Chiller Technician I

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 31,684 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Retirement and paid time off

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

A public research university in Columbia Township is seeking a Chiller Technician I to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning units. The successful candidate will perform repairs, maintenance, and inspections on various cooling systems. A high school diploma with five years of experience in the field is necessary, along with CFC certification. Compensation ranges from $23 to $27 hourly. This opportunity includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Five years work experience in refrigeration and air conditioning.
• CFC certification required.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs and maintenance on refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Operate and test mechanical and absorption systems.
• Assist in major overhauls and handle heavy components.

Skills

Tool maintenance skills

Blueprint reading

Heavy lifting (50-80 lbs)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chillers

Refrigeration tools

Job description

Hiring Department

Energy Management

Job Description

Powering Mizzou's Future

At MU Energy Management, we don't just keep the lights on - we power the future. Our team is responsible for producing, purchasing, and delivering essential utility services across the University of Missouri campus. At the heart of our operations is the cutting-edge Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Plant (CCHP), which generates steam, chilled water, and electricity to heat, cool, and energize more than 17 million square feet of academic, research, athletic, and healthcare facilities.

In addition to the CCHP Plant, we operate two chilled water district cooling loops with over 30 chillers and a total capacity of more than 34,000 tons. Our mission is to deliver cost-effective, reliable, and resilient utility services that support the University's academic and research excellence.

If you are passionate about energy, innovation, and resiliency, join a team that keeps Mizzou running - and thriving.

Position

Chiller Technician I

Nature of Work

Perform skilled work on a journey level in the installation, maintenance, service and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning units, equipment, and systems. All work is subject to spot checking and inspections for conformance to specifications and accepted standards of the trade.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform repair, preventative maintenance, and operation of all mechanical and absorption air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems including air cooled, steam turbine driven and water‑cooled systems. Use various tools: gauges, torches, vacuum pumps, drills, etc. in performing duties. Test and replace broken parts; check for and repair leaks; repair and adjust valves, fittings, and pipe connection; adjust refrigerant level of units; and service and lubricate units as required.
• Assist in, or perform major overhauls on absorption, steam turbine driven, centrifugal, and reciprocating chiller components and systems, buy and install refrigerant as well as moving, rigging, and handling heavy and expensive components and parts safely.
• Assist in, or evaluate complex factors and malfunctions in absorption, steam turbine driven, centrifugal, and reciprocating chiller systems and take corrective actions.
• Assist with design and construction of specialized tools and equipment to repair and maintain all types of chillers.
• Clean, maintain, safely operate and properly store all tools and equipment. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Prepare records, detailed reports, recommendations, cost estimates, prepare material orders, and similar information for supervisory and management use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Administrative and functional supervision is received from designated supervisor/engineer. Receives oral and written instructions daily on work to be performed, occasionally supplement by diagrams and/or blueprints.

Shift

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM / Mon. - Fri.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• Five years actual work experience and training, including the equivalent of apprenticeship or vocational training, in the trade. CFC certification.
• Ability to read blueprints, plans, drawings, wiring, and plumbing diagrams.
• Skill in maintenance and use of tools, equipment and materials of applicable trade.
• Ability on a daily basis to:
  • Grasp, lift, maneuver, rotate, and otherwise use small to large trades tools and equipment.
  • Grasp, lift, carry, and set down heavy objects (50-80 lbs.).
  • Grasp, turn, twist, pull, push, lift, and otherwise move equipment, controls, parts, etc.
  • Visually assess maintenance, construction and repair needs.
  • Climb and work from ladders, stairs, and scaffolding.
• A valid driver’s license may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A valid state driver’s license is required.
• Five or more years' experience operating and maintaining large (1000 ton) chiller systems.
• Certification as an EPA Section 608 Universal Technician.
• Experience operating and maintaining air cooled chillers up to and larger than 500 tons.
• Experience operating and maintaining water cooled chillers up to and larger than 1000 tons.
• Experience with cooling tower operation and maintenance.
• Experience maintaining pumps, motors, and fans.

Anticipated Hiring Range

• Salary Range: $23 - $27 hourly
• Grade: GGS-E
• University Title: Chiller Technician I

Other Information

The internal union bid period for this position ended on 3/11. All qualified internal and external candidates are now welcome to apply.

In order to be considered as a Union Bidder for this position you must:

• Complete ALL sections of the application (including all work experience - incomplete applications will not be considered).
• Complete six months of regular service at the University.
• Apply within the published, five-day posting period.
• Meet the minimum qualifications for the vacancy.

Your qualifications for this position will be evaluated based on the information you provide on your job application. Once the job posting period is closed, there will be no opportunity to submit additional information regarding your qualifications. Therefore, you need to ensure that your application materials are complete when submitted.

Union Bid Period: 3/5/2026 - 3/11/2026

Benefit Eligibility

• This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.
• For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.