct reverse dial-indicator alignment and other precision shaft-alignment methodologies to verify angularity, offset,concentricity, and runout. Utilize calibrated metrology instruments—including dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth gauges, and feeler gauges—to ensure all components meet OEM dimensional tolerances and mechanical specifications.
• Operates CFC and HCFC refrigerant recovery, recycling, and evacuation equipment in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations; maintains all required recovery and service documentation; and performs all refrigerant-related maintenance activities in accordance with current federal environmental standards.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support plant operations.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in steam fitting and pipefitting techniques used in industrial and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including steam, chilled water, compressed air, and HVAC operations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Multi-trade knowledge including refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, and electronics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues.
• Knowledge of confined-space entry procedures and adherence to all applicable safety regulations.
• Advanced troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills for mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with computers and maintenance software, including Microsoft Office and digital work-order platforms.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork, coordination, and conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and respond to emergencies.
• Leadership and mentoring capability, including guiding junior staff and supporting process improvement and quality-assurance initiatives.
  
  

Hourly Pay Range:

$24.05 - $31.30 (commensurate with experience & qualifications)

Work Schedule:

• 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, with overtime as required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including participation in on-call. Availability to adjust schedule as needed to meet the needs of the University.
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC
• Four (4) years of related experience is required
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for the educational requirement
  
  

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR):

Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• Minimum age of 21
• At least three years of driving experience
• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
  
  

Required Certification:

Currently certified with a Section 608 Technician Type I, II, or Ill Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) required. Applicants who are EPA certified are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to safely perform job duties with or without mechanical assistance, including:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing job duties.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding and work at heights above 30 feet.
• Perform bending, stooping, kneeling, and long-distance walking between and within campus buildings.
• Work in confined spaces as required.
• Ability to work in extreme temperature and humidity conditions while handling a wide range of materials and equipment.
• Maintain visual acuity for gauges and instruments and hearing acuity for alarms.
  
  

Additional Information:

Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please be certain to showcase depth and breadth of experience, as it relates to the needs of this job announcement.

UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can explore the full benefits overview here: https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits

For more information about UAB Facilities and the work we do across campus, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Organization

112802010 Chilled Water

Employee Status

Regular

Shift

Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager)

Onsite