Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Refrigeration Mechanic to install, repair, and maintain air conditioning, refrigeration, and chiller equipment within the Utilities and Energy Services department.

The position is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3309 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic), with the start date as soon as possible after 11/23/2026. Salary is $56.26 per hour, and the role supports critical campus infrastructure and utilities.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills.
• Ability to interpret diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Thorough knowledge of, and skill in repair of, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Working knowledge of technical equipment.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Journeyman level skills in the mechanics of refrigeration.
• Ability to communicate and sufficient knowledge of trade to assist and train apprentices.
• Working knowledge of safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots and performs needed repairs on air conditioning, chiller, and chiller plant equipment.
• Services air conditions units ranging from window and fractional horse compressors to 5,500 ton units.
• Services refrigeration machinery ranging from ice machines to scientific lab equipment.
• Installs new air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and equipment.
• Assists and trains apprentices.
• Complies with safe working procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic math

Diagrams & schematics

Refrigeration & AC repair

Technical equipment

Follow directions

Journeyman refrigeration

Train apprentices

Safety procedures

Education

CFC certification

Job description

Utilities and Energy Services

• Troubleshoots and performs needed repairs on air conditioning, chiller, and chiller plant equipment.
• Services air conditions units ranging from window and fractional horse compressors to 5,500 ton units.
• Services refrigeration machinery ranging from ice machines to scientific lab equipment.
• Installs new air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and equipment.
• Assists and trains apprentices.
• Complies with safe working procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Summary

Install, repair, and maintain air conditioners, refrigeration, and chiller equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots and performs needed repairs on air conditioning, chiller, and chiller plant equipment.
• Services air conditions units ranging from window and fractional horse compressors to 5,500 ton units.
• Services refrigeration machinery ranging from ice machines to scientific lab equipment.
• Installs new air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and equipment.
• Assists and trains apprentices.
• Complies with safe working procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

1. Employee may be required to work in kneeling or stooping positions or at heights, depths, and in confined areas with proper safety equipment.

• Employee may be required to bend, climb, lift, squat, and stretch to reach.
• Work environment contains chemicals, toxins, dirt, dust, heat, cold, and moving machinery parts.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

1. The job of the refrigeration mechanics that operate and maintain the plants is a complex task including many unpredictable and off normal encounters.

• Plants operate twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.
• Work assignments within this work unit focused on continuous production of chilled water and the chilled water utility distribution system. Accomplishment of the work provides continuity for the environment of the major buildings and of reliable utility service to the campus. These roles are critical to the campus mission of support for instruction and research activities.
• The Chilled Water Production Refrigeration Mechanics may deal directly with all members of UA-Utilities, departmental persons, all members of the F & S Division, occupants of the buildings, and all members of the campus community. Communication must be factual, polite, clear, concise, and professional at all times and under all circumstances. Communication shall be face to face, by telephone, by two-way radio, by cell phone, or by display pager.
• Position receives work assignments from the Foreperson. Minimum Qualifications

OR

Preferred Qualifications

Current CFC certification.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Basic math skills.
• Ability to interpret diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Thorough knowledge of, and skill in repair of, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Working knowledge of technical equipment.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Journeyman level skills in the mechanics of refrigeration.
• Ability to communicate and sufficient knowledge of trade to assist and train apprentices.
• Working knowledge of safety procedures.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3309 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/23/2026. Salary rate for this position is $56.26 per hour.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217‑333‑0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .