HVAC Mechanic I

Museum of Science; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known cultural institution in Boston is seeking an HVAC Mechanic to join the Facilities team. In this role, you will maintain critical mechanical systems and ensure the reliable operation of HVAC and building infrastructure. You will be responsible for preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and responding to service requests, collaborating with tradespeople and ensuring safety protocols. Candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant mechanical experience, strong communication skills, and be available for emergency response. This position offers a salary range of $28,000 to $31,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience maintaining building mechanical systems or related mechanical trades experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• EPA/CFC license preferred or ability to obtain within first 12 months.
• Ability to respond to facility needs outside of scheduled hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative, diagnostic, and corrective maintenance on HVAC and building mechanical systems.
• Monitor and respond to alarms and operational needs through the Building Management System (BMS).
• Prioritize and respond to service requests and mechanical issues to minimize downtime.
• Work with licensed tradespeople and facilities staff to support a wide range of maintenance activities.
• Assist in maintaining maintenance logs, equipment histories, and repair records.
• Respond to emergency incidents including fire alarms and system failures.
• Ensure maintenance shops and facilities areas are clean, organized, and stocked.

Skills

Mechanical Troubleshooting

Systems Awareness

Operational Reliability

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

Within the Museum of Science, the Facilities team plays a critical role in maintaining and advancing the infrastructure that supports one of the region’s most visited cultural institutions. Our team manages complex building systems, campus infrastructure, and capital improvements across a highly dynamic environment that welcomes millions of guests each year. From critical mechanical and electrical systems to large‑scale renovation and sustainability initiatives, Facilities ensures the Museum remains safe, operational, and ready to deliver inspiring science experiences every day.

The HVAC Mechanic supports the safe and reliable operation of the Museum of Science’s complex mechanical systems. This role ensures the continuous performance of HVAC and building infrastructure systems that maintain comfortable, safe, and energy‑efficient environments for visitors, staff, and exhibits.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Maintain Critical Mechanical Systems: Perform preventative, diagnostic, and corrective maintenance on HVAC and building mechanical systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.
• Respond to Building System Needs and Operational Requests: Monitor and respond to alarms and operational needs through the Building Management System (BMS), adjusting environmental conditions such as temperature, airflow, and lighting to support museum operations.
• Support Rapid Response to Mechanical and Facility Issues: Prioritize and respond to service requests and mechanical issues to minimize downtime and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for staff and visitors.
• Collaborate Across Trades to Maintain Facility Operation: Work with licensed tradespeople and facilities staff to support a wide range of maintenance activities including electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and general facility repairs.
• Maintain Accurate Maintenance Documentation: Assist in maintaining maintenance logs, equipment histories, and repair records to ensure clear communication and effective tracking of building systems and infrastructure.
• Support Emergency and Critical Facility Response: Respond to emergency incidents including fire alarms, system failures, building evacuations, and other emergency events as outlined in the Museum’s Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan.
• Maintain Safe and Organized Workspaces: Ensure maintenance shops and facilities areas remain clean, organized, and stocked so that facilities operations can proceed safely and efficiently.

What We’re Looking For (Competencies)

• Mechanical Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose mechanical issues and perform effective repairs on HVAC and related building systems.
• Systems Awareness: Understanding of building mechanical systems, controls, and infrastructure, including Building Management Systems.
• Operational Reliability: Demonstrates accountability and responsiveness in maintaining critical building infrastructure that supports museum operations.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with facilities staff, licensed trades, and external contractors to maintain and repair facility systems.
• Communication: Clearly communicates maintenance needs, system conditions, and operational concerns to supervisors and colleagues.

Job‑Specific Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience maintaining building mechanical systems or related mechanical trades experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• EPA/CFC license preferred or ability to obtain within first 12 months.
• Ability to respond to facility needs outside of scheduled hours when required.

How We Work – Our Values

• Mission‑Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.
• Audience‑Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.
• Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.
• Generous: We offer time and energy toward common goals.

Salary Range

$28,000 - $31,000 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.