HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic

Tacoma Public Schools (WA); Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools seeks a skilled HVAC/Refrigeration Technician to install, repair, and maintain mechanical refrigeration/air conditioning systems across district facilities. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, calibration, and safe handling of refrigerants in a public setting.

Starting September 21, 2026, with a 1.0 FTE and 8-hour days, the position offers full benefits and pay aligned to MW/14A rates, plus overtime and district-provided training.

Qualifications

• Three years’ work experience with refrigeration/HVAC systems.
• Two years related training at a technical trade school.
• Current CFC/EPA refrigerant handling license.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and background clearance.

Responsibilities

• Installs, repairs, services, and maintains pneumatic control systems for HVAC.
• Maintains air compressors, cooling towers, and related equipment.
• Repairs and maintains conventional HVAC/R equipment including units and walk-in coolers.
• Maintains heating plant equipment including pumps, boilers, and hydronic piping.
• Handles electrical components within HVAC constraints, including control panels and wiring.
• Performs preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment and checks pressures/temperatures.
• Complies with refrigerant handling and safety requirements.

Skills

HVAC principles

Refrigeration systems

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Education

Three years’ work experience with refrigeration/HVAC systems

Two years related training at a technical trade school

CFC/EPA refrigerant handling license

Washington State HVAC/R Electrician Certificate 06A

Driver’s license

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 21, 2026, or sooner

FTE: 1.0

Hours per day: 8.0

Salary Level: MW/14A, $65.46 (2025-2026 wages). Hourly wage is based off of the greater of 65% of the State of Washington's Prevailing Wage Rates
for Pierce County for each craft's applicable prevailing wage or prior year wage x IPD plus 1%.

Benefits Eligible: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools

This position performs duties related to the repair, maintenance, operation, and/or installation of mechanical refrigeration/air conditioning, heating equipment, and related systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 1. Installs, repairs, services, and maintains pneumatic control systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, including calibration of related instruments, gages, and controls.
• 2. Installs, repairs, services, and maintains air compressors, air dryers, cooling towers humidification, and de-humidification equipment, etc.
• 3. Installs, operates, services, maintains, and repairs conventional mechanical refrigeration/air conditioning equipment including but not limited to general purpose air conditioning units, heat pumps, water coolers, standard refrigerators, commercial grade refrigerators, milk coolers, ice machines, walk-in freezers, etc.
• 4. Installs, repairs, services, and maintains heating plant equipment such as pumps, compressors, reducing stations, hydronic piping, valves, filters, heat exchangers, chillers; installs, repairs, services, and maintains oil and gas burners, packaged boilers, and other auxiliary heating specialties; conducts firing efficiency checks and ensures proper operations.
• 5. Performs work on the electrical components of HVAC/refrigeration within the specifications of HVAC/refrigeration limited energy technician (06A) certificate, which includes connecting motors, compressors, temperature control panels, and control panels to power source; replaces defective breaker controls, thermostats, switches, and electrical wiring to repair installed units.
• 6. Performs preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment such as lubrication of compressors and other moving parts, filter servicing, adjusting and renewing belts, cleaning traps and strainers, repacking and reseating valves, repacking pump seals and greasing machinery; inspects machinery in operation to ensure machinery is functioning properly, including checking pressures and temperatures; assists in setting up preventative maintenance schedules and data cards.
• 7. Performs necessary testing, installation, and maintenance required for the safe handling of refrigerants as needed in systems; repairs leaks and re-tests, drains, and installs systems by means of refrigerant recovery and reclaim units; complies with all public agency requirements on documentation, handling, and storage, as specified by holders of CFC handlers certificate.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• 1. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• 2. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

May be required to make emergency repairs at hours other than normally scheduled; exposure to high voltage electrical systems; exposure to loud noises and machinery with moving parts; may work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights; may work in confined areas; travel to district sites required; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds or more (note KSA below), bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

Three years’ work experience with refrigeration/HVAC systems and two years related training at a technical trade school; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Current CFC/EPA approved refrigerant handling license.
• Minimum of current Washington State HVAC/R Electrician Certificate 06A, or until March 1, 2002, may possess a 3rd year trainee certificate.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Allowable Substitution

Completion of an approved apprenticeship within the refrigeration/HVAC industry may substitute for the above requirement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the hazards of refrigeration/HVAC work.
• Knowledge of boiler codes and safe practices.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of pressure temperature relationships.
• Knowledge of and ability to handle the necessary refrigerants.
• Knowledge of and ability to use the tools and materials of the industry.
• Knowledge and theories of HVAC/refrigeration and related systems.
• Knowledge of electrical principles and standard practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, control schematics, and engineering reports.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds using proper safety precautions.
• Ability to work from ladders in elevated positions.
• Ability to bend, squat, stoop, climb, and reach.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
• Ability to quickly diagnose and make repairs.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.