HVAC Refrigeration Specialist Advanced

State of Wisconsin; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 36,607 - 52,137; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

At least 3.5 weeks of vacation

Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance

Pension plan with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin is seeking an experienced HVAC/Refrigeration Specialist-Advanced responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems at correctional facilities across the state. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of HVAC systems, and relevant technical training.

This position offers a starting salary of $32.21 per hour, with opportunities for additional pay at certain locations, and a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must pass a background check and drug screening. Learn more and apply.

Qualifications

• High degree of mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems in office and institutional buildings.
• Skill in making mechanical repairs and adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, and maintain HVAC systems.
• Perform repairs on HVAC/Refrigeration equipment.
• Collaborate on energy savings initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Knowledge of HVAC systems

Ability to operate machinery and tools

Safety knowledge

Alertness for malfunctions

Physical ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

Technical school education in HVAC

Valid EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

Job description

Overview

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections is currently accepting applications for HVAC/Refrigeration Specialist-Advanced positions located at correctional institutions and facilities throughout the state.

Current Vacancies

• Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI)
• Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, WI)
• Redgranite Correctional Institution (Redgranite, WI)
• Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center (Union Grove, WI)
• Waupun Correctional Institution (Waupun, WI)

Check out the videos of this position on the career page: https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/Careers/default.aspx

Position Summary

This position is primarily responsible for the operation, inspection, repair, installation, and preventive maintenance of mechanical, HVAC/Refrigeration systems and related electric, pneumatic, electronic and computerized direct digital temperature controls.

This position will perform systems analysis, maintenance and repairs on HVAC/Refrigeration equipment including but not limited to: air handlers, exhaust fans, humidification systems, boilers, chillers, circulating pumps, air and water filtration systems, pneumatic, electric and Direct Digital (DDC) temperature controls, temperature control air compressors and refrigerated air driers, air-cooled or water-cooled condensers, and evaporative cooling towers.

This position will provide other maintenance or repairs on emergency generators, plumbing equipment, and lighting control systems as well as collaborating with building occupants and Buildings and Grounds Superintendent in recommending, implementing, and maintaining energy savings initiatives.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule/range 03-15 with a starting salary of $32.21 per hour. Pay on appointment for current state employees may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensations Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code. A twelve-month probationary period is required.

Employees at Green Bay Correctional Institution are eligible for a $5/hour add-on for all hours worked.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, nine paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment
• An optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

Qualifications

This position will require:

• High degree of mechanical aptitude. Knowledge of computerized HVAC systems, as well as mutual pneumatic and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, kitchen equipment, and other mechanical systems and apparatus commonly used in office and institutional buildings and building complexes.
• Skill in making repairs and adjustments to the mechanical devices, valves, booster pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, and switches which control such systems.
• Ability to operate various types of power and hand machinery and tools used in mechanical maintenance work.
• Alertness in monitoring for necessary action, malfunction and possible unsafe conditions in Mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions required in the maintenance and use of building mechanical systems.
• Willingness and adaptability to work under unpleasant conditions, such as dusty or dirty areas, or in extreme heat or cold, including confined spaces and the use of personal protective equipment for such spaces.
• Physical ability to perform mutual labor, to climb, bend, crawl and ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of asbestos hazards and procedures for abatement.

Well-qualified applicants will have the following: technical school (or equivalent) education in electronics, HVAC, and refrigeration; four or more years’ experience as an HVAC Technician; valid EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

How To Apply

If you are interested in a particular facility, make sure you confirm which city the facility is located in when you make your location selections.

To apply: Click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Submitted material will be evaluated and the most qualified applications will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring for available vacancies.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application as described above by the stated date. Apply through the “Careers” tile on your ESS Portal.

The State of Wisconsin is proud an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Once determined eligible, please send a follow up email with the HR Specialist below to indicate interest in this job announcement.

Questions can be directed to Adriana Sierra, Human Resources Specialist – Senior, at [e-mail].

Deadline to Apply

Online applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. We anticipate using this Job Opening Until: November 29, 2026, at which time we will continue recruiting with a new Job Opening. Applications are processed every week, usually on Thursdays.

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