Chiller Technician Apprentice

Piedmont Service Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Piedmont Service Group in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Chiller Technician Apprentice to learn service, repair and maintenance of chillers and HVAC equipment. You will work under experienced technicians, gain hands-on training, and travel to customer locations as needed.

These roles focus on developing skills in mechanical, electrical and refrigeration systems while following safety procedures and documenting maintenance activities. This is an entry-level training path.

Qualifications

• Interest in HVAC/refrigeration.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to training.
• Ability to use hand and power tools.
• Basic electrical knowledge.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good safety awareness.
• Certification: Universal CFC/EPA.
• Preferred AA degree or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians with servicing and repair of chillers.
• Learn to troubleshoot refrigeration, electrical, and mechanical problems.
• Assist with preventive maintenance on chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and related equipment.
• Check and record temperatures, pressures, refrigerant levels, and operating conditions.
• Assist with refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging under supervision.
• Help inspect compressors, condensers, evaporators, valves, motors, and controls.
• Use hand tools, meters, gauges, and basic HVAC service equipment safely.
• Keep tools, work areas, and mechanical rooms clean and organized.
• Follow OSHA, company, and job-site safety procedures.
• Complete service reports and document maintenance activities.
• Assist with replacing filters, belts, bearings, electrical components, and other parts.
• Travel to customer locations as required.
• Learn to read schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Work closely with senior technicians and gradually perform tasks with less supervision.
• Float between Service Department and Chiller Division during specific seasons.

Skills

Interest in HVAC

Willingness to learn

Use of hand & power tools

Basic electrical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

AA degree or applicable experience

Tools

HVAC tools

Job description

Description

About the company:

Established in Raleigh, NC in 1971, Piedmont Service Group is a privately held energy efficiency and facilities services company focused exclusively on helping commercial, industrial, institutional, and government organizations operate and maintain their buildings in a safe, healthy, and efficient manner.

Our offices located across the Carolinas and Virginia allow us to serve our clients with a team of local accredited and licensed professionals. Piedmont is committed to building lasting relationships with the customers we serve and fully understanding our customers' needs to provide the best solution for each client.

Summary:

The Chiller Technician Apprentice will assist experienced technicians with the service, repair, and maintenance of chillers and related HVAC equipment. This position provides hands-on training in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration systems while developing the skills needed to perform service work safely and effectively.

The apprentice will support daily service activities, maintain organized work areas, complete required documentation, follow all company and job-site safety procedures, and travel to customer locations as needed. The position will work closely with senior technicians and rotate between the Service Department and Chiller Division during specific seasons, with opportunities to take on increased responsibilities as skills and experience develop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist technicians with servicing and repair of chillers
• Learn to troubleshoot refrigeration, electrical, and mechanical problems
• Assist with preventive maintenance on chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and related equipment
• Check and record temperatures, pressures, refrigerant levels, and operating conditions
• Assist with refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging under supervision
• Help inspect compressors, condensers, evaporators, valves, motors, and controls
• Use hand tools, meters, gauges, and basic HVAC service equipment safely
• Keep tools, work areas, and mechanical rooms clean and organized
• Follow OSHA, company, and job-site safety procedures
• Complete service reports and document maintenance activities
• Assist with replacing filters, belts, bearings, electrical components, and other parts
• Travel to customer/job sites as required
• Learn to read schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and equipment documentation
• Work closely with senior technicians and gradually perform tasks with less supervision
• Float between Service Department and Chiller Division during specific seasons of the year

Requirements

General Requirements:

• Interest in HVAC/refrigeration
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Basic electrical knowledge
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong safety awareness

Technical Knowledge Requirements:

• Basic mechanical aptitude

Certifications:

• Universal CFC/EPA Certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education- AA degree (or applicable experience in lieu of)

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting
• Bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, balancing, kneeling, twisting and standing
• Perform service and repair functions from ladders and overhead
• Carry and set up ladders up to 32 ft. in height (step or extension) as required
• Climbing stairs, ladders, catwalks, etc.
• Work from mechanical lifts

Piedmont Service Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please visit our website at:

http://www.piedmontsg.com/