Environmental Systems Mechanic II

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Facilities Planning and Management seeks an Environmental Systems Mechanic II to install, repair, and maintain environmental control systems across refrigeration, temperature control, and HVAC infrastructure.

Under general supervision you will use computerized building automation systems, support energy-efficiency goals, train apprentices, and participate in preventive maintenance.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in temperature and computerized building environmental automation systems, refrigeration or air conditioning work, including apprenticeship, or two years experience in computerized building environmental automation systems and meets the minimum eligibility requirements of ESM I.
• Has refrigeration certificate of at least type 2.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.
• Prefer 2 years of college/trade school.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, replace and maintain environmental systems and components such as HVAC equipment, chillers, pumps, fume hoods, autoclaves and related controls.
• Operate and monitor computerized building environmental automation systems to collect mechanical data and ensure system reliability.
• Coordinate maintenance, operations and modifications for energy efficiency and performance.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance to extend equipment life and reduce downtime.
• Provide guidance and training to apprentices, replacements, students and other personnel as required.
• Handle on-call duties as assigned by the department.

Skills

HVAC/Environmental systems

System diagnostics

Apprenticeship experience

On-call readiness

Education

Journeyman license

Refrigeration certificate type 2

2 years college/trade school preferred

Job description

Position Title

Environmental Systems Mechanic II

Job Group

Merit

Minimum Qualifications

• Six years of experience in temperature and computerized building environmental automation systems, refrigeration or air conditioning work, including apprenticeship, or has two years of experience in computerized building environmental automation systems and meets the minimum eligibility requirements of ESM I; or four years experience in above plus Journeyman’s license; and
• Has refrigeration certificate of at least type 2.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.
• Prefer 2 years of college/trade school.

Job Description

Facilities Planning and Management at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the Environmental Systems Mechanic II position. Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) is an organization that is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of Iowa State University, one of the nation’s leading educational and agricultural institutes. But more importantly, FPM is dedicated to their employees and enhancing the lives of each team member through opportunities both professionally and personally. FPM is one of the largest departments on campus and currently employs over 400 full-time employees and students combined. Under general supervision, applies knowledge, skills and abilities to install, repair, replace and maintain components of environmental systems in the areas of refrigeration, temperature control, and heating and support systems. Utilizes computerized building environmental automation systems to collect mechanical system data to ensure system reliability. Demonstrates the qualifications, training, experience, and advanced technical knowledge to be responsible for the coordination and accomplishment of maintenance, operations and modifications. Performs the duties peculiar to, and normally required in, the trade of environmental systems/HVAC technician, following recognized procedures and techniques for such work. Utilizes special tools, equipment, and processes to collect information, perform initial diagnostics, and respond to data through established guidelines for preventive and predictive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing basic HVAC technician tasks
• Experience servicing complex environmental systems equipment like autoclaves and fume hoods
• Experience interpreting advanced environmental systems schematics and drawings

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all duties listed under Environmental Systems Mechanic I.
• Installs and maintains environmental systems equipment and components such as air conditioning equipment, chillers, condensers, pumps, fume hoods, autoclaves, environmental chambers, scientific equipment, cascade cooling units, process water systems, compressors and other pneumatic and computerized controls.
• Installs and maintains cooling tower equipment, plate-frame heat exchangers, cooling water treatment equipment, heating systems (all fuel types) to include boilers, unit heaters, furnaces, radiant heating, heat pump systems (geothermal and air source), variable frequency drives, and other emerging technology equipment/systems.
• Tests and evaluates performance of systems using specialized equipment, repairs or replaces defective valves, thermostats, sensor and other parts in both pneumatic and computerized building environmental automation systems.
• Operates computerized building environmental automation systems that control heating and cooling systems.
• Performs continuous commissioning and retro commissioning of various types of environmental equipment to assure these systems are meeting energy optimization efficiency goals, operating to desired baselines, and are meeting the expectations of the customer.
• Utilizes energy monitoring devices and test equipment to establish predictive type maintenance repairs that extend the life of systems and eliminate out of service conditions.
• Provides functional guidance and training to apprentices, replacements, students and other personnel 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 environmental systems.
• 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, the Environmental Protection Agency, etc.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to evaluate and recommend equipment for either installation, repair, or replacement and determine the amount of time and materials necessary to accomplish the task with least expense and downtime of equipment.
• Knowledge of computerized building environmental automation systems and ability to collect data for mechanical system performance.
• Skill in the proper use and care of hand and power tools and test equipment.
• Knowledge of proper bending and lifting techniques.
• Ability to work in areas of high heat, dust and noise and in confined spaces or on a ladder.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams and equipment specifications.
• 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.
• Knowledgeable of the operation and maintenance of variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of chilled water systems and maintenance requirements.

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.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Details

Appointment Type: Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month
Work Period Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: 5091a

Original Posting Date: August 4, 2026
Posting Close Date: August 25, 2026
Job Requisition Number: R19680

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. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland-grantmission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. 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 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. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail]. If you have questions about the application process please email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. 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]. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.