HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant

Westfield-State-University; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield State University is seeking a full-time HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant to operate high‑pressure boilers and maintain HVAC and refrigeration equipment on campus. You will monitor, calibrate and repair systems, record performance data, and ensure safe, efficient operation.

The role includes supervising co-op students and other staff during assigned shifts. The position is based on campus with winter and summer duty requirements, and requires adherence to safety standards,

Qualifications

• Knowledge of types and uses of boilers.
• Knowledge of safe operation of steam boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and to supervisor.
• Ability to supervise, train and plan the work of others.
• Knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate high-pressure boilers and related equipment to provide steam and heat.
• Perform routine maintenance on HVAC equipment and related systems.
• Record data such as hours of boiler operation, pressure and temperature; monitor fuel consumption.
• Install, repair and calibrate HVAC/R equipment and controls.
• Train and supervise co-op students and other trades personnel.

Skills

Boiler operation knowledge

Safety procedures

HVAC systems knowledge

Reading blueprints/specs

Effective communication

Supervision ability

Electrical test equipment knowledge

Tools

Electrical test equipment

Job description

In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public higher education institution in the US without barriers of race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 57% of our 3,200 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. Including continuing education and graduate students the total student population exceeds 4,700. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts, just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst, with a selection of museums, theaters, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member

You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.

Our Values

Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.

• Embrace Diversity-We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
• Maintain Excellence and Integrity -We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
• Collaborate with Each Other -We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
• Provide Accessible Education-We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
• Build a Strong Community-We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
• Engage the Outside Community-We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.

Job Description:

Campus Title:HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant
State Job Title:HVACRefrigeration Mechanic II
Department:Trades
Job Code:H17X16
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Funding:7115-0100
Bargaining Unit:AFSCME
Job Type:Full-time Permanent
Timeframe:52 Weeks
Shift:TBD
Regular Days Off:TBD
Supervision Received:Receives general supervision from the AVP Facilities & Capital Planning; Executive Director of Facilities and Operations; Chief Power Plant Engineer; and may receive functional supervision from heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics of a higher grade who provide training and instruction, assign work and review performance through written and verbal reports for compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Supervision Exercised:None
Salary:$2,405.69

This is a fully in-person position at Westfield State University, with all duties performed on campus during the employee's regularly scheduled work hours to support direct engagement with students, colleagues, and the campus community, unless the position requires travel to perform said duties.

Working Conditions:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Mechanics work under exposure to adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards such as noise, fumes and gases and may work in confined or cramped spaces. In the performance of duties, one may be required to endure physical stamina and endurance alongside manual dexterity and the ability to lift and/or move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) for prolonged periods of time; work from ladders, scaffolds and other elevated equipment; may be required to operate motor vehicles; work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights, and may be subject to a standby (on call) work status.

General Statement of Duties:

Winter Requirements: September 1st - May 15th

The HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II -Power Plant operates high pressure boilers and related equipment; read meters and gauges at specified intervals; open and close valves and adjust controls; check/monitor operating systems to detect faulty operating equipment, etc.; clean, maintain and/or lubricate power plant and related auxiliary equipment; record data and maintain logs on such matters as temperatures, fuel consumption etc.; and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to operate power plant equipment to provide a constant source of steam energy to users, as clean, maintain and repair auxiliary equipment.

Summer Requirements: May 15th - September 1st

The HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II -Power Plant performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms. Installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including related fixtures; checks heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment for malfunctions; and performs related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Responsible formaintenance and operationof the generation of steam power to provide heat and to operate various equipment throughout the University. Maintains high-pressure boilers of various horse power and such auxiliary equipment as air conditioner chillers and air compressors to provide steam, and auxiliary services.
• Performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms.
• Records such data as hours of boiler operation, pressure, and temperature. Keeps records of fuel consumption.
• Observes functioning of steam, vacuum, water, and other, indicating measures to determine operating condition of equipment.
• Makes adjustments and repairs where necessary. Uses considerable judgment in emergency situations.
• Assumes full responsibility of all plant operationsduring assigned shift.
• Maintains working area in a clean and orderly condition; observes standard safety rules and regulations.
• Installs heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including controls and related fixtures such as air and water filters and piping by using refrigeration, pipe fitting and structural layout techniques, blueprints, appropriate machines, tools and work aids to join tubing and/or pipes; to cut and thread pipes; to solder or braze joints; to mount compressor and condenser units; and to connect motors, compressors, temperature controls, humidity controls and circulating ventilation fans to electrical power sources.
• Checks equipment for malfunctioning by observing pressure and vacuum gauges and other indicators; by adjusting controls in testing joints and connections for gas leaks; by injecting refrigerant and adjustment valves, controls and pumps; and by using testing equipment such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, amp probes, etc. to ensure proper operation.
• Maintains, rebuilds and repairs by replacing worn or defective parts such as switches, fuses, thermostats and electrical wiring; by pumping specified gas or fluids into systems; by adding necessary liquids; by lubricating motors and bearings; and by changing filters.
• Calculates heat loads for new installations; analyzes and treats both open and closed water systems such as cooling towers by adding algaecides to prevent the spread of airborne bacteria.
• Performs related work such as making and assembling metal ducts and chassis parts for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems; drilling holes for mounting brackets; screwing, boring, riveting and welding parts to assemble structural and functional components such as motors, controls, switches and gauges; and installing shells and cabinets of systems.
• Provides technical assistance and makes recommendations regarding improvements.
• Performs programming tasks, monitors energy management systems and makes calibrations.
• Plans and organizes work each day; trains and supervises co-op students, other trades personnel assigned to assist with specific jobs and seasonal assistants.
• Performs preventive maintenance, makes repairs, installs equipment, and makes manual adjustments to the systems.
• Uses computerized preventive maintenance programs and building management systems; maintains computerized inventory.
• Orders supplies and equipment needed in the performance of HVAC duties.

Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge of the types and uses of low and/or high-pressure boilers.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of the safe operation of steam boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in firing and operating low-pressure and high-pressure boilers and their auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the safety procedures followed in power plant operations.
• Knowledge on the safe operation of boilers.
• Knowledge of the types of tools and equipment used in repairing, testing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigerant equipment.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures for this type of employment; familiarity with air quality standards.
• Knowledge of computerized energy conservation programs and ability to monitor, program and calibrate same.
• Extensive knowledge of various types of HVAC and refrigeration systems required in order to make recommendations on improvements, updates and installations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to make recommendations in writing to the supervisor.
• Ability to supervise, train and plan the work of others.
• Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and related electrical systems.
• Skill in operating heating, refrigeration, ventilation, air conditioning machinery and related equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and pneumatic HVAC control systems.
• Knowledge of the use of electrical test equipment, such as voltmeters, amprobes, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as specifications, operation manuals and blue prints.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.