Preventative Maintenance Technician

City-of-Elgin-1; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elgin is seeking a Maintenance Technician to operate and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, and related building systems. The role emphasizes preventive maintenance and timely repairs to ensure reliable climate control and safety across city facilities.

Applicants should have HVAC knowledge, electrical understanding, and effective communication skills. A high school diploma with trades coursework is required, and EPA 608 certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• HVAC systems knowledge and preventive maintenance.
• Effective written and oral communication.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and move objects as needed.
• EPA 608 refrigerant handling certification required within six months.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair boilers, chillers, pumps, and HVAC components.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections of building systems and safety equipment.
• Test and adjust water chemistry and monitor system performance.
• Record maintenance activities and equipment status.
• Assist with projects and respond to breakdowns as needed.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Communication skills

Record keeping

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with trades coursework

Tools

Measuring devices

Basic plumbing tools

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Under general supervision, performs duties in the operation and maintenance of boilers, chillers, pumps, and peripheral building heating and cooling system equipment; performs general maintenance and repair of building systems, equipment, and fixtures and assists where work involves more advanced skills. The primary focus of this position will be preventive maintenance of equipment.

• Maintains air conditioning units, air handlers, and related cooling equipment; oils bearings, changes filters and belts; cleans and drains coils, greases motors, cleans spray nozzles, etc.
• Tests boiler and chiller water for PH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved solids, etc.; cleans precision pump probe as needed and adds purifying or water softening chemicals as required; records water test results.
• Cleans condenser and evaporator coils and inspects equipment for damage and proper operation.
• Operates boilers, chillers, and pumps; monitors gauges and the operation of equipment; logs gauge readings.
• Maintains condensate and sump pumps; inspects for proper operation, greases and checks couplings.
• Promptly reports breakdowns beyond the scope of capabilities to supervisor.
• Performs inspections and testing of fire extinguishers, emergency lights, eyewash stations and other safety equipment.
• Performs basic lighting repairs including lamp and ballast replacement.
• Performs basic plumbing repairs including drain cleaning, sink repairs, shower repairs, toilet and flush valve repairs.
• Helps develop preventive maintenance schedules for all types of equipment.
• Assists with department projects.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Requires study in air conditioning and heating systems or some experience in an HVAC related field.
• Requires knowledge of boiler and air conditioning system operation and maintenance.
• Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of electricity and electrical systems.
• Requires knowledge of the materials, tools, and procedures used in general maintenance and repair.
• Requires a valid drivers license
• Requires ability to prepare requisite records and logs of equipment function and work activities.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, and fellow workers, other City employees, and the general public.

EDUCATION

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of high school with course work in shop, the trades, or related area.

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 80 pounds of force occasionally, up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for reading and preparing written or computer reports, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, and operation of motor vehicles or equipment; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils. Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires appropriate EPA 608 refrigerant handling certification within six months of employment.