HVAC Mechanic

University of California, Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 118,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking an experienced HVAC Mechanic to inspect, maintain, repair, and install HVAC systems, BMS controls, and related equipment across campus buildings. The role involves responding to after-hours failures and supporting diverse facilities including laboratories and kitchens.

The position requires journey-level HVAC/R experience, EPA refrigerant certification, and the ability to read blueprints and schematics.

Qualifications

• EPA refrigerant certification (Type I & II) is required.
• Journey-level experience in installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC/R and related systems.
• Ability to read blueprints, electrical wiring diagrams, and electronic schematics.
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic, electrical, and pneumatic controls.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of power and hand tools.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and repairs on UC Santa Cruz HVAC equipment.
• Inspect, repair, and install HVAC, BMS, seawater distribution, and kitchen equipment.
• Respond to after-hours HVAC/kitchen equipment failures by callback or overtime.
• Drive University vehicle to transport materials and tools between campus work areas.

Skills

EPA refrigerant certification Type I &

Journey-level HVAC/R experience

Read blueprints & schematics

Troubleshoot HVAC electrical controls

Operate power & hand tools

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the HVAC Supervisor, the HVAC Mechanic inspects, maintains, repairs, and installs equipment, including heating, ventilating, air conditioning, seawater distribution systems, refrigeration, clean labs, fume hoods, kitchen machinery, and automatic controls' systems common to all UC Santa Cruz buildings. To keep up with rapidly evolving HVAC/R and BMS technology, the incumbent requests all training necessary to perform assigned duties.

Appointment Information

• Budgeted Salary: $56.81/hour. Upon successfully completing the 6‑month probation period, there will be a salary increase from Step 1.0 ($56.81) to Step 2.0 ($63.14).
• Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
• Union Representation: K7 Union
• Job Code Classification: 008185 (HVAC MECH)
• Employee Classification: Career appointment
• Job End Date: None

Schedule Information

• Full‑time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon‑Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Work Location

UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Travel

Up to 25% of the time

Job Duties

25% – Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and repairs on University HVAC equipment, including air compressors, vacuum systems, hydronic pumps, hydraulic systems, pressure vessels, hot water and steam boilers, ventilating fans, reverse osmosis systems, soft water systems, chillers, air conditioning, refrigeration, seawater distribution, and commercial kitchen equipment.
• Inspect, maintain, repair, and install heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), building management system controls (BMS), seawater distribution systems, and kitchen machinery common to UC Santa Cruz functions and research.
• Respond to HVAC, building management systems, and kitchen equipment failures after hours, by callback or working assigned overtime.
• Drive a University vehicle to transport materials and tools between campus work areas.

10% – System Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic devices for HVAC systems, kitchen machinery, and seawater distribution equipment.

10% – Automated Equipment Controls

• Perform installation and repair tasks on building management systems.
• Calibrate pressure, temperature, humidity, and other analog or digital sensors.
• Troubleshoot power supplies, equipment load relays, and current transducers.

10% – Gas‑Fueled Equipment

• Inspect hot water heaters, boilers, and warm air furnaces for proper operation.
• Adjust air/fuel ratios, pressures, and temperatures to manufacturer's specifications to ensure safe and efficient operation.

10% – Tool Use

• Use hand tools, power tools, trade‑specific testing instruments, and specialty tools, including velometers, multimeters, amprobes, manometers, psychrometric charts, hygro‑thermometers, and data loggers.

10% – Water Treatment

• Perform water treatment testing and analysis (pH, TDS, CS) on various types of hydronic and closed loop systems.
• Review test reports and implement changes as required.
• Maintain proper water quality on applicable systems, including heating hot water, steam systems, chilled water, cooling water, soft and laboratory grade water, and deionized water.

10% – HVAC Equipment Maintenance

• Change out ventilation systems filters, failed or worn out components, and clean mechanical equipment.
• Maintain the cleanliness of machine rooms and equipment areas.
• Inspect and lubricate moving equipment as required by manufacturer specifications.

5% – Documentation & Plan Review

• Review blueprints, schematics, and diagrams, documenting modifications to HVAC and building management systems.
• Carry out assigned preventative maintenance programs and advise of changes or modifications to procedures that may be needed as required by the equipment manufacturer's specifications.
• Maintain an adequate stock of tools, repair equipment, and spare parts.

5% – Tools & Equipment Maintenance

• Use hand tools, power tools, specific instruments, and specialty tools, including multimeters, infrared thermometers, and amp‑probes.
• Perform safety inspections and routine maintenance on tools and equipment used.
• Follow all product and University‑specific safety procedures when using tools and equipment.
• Help Physical Plant maintain an inventory of shop materials, supplies, and tools by informing supervisor of specific needs.

5% – Safety & Administration

• Attend safety and training classes and perform tasks with adherence to safety protocols.
• Document and maintain records of work performed, accurately document material charges on work repair orders, and record daily labor hours.
• Enter and maintain a daily timesheet.
• Promptly turn in completed work orders.
• Employ professional interpersonal skills when interacting with members of the campus community.

Required Qualifications

• EPA refrigerant certification, Type I & II minimum.
• Journey‑level experience and skills in the installation, maintenance, and repair of building heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC/R), electrical, plumbing, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, electrical wiring diagrams, and electronic schematics.
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic, electric circuitry, and pneumatic controls.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Knowledge of national, state, and local codes and safety standards.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of power and hand tools.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to interact professionally with members of the campus community.
• Ability to accommodate changing priorities and complete tasks despite intermittent interruptions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Universal‑level EPA refrigerant certification.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
• Must have the ability to operate a vacuum, floor scrubber, and polisher; use cleaning chemical compounds; perform essential custodial duties including dumping bags into dumpster or moving equipment and materials with or without accommodations.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• The ability to move up to 75 pounds.
• Performs duties in confined spaces, noisy mechanical rooms, manholes, attics, from ladders, and other disadvantaged locations.
• Ability to work scheduled overtime, and be available for emergency overtime when the need arises by responding to overtime callouts before and after standard scheduled hours of work.
• Ability to work a temporary alternative schedule or shift (e.g., swing shift) as requested by supervisor.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Safety Statement

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.