HRAC Mechanic Apprentice III

Akima; Alabama; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Competitive pay

Job summary

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO) seeks an Apprentice HRAC Mechanic to perform skilled work in installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing HRAC systems across commercial facilities. You will read schematics and manuals, coordinate with electricians and controls technicians, and support preventive maintenance and repair tasks under supervision.

You will assist with refrigerant handling in compliance with regulations, and contribute to project commissioning, testing, and documentation while

Qualifications

• Reads and interprets wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and O&M manuals.
• Must be enrolled in the HVAC program and hold basic HRAC knowledge.
• High school education or GED required; ongoing enrollment in Local 760 HVAC program.

Responsibilities

• Assist in installation, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of HRAC systems including chillers and air handling equipment.
• Safely handle refrigerants (HFC/HCFC/CFC) per regulations and maintain records.
• Repair reach-in and walk-in refrigerators, ice machines, and central plant chillers under supervision.
• Order spare parts with accurate descriptions and model numbers.
• Assist on ventilation hood maintenance and commissioning projects.
• Coordinate maintenance with outside contractors and monitor installation of new equipment.
• Read and interpret HRAC schematics and maintain compliance with codes and safety standards.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

English proficiency

HRAC system theory basics

Ability to read schematics/blueprints

Ability to analyze HRAC operations

Teamwork and coordination

Physical stamina and safety awareness

Adaptability in hazardous environments

CFC refrigerant handling knowledge

Education

High School/GED

Enrollment in Plumber & Steamfitters Local 760 HVAC Program

Tools

HVAC controls and instrumentation

Work with VFDs and BAS controls

Job description

Serves as an Apprentice HRAC mechanic that performs skilled work and resolves technical issues in the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HRAC) systems. Conducts inspections and analyses of the operations of HRAC systems, identifies problem areas and performs preventive maintenance or corrective actions to bring HRAC systems to satisfactory performance. Recommends system replacement when inspections identify equipment end-of-life deficiencies. The work also includes the lubrication of bearings, replacing belts, and inspecting gaskets, seals, and pneumatic and electrical controls. Able to proficiently read and interpret schematic drawings, blueprints, and O&M Manuals to effectively carry out work assignments. Works in conjunction with electricians to provide safe power to equipment and HRAC Instrumentation and Control Mechanics to deliver fully functional HRAC systems.

Responsibilities

• Under Supervision of Journeyman performs the installation, troubleshooting, corrective and preventive maintenance, and repair of HRAC systems to include complex centrifugal chillers, direct expansion, and chilled water-based cooling systems, air handling and distribution equipment.
• Under Supervision of Journeyman performs the safe introduction and recovery of HFC, HCFC, and CFC refrigerants. Maintains refrigerant exchange logs/records IAW Federal and State requirements.
• Under Supervision of Journeyman perform repairs and maintenance of reach-in, walk-in, stand-alone commercial refrigerators, ice machines, central plant chillers, free standing A/C Units, and roof top units.
• Under Supervision of Journeyman Creates and submits requisition for spare parts and supplies for HRAC units. Ensure proper part description and model number are included to eliminate incorrect part ordering.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman performs repairs, maintenance, and preventative maintenance for ventilation hoods in labs, cafeterias, refrigerant monitoring systems, and ventilation systems utilizing VFD’s, DDC controls, motorized dampers and or BAS controls.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman assists on facility air test and balancing projects, commissioning, and retro-commissioning projects upon request.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman inspect and test components installed by other contractors.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman perform quality assurance inspections on completed HRAC projects; ensures conformance with institutional standards, mechanical codes, OSHA regulations, lock out-tag out, confined space protocols, Material Safety Data Sheets, engineering specifications, and other regulatory requirements.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman uses a computer to create, compose, and edit technical and/or administrative reports and documentation.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman coordinates and monitors maintenance by outside specialty contractors, including replacement and repair of mechanical, electromechanical, and controls equipment.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman monitors and coordinates the installation of new equipment, to include training, documentation, and establishing maintenance procedures.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman read, interpret, and modify HRAC electrical, electronic and/or microprocessor schematics blueprints and logic controls.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman coordinates with other trade and warehouse personnel in the identification of proper and correct materials, parts assemblies, and requirements for a variety of requisitions necessary for the job/task.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman may perform various lower classified duties such as (but not limited to) file maintenance, workspace cleanup, maintain warehouse space.
• Under the Supervision of Journeyman performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Work is in a variety of weather conditions, frequently in cramped conditions such as in electrical cabinets and mechanical rooms and may be required in hazardous or emergency situations.
• Requires the close observation of digital or analog displays and data printouts to determine compliance with performance standards.
• Must be able to distinguish color codes on wires and electronic devices and perform precise muscular movements of hands.
• Some tasks, such as installation and maintenance, entail climbing ladders and working at heights over 10 feet above the ground.
• Maintenance and repair projects may necessitate the use of small hand tools such as saws, hammers, and screwdrivers.
• Transportation of equipment to a job site may require carrying 20-50 pound objects for short distances over rough and uneven ground.
• Alarm sirens at the work site require that technicians be able to hear audible warning devices.
• Work in confined space may require the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Requires the use of company vehicle. In order to operate a vehicle, individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely and must possess an appropriate valid state motor vehicle operator’s license.

Qualifications

• Works under the supervision of Journeyman HRAC Mechanic(s). The Section Supervisor provides general supervision. Assignments may involve providing technical guidance to other technical and maintenance personnel. Accountable to the Section Supervisor for accomplishing assigned functions in accordance with contract requirements, Army/DoD regulations, and applicable federal and state laws and codes. Has authority to accomplish all assigned functions, with general guidance from supervisor, in accordance with contract and Army/DoD requirements and various codes.
• Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills listed above would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, tactful and cooperative in dealing with others, and speaks and understand English.
• High School Education/ GED
• MUST be enrolled in Plumber & Steamfitters Local 760 HVAC Program.
• Must have organizing and coordinating skills.
• Must have basic knowledge of theory behind HRAC systems operations.
• Must have ability to work in elevated locations.
• Must have the ability and skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Must have ability to analyze, assess, and reconfigure HRAC systems operations within area of specialty.
• Must have basic knowledge of instrument calibration standards and tolerances.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively orally, face-to-face, in a group setting, on the telephone, and in writing.
• Must have ability to understand oral and written instructions; read and prepare wiring diagrams and blueprints; prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and job cost estimates.
• Must have the ability to successfully accomplish, complete and/or pass, any Continuing Education (CE) training deemed necessary.
• Must be able to distinguish color codes on wires and electronic devices.
• Must be able to work in the stooped position, can crawl, climb, twist, hear, see, perform precise muscular movements of hands, walk over uneven terrain, and work in confined spaces.
• Must hold a Universal CFC Certification.

• Must be able to receive a favorable adjudication of a Tier 1 Investigation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Work is in a variety of weather conditions, frequently in cramped conditions such as in electrical cabinets and mechanical rooms and may be required in hazardous or emergency situations.
• Requires the close observation of digital or analog displays and data printouts to determine compliance with performance standards.
• Must be able to distinguish color codes on wires and electronic devices and perform precise muscular movements of hands.
• Some tasks, such as installation and maintenance, entail climbing ladders and working at heights over 10 feet above the ground.
• Maintenance and repair projects may necessitate the use of small hand tools such as saws, hammers, and screwdrivers.
• Transportation of equipment to a job site may require carrying 20-50 pound objects for short distances over rough and uneven ground.
• Alarm sirens at the work site require that technicians be able to hear audible warning devices.
• Work in confined space may require the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Job ID

2026-26413

Work Type

On-Site

Work Where it Matters

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.

As an AFO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.