Pipe/Mechanical Trades I.

State of Colorado; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four-day work week

Internal training

Career development

Diverse HVAC systems

Team environment

Campus research support

Job summary

Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO seeks a Pipe Mechanic Trades I to join our HVAC Service and Operations team. Under general supervision, you will perform preventive, predictive, proactive, and reactive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems across campus.

The successful candidate will help improve equipment reliability and support campus operations. This role offers hands-on training, exposure to a variety of equipment, and opportunities for advancement within Facilities Management,

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant experience in a related occupation, with mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to learn HVAC and mechanical systems maintenance procedures.
• Basic computer skills, including Word/Excel and Windows applications.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems across campus.
• Assist with predictive and proactive maintenance activities and monitoring.
• Support equipment reliability and documenting maintenance histories.
• Respond to reactive maintenance needs and assist in repairs as needed.
• Maintain clean and safe mechanical rooms and equipment spaces.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Equipment inspection

HVAC knowledge

Recordkeeping

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Two years of relevant experience

Education/Apprenticeship equal to two years

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Word/Excel

Job description

Department Information
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."

Department Information
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."
Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
• State pension plan (PERA)
• Parental Leave
• Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional growth and training opportunities
• Access to technology and equipment
• Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a world-class recreation center
• Interaction with an international population and cultural events

Description Of Job
Keep Campus Operations Running at Their Best
Facilities Management is seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Pipe Mechanic Trades I to join our HVAC Service and Operations team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the mechanical systems that support classrooms, research facilities, offices, and campus infrastructure.
Whether you already have HVAC and mechanical maintenance experience or you're looking to build your skills in a stable, supportive environment, this role offers hands‑on training, exposure to a wide variety of equipment, and opportunities for career advancement.
The ideal candidate enjoys troubleshooting, working with their hands, learning new technologies, and taking pride in ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Why Join Our Team?

• Four-day work week (Monday through Thursday)
• Opportunities for internal training and professional development
• Exposure to a diverse range of HVAC and mechanical systems
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to advance into higher-level HVAC and Facilities Management positions
• Meaningful work supporting students, faculty, staff, and campus research activities

Position Summary
Under general supervision, the Pipe Mechanic Trades I position performs preventative, predictive, proactive, and reactive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems across campus. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining equipment reliability, improving system performance, identifying emerging issues before failures occur, and supporting campus operations through responsive maintenance services.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Preventative Maintenance (75%)
Perform Routine HVAC And Mechanical Preventative Maintenance Activities, Including

• Changing air filters and worn belts
• Lubricating bearings and moving components
• Cleaning drain pans, condensate drain lines, and pump housings
• Cleaning coils and strainers
• Verifying proper airflow and water flow through equipment
• Adjusting motor and pump alignments
• Performing minor repairs identified during inspections
• Monitoring equipment condition and identifying abnormal vibrations, noise, or wear
• Supporting campus water treatment programs, including testing and chemical handling
• Maintaining clean mechanical rooms and equipment spaces
• Accurately documenting maintenance activities, inspections, deficiencies, and repairs

Predictive Maintenance (10%)
Assist With Equipment Condition Monitoring Activities, Including

• Motor amperage testing
• Temperature monitoring of motors and bearings
• Vibration analysis
• Refrigeration system performance checks, including superheat and subcooling measurements
• Lubrication analysis
• Recording and analyzing equipment trends to identify potential failures before they occur

Proactive Maintenance (10%)
Support Long-term Equipment Reliability Through

• Root cause analysis of equipment failures
• Identifying recurring maintenance issues
• Evaluating equipment performance trends
• Recommending corrective actions and preventative strategies
• Communicating findings to supervisors and operations staff
• Maintaining detailed records and maintenance histories
• Participating in special assignments and departmental initiatives as needed

Reactive Maintenance (5%)
Assist Operations Personnel With

• Equipment repairs
• Motor failures
• Hot and cold comfort calls
• Alarm response
• Equipment resets
• Glycol system issues
• General maintenance and housekeeping activities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Technical Skills

• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Preventative maintenance practices
• Equipment inspection and diagnostics
• Basic HVAC system knowledge
• Recordkeeping and documentation

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving ability
• Team collaboration

Work Environment
This position works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and may be exposed to:

• Mechanical rooms
• Utility spaces
• Construction and maintenance areas
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions
• Mechanical and electrical equipment

Work may require standing, walking, climbing ladders, lifting materials and tools, bending, reaching, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.What Success Looks Like
Successful employees in this role are:

• Eager to learn new equipment and procedures
• Comfortable working in changing conditions
• Detail-oriented and safety-minded
• Strong communicators
• Collaborative team members
• Proactive problem solvers
• Committed to providing excellent service to the campus community

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to grow their technical abilities, gain valuable hands‑on experience, and build a long‑term career in Facilities Management. Join a team that values learning, collaboration, and service while helping maintain the systems that keep our campus operating safely and efficiently.
Please note: This position reports to campus Monday - Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Residency Requirement
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description
D6C1XX Pipe/Mechanical Trades I
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only:
Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, which included

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Ability to learn HVAC and mechanical systems maintenance procedures
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Windows applications
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Please note: experience must be clearly documented in the "Work History" section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be pro-rated).Or
Education And Experience
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to two (2) years (Transcripts must be attached to application for educational credit)Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing preventative maintenance on HVAC or mechanical systems
• Knowledge of Air Handling Units (AHUs), Fan Coil Units (FCUs), exhaust fans, pumps, or related equipment
• Experience with facility maintenance, building operations, or trades work
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Experience collecting and documenting maintenance data

Conditions Of Employment

• Background check
• Pre-employment physical
• Pre-employment drug screen
• Motor Vehicle Record check

Appeal Rights
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten‑day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov .
Supplemental Information
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission‑driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.