Lead HVAC Mechanic (8192C), Facilities Services - #88070

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley seeks a Lead HVAC Mechanic to supervise campus repairs and manage shop work orders. The role directs steamfitters and refrigeration mechanics for complex campus projects, coordinating with multiple facilities teams to keep buildings operational.

The position requires five years of journeyman HVAC experience, strong drawing interpretation, OSHA safety awareness, and EPA refrigerant certification. It is a full-time, on-site role with university benefits.

Qualifications

• Five years journeyman experience or equivalent in large facilities.
• Ability to interpret complex mechanical drawings and codes.
• Experience with work order systems and scheduling practices.
• EPA refrigerant handling certification required.
• Knowledge of state and local mechanical codes and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct steamfitters and refrigeration mechanics in campus repairs.
• Read blueprints, coordinate with shops, and prioritize tasks.
• Maintain records, schedule maintenance, and ensure safety compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and training to trades staff.

Skills

Journeyman experience

Read blueprints

Interpret drawings

Communication skills

Team coordination

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

Five-year HVAC apprenticeship

Tools

Work Order Scheduling Program

Campus Refrigerant Monitoring software

Job description

Lead HVAC Mechanic (8192C), Facilities Services - #88070

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

The Lead HVAC Mechanic engages in general supervision of projects requiring the highly specialized skills of the trade for campus clients, management of shop work orders, assigning work orders to shop staff, and monitoring and inspecting completed shop work orders where required. This position supports the mission of Facilities Services to continuously improve facility services for the campus community in partnership with clients and staff.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: August 24, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

TRADE EXPERTISE AND PROBLEM SOLVING - 60%

• Direct the steamfitters and refrigeration mechanics to physical repair of campus buildings including research labs and animal facilities. Tasks routinely performed include the following: Specification of appropriate materials if needed for each job. Coordination of work with other shops in buildings, classrooms, research labs and animal facilities. Reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and instructions for assembling and installing materials for each job. Knowledge of all processes and procedures utilized by each individual shop. Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, work with manufacturers reps and technical support. Maintain working knowledge of state-of-the-art tools and software through training and reading. Service, troubleshoot and repair all trade related equipment and other systems. Provide the end user with application information and technical support when needed. Coordinate warranty repairs when required. Must possess excellent ability to analyze work load and prioritize jobs. Provide field technical assistance and support. Work with other trades to coordinate shutdowns and maintain all buildings in good working order. Act as training resource and establish training for tradespersons.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES - 30%

• Interact with UC shop personnel. Balance MOP and recharge responsibilities as directed by management. Duties include using the Work Order Scheduling Program to schedule and dispatch work requests and using the Campus Refrigerant Monitoring software to maintain and keep records for the EPA. Check completed jobs for accuracy and perform timekeeping duties. Consult supervisor/or project superintendents who administer requirements and standards for modification projects. Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner. Define and describe materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods and task sequences. Serve as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or superintendent. Obtain materials and equipment when requested. Maintain records of materials ordered, utilized and billed to others. Support craft workers with any administrative duties pertaining to jobs.

SAFETY - 5%

• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines. Attend job-related and safety training as required. Schedule and document monthly shop safety and craft meetings.

OTHER - 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Employee must possess five years journeyman experience in a comparable position or related experience in a university, hospital or large building complex.
• Must be able to interpret complicated mechanical drawings and good understanding of latest mechanical national codes.
• Must possess knowledge and ability to utilize the Work Order Scheduling Program to manage and assign shop work orders and/or the ability to learn.
• Must possess knowledge to utilize correct tools, techniques and methods for handling specific tasks and projects by applying thorough knowledge of codes and the skills of a craftsperson.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of trade specific tasks and systems.
• Experience in commercial, institutional and computerized repair and maintenance systems.
• Must have the ability to operate all machinery and state-of-the-art-tools needed to perform skilled related job tasks.
• Ability to safely move supplies and objects up to 75 pounds with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel, in a diverse multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to track jobs to completion and prioritize requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret information from equipment manufacturers manuals, service requests, layout sketches, blueprints, appropriate state and local government codes, trade-specific manuals and practices, draft diagrams and schematics and to determine how the fixture or equipment should perform.
• Knowledge of relevant building codes, DHI Standards, ADA Regulations, Fire Codes and University Accessibility guidelines and/or the ability to learn.
• Ability to communicate clearly over the telephone and two-way radio.
• Ability to execute all job assignments in a timely manner.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces (manholes, crawlspaces and under floors).
• Must be available to respond to emergencies, work on-call, weekend on-call, rotating swing shift, watch and holidays.
• Adhere to Facilities Services work rules and Code of Conduct and/or the ability to learn.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.

Education / Training

• Five-year HVAC apprenticeship program or equivalent.

Licenses / Certifications

• Must possess certification from the EPA to work with refrigerants (Required)

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82.05, Step 3.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

Driving Required

Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.