HVAC & Water Treatment Technician

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is seeking an HVAC & Water Treatment Technician to maintain campus heating, cooling, and water systems. You will mix mechanical maintenance with industrial water chemistry and run tests on campus water systems.

The role involves second shift hours (Mon-Fri, 12:00 PM–10:00 PM) with differential pay and requires hands-on maintenance, calibration of feeders, and collaboration with contractors to meet safety and performance standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4 years of full-time HVAC trade experience.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• 1–2 years handling, dosing, and testing industrial water treatment chemicals.
• EPA refrigerant handling certification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.

Responsibilities

• Water Treatment & Chemical Control: collect and test samples, adjust doses to prevent contaminants.
• HVAC & Preventive Maintenance: inspect and maintain equipment, use BAS for performance checks.
• Documentation, Project Support, & Technology: update work orders, estimate hours/parts, coordinate with contractors.
• Safety & Customer Service: follow OSHA/NFPA 70E rules and communicate with campus community.
• Emergency overtime as required to maintain campus safety.

Skills

HVAC expertise

Water treatment chemistry

Reading blueprints/technical drawings

Safety compliance (OSHA NFPA 70E)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school HVAC experience

EPA refrigerant handling certification

Tools

Building Automation System (BAS)

Water sampling/testing tools

Dosing/chemical feeder equipment

Job description

Job no: 504437
Department: Facilities & Operations
Work type: Staff Full-time Non-Exempt
Location: Alabama
Categories: Facilities and Environment

Purpose of the Position:

The HVAC & Water Treatment Technician keeps our campus buildings running safely and smoothly. In this role, you will mix mechanical maintenance with industrial water chemistry. You will run tests on campus water systems and take care of installing, tuning up, and repairing campus heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment.

Shift & Schedule:

This position is on the second shift (Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM). You will be able to set your exact shift hours within that timeframe. Once your hours are set, the schedule is final and cannot be changed without approval. This second shift includes extra shift differential pay, which will be removed if you ever return to first shift.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Water Treatment & Chemical Control:
  • Collect water samples from university cooling towers, chillers, and boilers.
  • Test water samples using standard tools to check for proper chemical balance and keep contaminants within safe limits.
  • Figure out the right chemical doses to stop bacteria, algae, and mold growth (including reducing Legionella risks).
  • Calibrate chemical feeder devices to protect pipes and systems from rust and buildup.
  • Fix or replace broken water lines, pumps, valves, and control boards.
• HVAC & Preventive Maintenance:
  • Make daily checks on refrigeration, heating, and cooling equipment.
  • Use the Building Automation System (BAS) to check system performance and solve issues.
  • Inspect campus buildings and equipment and report any maintenance problems.
  • Diagnose, maintain, repair, and/or replace commercial HVAC systems, air handlers, fan coil units, VAV boxes, exhaust fans, compressors, condensers, evaporators, and chillers.
  • Handle routine preventive maintenance to fix equipment before it breaks down.
  • Recover, charge, and manage refrigerants while checking for system leaks.
  • Assist with calls that are outside of normal job duties (water leaks, fire alarms, power outages, etc.)
• Documentation, Project Support, & Technology:
  • Use a tablet or phone to view and update work orders daily.
  • Estimate the hours and parts needed for repair jobs.
  • Help outside contractors get site access during second shift.
  • Follow up on contractor work to ensure all work meets standards.
• Safety & Customer Service:
  • Follow all OSHA, electrical safety (NFPA 70E), and university safety rules.
  • Keep the job site clean and make sure all tools are working properly.
  • Communicate clearly and politely with students, faculty, and staff to resolve their service requests.
  • Perform emergency overtime as required to maintain campus safety and continuity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4 years of full-time, proven work experience in the HVAC trade (trade school counts toward this time).
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, basic electrical safety (low voltage), and ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• 1–2 years of hands‑on experience handling, dosing, and testing industrial water treatment chemicals (e.g., biocides, corrosion/scale inhibitors, chlorine, pH adjusters for boilers, chillers, and cooling towers).
• Certification in proper refrigerant practices from a program approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Must possess a high degree of independent judgment.
• Must be physically capable of performing all duties and able to work off a vertical lift.
• This employee will be a regular driver as defined in the UAH Vehicle Safety Management Program, which includes, but is not limited to, possessing a valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable MVR in the judgment of the University’s insurance company.

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduate of trade or vocational school is preferred.

Published Salary (if available):

$68,800 - $74,000

Advertised: Sep 21 2026 Central Daylight Time

Please note, job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.