CHILLER TECHNICIAN II

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia's MU Energy Management team operates the CCHP plant and district cooling, ensuring reliable utility services across campus. The Chiller Technician II role performs skilled journey-level work on refrigeration and air conditioning systems, with growth potential to Chiller Technician III.

Shift is 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, Mon–Fri. Minimum qualifications include HS diploma, several years of chiller experience, refrigerant certification, blueprint reading, and a valid Missouri

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Four years' experience with large chiller systems or a combination of two years' chiller work and four years as journey-level refrigeration mechanic.
• Refrigerant certification as required by state and federal laws.
• Skill in use and operation of tools, equipment and materials to complete essential functions.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, schematics and wiring diagrams; knowledge of building codes.
• Valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in Missouri.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (75 lbs.) regularly.
• Ability to climb and work from ladders, scaffolding and staging occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Repair, maintenace, and operation of mechanical and absorption air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
• Assist in major overhauls on chillers and purchase parts; install refrigerant and handle heavy components.
• Evaluate complex factors and malfunctions and take corrective actions.
• Assist with on-the-job training of Chiller Tech I positions.
• Assist with design and construction of tools and equipment for chiller maintenance.
• Maintain and store all tools safely and operate with PPE; follow safety policies.
• Prepare records, cost estimates, material orders, and reports for supervision.
• Use asset management system for work orders and parts tracking.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Refrigeration systems

Air conditioning systems

Preventive maintenance

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma

EPA 608 Certification

Tools

EPA 608 Certification

Job description

Hiring Department

Department of 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.

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Position: Chiller Technician II

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. After required time and successful completion of skill assessments, this position can progress to Chiller Technician III.

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. Purchase parts, install refrigerant, perform 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 on-the-job training of Chiller Tech I positions.
• 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 including lock-out-tag-out. Wear all necessary PPE as job duties require.
• Prepare records, detailed reports, recommendations, cost estimates, prepare material orders, and similar information for supervisory and management use.
• Utilize asset management system for work orders, parts and repair tracking
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

• Administrative and functional supervision is received from a designated supervisor. Receives oral and written instructions daily/weekly outlining work to be performed. Work may be supplemented by diagrams and/or blueprints.

Supervision Exercised

• No supervision exercised, may provide instruction.

Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM / Mon. – Fri.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school graduate or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• Four years of experience working with large chiller systems or a combination of two years of experience working with large chiller systems and four years of experience as a journey level refrigeration mechanic.
• Refrigerant certification as required by state and federal laws and course work in large chiller systems.
• Skill in use and operation of tools, equipment and materials necessary to complete the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, schematics and wiring diagrams and knowledge of building codes are required.
• A valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in the state of Missouri is required.
• Ability to grasp, lift, carry and set down heavy objects (75 lbs.) on a regular basis.
• Ability to climb and work from ladders, scaffolding and staging on an occasional basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Eight 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.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, which will allow legal operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Missouri.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $26 - $32 hourly

Grade: GGS-F

University Title: Chiller Technician II

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Other Information

The internal union bid period for this position ended on 6/1. 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: 5/26/2026 - 6/1/2026

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

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.