Licensed HVAC/Refrigeration Mechanic

Cambridge Health Alliance; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Health Alliance is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Technician to join our Repairs and Maintenance team at the CHA Somerville Campus. The role focuses on HVAC and refrigeration systems, building automation, and energy management to ensure a safe, functional environment for patients and staff.

You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose issues, and coordinate with contractors as needed, while supporting hospital operations and safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• Three years of hospital HVAC & refrigeration experience.
• Current MA license as Refrigeration Technician or equivalent.
• HVAC 608 certification or equivalent.
• Certificate in HVAC/Refrigeration training program.
• Experience with energy management and building automation systems.

Responsibilities

• HVAC & systems management, monitor, maintain, and repair HVAC/refrigeration systems.
• Evaluate alarms and data to optimize airflow, heating, and exhaust.
• Troubleshoot system failures and implement remedial actions.
• Electrical: assist with lighting fixtures, outlets, and nurse call systems.
• Plumbing: basic repairs including leaky faucets and traps.
• Mechanical: inspect and replace defective parts; maintain hospital equipment.
• Carpentry: repair furniture, doors, and locks; paint and tile work.
• Conduct routine rounds of mechanical spaces to ensure equipment condition.
• Supervise third-party contractors or vendors during installations or inspections.
• Move furniture/equipment and assist with groundskeeping as needed.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical basics

Plumbing basics

Carpentry basics

Building automation

Energy management

Small power tools

Education

HVAC/Refrigeration training certificate

Tools

Smart tools

Job description

Location : CHA Somerville CampusWork Days : 8 hrs. per shift, 0700, On-callCategory : Service and TradeDepartment : Repairs and Maintenance SHJob Type : Full timeWork Shift : DayHours/Week : 40.00Union Name : Local 3 Firemen Oilers SEIU

Department Description

The Repairs and Maintenance department at Cambridge Health Alliance is dedicated to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and fully functional environment for our patients, staff, and visitors. Our skilled team is responsible for the upkeep and repair of all hospital facilities and equipment, from plumbing and electrical systems to HVAC and structural maintenance. We are committed to responding promptly to all needs and proactively maintaining our physical infrastructure to support the highest standards of care and operational excellence throughout the hospital.

Summary

Under the guidance of the Director of Plant Operations, you will play a critical role in ensuring our hospital remains a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for patients and staff. You will perform a wide range of duties—from complex HVAC/Refrigeration repairs and preventative maintenance to general carpentry and plumbing—ensuring all building systems operate at peak performance.

Key Responsibilities

• HVAC & Systems Management
• Monitor, maintain, and repair HVAC and Refrigeration systems, including pneumatic controls and energy management software.
• Evaluate equipment alarms and log data to optimize airflow, heating, and exhaust systems.
• Troubleshoot system failures and implement immediate remedial actions to ensure zero downtime in critical areas
• Multi-Trade Maintenance & Repair
• Electrical: Assist with lighting fixtures, outlets, switches, and nurse call systems.
• Plumbing: Manage basic repairs including leaky faucets, traps, and sweat joints.
• Mechanical: Inspect and dismantle machinery to replace defective parts; maintain hospital-specific equipment.
• Carpentry & Finishes: Repair furniture, doors, and locks; perform painting, tiling, and rough carpentry (shelving, plaster, etc.).
• Safety & Operations
• Conduct routine rounds of mechanical spaces to ensure exemplary equipment condition.
• Supervise third-party contractors and vendors during specialized installations or inspections.
• Support hospital logistics by moving furniture/equipment and assisting with groundskeeping or snow removal when necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized shop and adhere strictly to all healthcare safety guidelines and hospital policies.

Qualifications

Must be mechanically inclined. Certificate of completion from accredited vocational school or other curriculum in HVAC/Refrigeration Training Program. Licensure: Current MA license as Refrigeration Technician, Refrigeration Contractor or equivalent. Certifications: Certification in HVAC and Refrigeration-related responsibilities is recommended. Work Experience: A minimum of three years related experience in hospital, institutional HVAC & Refrigeration Systems, Energy Management and Building automation Systems operation, maintenance, repairs and installation. Must have experience in basic electricity, plumbing, painting, and carpentry. Must be familiar with the use of most small power tools. HVAC 608

Please note that the final offer may vary within the listed Pay Range, based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development. Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks, jokes or conduct, that in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment.

Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA.

Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.

At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.