HVAC Technician

Saint Mary's College Of California; Moraga (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA, is seeking an experienced HVAC Technician to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot complex heating, ventilation, and refrigeration systems across campus.

Candidates should have five+ years in HVAC/mechanical trades, an HVAC apprenticeship or equivalent, and strong knowledge of controls, safety, and operations. Swing shifts and after-hours availability are expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of HVAC apprenticeship program or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in HVAC/mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, inspect, and troubleshoot campus HVAC and related equipment.
• Operate and monitor building automation and controls; respond to emergencies.
• Provide guidance to Facilities Services personnel and coordinate with vendors.
• Perform preventive maintenance and evaluate system performance for reliability.
• Document repairs, maintenance activity, and system evaluations.

Skills

HVAC systems

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Controls & sensors

Blueprint reading

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

HVAC apprenticeship or equivalent

Job description

About Saint Mary’s College

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary’s College of California is a residential institution in the Moraga Valley, 20 miles east of San Francisco, rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions. Enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College integrates liberal and professional education within a mission shaped by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, Saint Mary’s fosters shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service.

Why Join Saint Mary’s College?

At Saint Mary’s, your work has visible impact. As a close-knit residential college, employees work collaboratively across departments—your ideas, leadership, and contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution. Colleagues partner across divisions, decisions are grounded in mission, and innovation is encouraged. If you are seeking a workplace where purpose, community, and professional growth intersect—and where your work truly matters—Saint Mary’s offers that opportunity.

Job Title

HVAC Technician

Job Summary

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technician performs advanced skilled technical work involving the installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and troubleshooting of complex heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and related mechanical systems across the Saint Mary's College campus. The position supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of campus HVAC infrastructure and food service/kitchen equipment by ensuring systems operate in compliance with applicable mechanical codes, safety regulations, and operational requirements.

The position exercises independent technical judgment in diagnosing complex mechanical system failures, determining appropriate corrective actions, and recommending improvements to campus HVAC infrastructure. The HVAC Technician performs preventative maintenance, responds to emergency service requests, evaluates system performance, provides technical guidance to Facilities Services personnel, and coordinates specialized HVAC-related work with external contractors and vendors as necessary.

HVAC & Kitchen Equipment

• Independently diagnoses causes of complex problems and/or failures in heating/air conditioning systems and determines appropriate corrective actions, repairs, or replacement needs using advanced technical judgment and diagnostic methods.
• Fabricates equipment parts to meet specialized equipment requirements or replace unavailable components, ensuring compatibility with system specifications and operational requirements.
• Inspects HVAC & kitchen systems and their components (e.g. heating units, building exhaust fans, ventilation units, etc.) to evaluate system conditions, identify complex mechanical issues, determine necessary repairs, and recommend and perform preventative maintenance to support long-term operational reliability.
• Installs heating and air conditioning equipment and systems to support system upgrades, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced campus climate control capabilities.
• Performs and evaluates system performance to identify potential equipment failures, improve operational efficiency, and maintain reliable HVAC operations.
• Repairs heating and air conditioning systems and/or components (e.g. pumps, motors, air handlers, fan coils, piping, etc.) including complex mechanical components and related control systems, to ensure safe and reliable operation of campus facilities.
• Requests equipment and supplies to maintain inventory and ensure the availability of materials necessary for installations, repairs, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Responds to emergency situations during or after hours to independently diagnose and resolve critical HVAC and mechanical system failures, restore essential services, and address immediate safety concerns.
• Monitors and adjusts HVAC system operations through computerized building automation or control systems, including remote access when authorized, to maintain appropriate environmental conditions and respond to system issues.
• Transports a variety of tools, equipment and supplies to ensure materials and equipment are available for assigned maintenance and repair activities.
• Independently evaluates complex HVAC, refrigeration, and mechanical system malfunctions, identifies underlying causes, and determines appropriate repair or replacement actions.
• Evaluates existing HVAC infrastructure and recommends system repairs, equipment replacements, and improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and energy performance.
• Uses specialized diagnostic tools, testing equipment, and computerized control systems to evaluate HVAC performance and troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical control issues.
• Provides technical guidance and recommendations to Facilities Services personnel regarding HVAC system operations, mechanical troubleshooting, and specialized repairs.
• Assists in planning and coordinating HVAC maintenance, equipment replacement, and system improvement projects, including working with external contractors and vendors as assigned.

General Building Maintenance

• Assists with the general repair and maintenance of campus facilities in the areas of plumbing, fire safety, HVAC and kitchen equipment, and general maintenance.

Safety and Training

• Independently interprets and applies applicable mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, and safety codes and regulations to ensure compliant installations, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Follows departmental, College, and OSHA policies and procedures to ensure safe practices.
• Participates in required, monthly safety training meetings; participates in equipment operation training, as appropriate.
• Evaluates HVAC and mechanical system conditions to identify potential safety hazards, equipment failures, and operational risks and recommends appropriate corrective measures.
• Applies applicable refrigerant handling, recovery, and disposal requirements when servicing HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
• Evaluates preventative maintenance practices and recommends improvements to minimize equipment failures, service interruptions, and potential safety concerns.

Administrative Duties

• Retrieves new work via electronic database; closes work orders in system when work is complete.
• Keeps an inventory of stock materials and works with the team lead and shop manager to ensure materials needed are ordered.

• Maintains work vehicle and ensures it's in functional working order.
• Documents complex HVAC system repairs, equipment evaluations, preventative maintenance activities, and corrective actions to support operational reliability and departmental records.
• Assists in coordinating HVAC maintenance and repair projects, including identifying materials, equipment, scheduling requirements, and operational considerations.

Risk Management & Stewardship of College Property

• All employees in Facilities Services are expected to protect and maintain all College property and the people who come to SMC to learn, live, work and visit. Therefore, the following are required:
  • Proactively identify, report or resolve any and all safety issues as quickly as possible
  • Proactively identify issues related to code compliance and report them to the appropriate supervisor or Director as soon as possible
  • Ensure the campus is clean and orderly
  • Return furnishings and other equipment to their places when moved by members of the community or after scheduled events
  • Take care to ensure College property is not compromised due to propped doors, broken locks, or left out in the rain or weather.
  • Work proactively to reduce opportunities for theft and vandalism.
  • Ensure that our campus facilities achieve the greatest amount of “up time,” meaning all services and utilities provided shall have minimal disruption in service.
  • Disruptions in service shall be well-planned with constituent groups and result in the least impact to the campus.

Other Duties as Assigned

Education:

High school diploma or GED required. Completion of a recognized HVAC apprenticeship program, technical training in HVAC/refrigeration systems, or an equivalent combination of advanced technical training and progressively responsible HVAC experience required.

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working in the HVAC/mechanical systems trades, including installation, maintenance, repair, and independent troubleshooting of complex HVAC, refrigeration, and related mechanical systems. Must have experience performing refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging, and related service procedures in accordance with applicable regulatory and safety requirements.

Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, ventilation, and related mechanical systems, including pumps, motors, air handlers, fan coils, controls, and associated equipment.
• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex HVAC and mechanical system failures requiring advanced technical judgment and problem-solving.
• Ability to evaluate HVAC infrastructure and recommend appropriate repairs, equipment replacements, preventative maintenance strategies, and system improvements.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable HVAC, mechanical, refrigeration, and safety codes and technical specifications to complex installations and repairs.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints, equipment schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Ability to safely operate specialized HVAC testing equipment, electrical diagnostic instruments, and mechanical trade tools.
• Ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and adjust HVAC operations using computerized building automation and control systems.
• Ability to evaluate indoor air quality conditions, operate monitoring equipment, and interpret resulting data.
• Ability to coordinate assigned HVAC maintenance and repair projects and provide technical guidance to Facilities Services personnel and external contractors.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records, use electronic work order systems, and communicate effectively with staff, contractors, and campus stakeholders.
• Knowledge of applicable refrigerant handling, recovery, and disposal procedures and related safety requirements.
• The Facilities Services department operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Therefore, swing, weekend, and emergency shifts are required.
• Facilities Services employees are considered critical employees and will be required to assist the College in the event of campus emergencies.

Licenses & Certifications:

Current EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification required for individuals performing regulated refrigerant-handling activities. Additional HVAC or mechanical systems certifications preferred, as applicable to assigned duties.