Environmental Systems Mechanic I

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Onsite childcare

Job summary

Iowa State University - College of Design is seeking an Environmental Systems Mechanic I to perform skilled work in installing, repairing and maintaining refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems across campus facilities.

Under direct supervision, you will read blueprints, test equipment, and prepare service reports while ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The role includes mentoring apprentices and working in varied environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in refrigeration, heating or air conditioning work (including apprenticeship).
• Obtain refrigeration certificate of type 2 within first six months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with University Fleet Safety Program.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, alter, replace and maintain HVAC and refrigeration components.
• Test performance of air-moving, heating, cooling and related equipment; repair/replace defective parts.
• Read blueprints, schematics, drawings and specifications; prepare service reports.
• Guide apprentices and students as required.
• Maintain safety standards when lifting heavy components with chain falls and hoists.

Skills

HVAC/R installation and maintenance

Refrigeration troubleshooting

Blueprints and diagrams interpretation

Safety and compliance knowledge

Communicate effectively (oral and writ

Tools

HVAC diagnostic equipment

Braze refrigeration tubing

Job description

Position Title: Environmental Systems Mechanic I

Job Group: Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of experience in refrigeration, heating or air conditioning work, including apprenticeship; and
• Obtains refrigeration certificate of at least type 2 within first six months of employment.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.

Job Profile Description

Under direct supervision, performs skilled work in the area of installation, repair, alteration, replacement and maintenance of components of refrigeration, air conditioning and heating (all fuel types) equipment.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs and maintains air-moving, heating, cooling, humidification and filtering equipment and systems such as fans, heat pumps, gas unit heaters, forced air equipment, furnaces, radiant heating, condensers, compressors, pumps, fan coil units, rooftop package air conditioning units, computer room cooling units, etc.
• Installs and maintains various styles and types of refrigeration equipment and systems.
• Installs and maintains equipment related to heating and cooling, such as air compressors, air dryers and associated non-automated controls.
• Tests and evaluates performance of air-moving, heating, cooling, humidification and filtering equipment such as fans, heat pumps, forced air, radiant heating, condensers, compressors, pumps, fan coil units, rooftop package air conditioning units, computer room cooling units, etc. using specialized equipment; repairs or replaces defective valves, thermostats and other parts.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics and other drawings, diagrams and specifications.
• Prepares records and service reports.
• Uses chain falls, hoists and chokers to safely lift large heavy components into position.
• Provides guidance to apprentices and/or students as required.
• Other duties as assigned by appropriate department or administrative personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of operations, methods, materials and tools utilized in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration and repair of air-moving, heating, cooling, humidification and filtering equipment and systems such as fans, heat pumps, gas unit heaters, forced air equipment, furnaces, radiant heating, condensers, compressors, pumps, fan coil units, rooftop package air conditioning units, computer room cooling units, etc.
• Ability to properly braze refrigeration tubing and connections.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Fire Prevention Association, National Fire Code and the Environmental Protection Agency, etc.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to evaluate equipment for either repair or replacement and determine the amount of time and materials necessary to accomplish the task with least downtime of equipment.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of proper bending and lifting techniques.
• Skill in the proper use and care of hand and power tools and test equipment.
• Ability to work in areas of high heat, dust and noise and in confined spaces or on a ladder.
• Ability to work independently during the normal workday and in an on-call status.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in all types of environmental conditions or in areas where there is exposure to excessive noise, dirt, and fumes and at elevated heights from ladders, scaffolds, or hydraulic lifts.
• Ability to work independently during normal work hours and after hours.
• Basic Computer Skills

Schedule

Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:30pm

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. (Including compressors, condensers, heat pumps, rooftop units, fan coil units)
• Experience installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. (Including compressors, condensers, heat pumps, rooftop units, fan coil units)
• Demonstrated experience working with computerized or specialized HVAC diagnostic and testing equipment
• Experience working collaboratively in an on-call environment and responding to emergency equipment failures
• Experience troubleshooting HVAC and refrigeration equipment using specialized testing and diagnostic equipment

Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Details

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 5090a Original Posting Date: October 15, 2026 Posting Close Date: October 25, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R20092

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Life insurance and long-term disability Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].