Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R)

University at Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University at Buffalo seeks a skilled HVAC-R technician to field-service equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot a range of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems on campus. The role emphasizes direct diagnosis of components, coordination with contractors, and timely documentation of work.

Candidates should demonstrate experience with building automation and direct digital controls, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include NYS two-year Refrigeration Mechanic Traineeship or equivalent refrigeration two-year training.
• Possible alternative: NYS two-year refrigeration repair and maintenance training program.
• Alternative: four years of full-time experience in mechanical or electrical trades, with relevant refrigeration/AC exposure.

Responsibilities

• Respond to daily HVAC-R service requests and scheduled maintenance.
• Troubleshoot, install, repair, and maintain HVAC equipment and controls.
• Diagnose and overhaul components: refrigeration units, humidifiers, compressors, ventilators, cooling towers.
• Service BAS and building control systems; document work using computers.
• Read prints/schematics and coordinate with outside contractors as needed.
• Support after-hours calls and maintain reliable attendance.
• Possess valid NYS driver’s license when operating university vehicles.

Education

NYS two-year Refrigeration Mechanic Traineeship

NYS two-year refrigeration repair and maintenance training program

equivalent refrigeration two-year training or apprenticeship program

four years of full time experience in the mechanical or electrical trades

Job description

In this position the candidate should expect to spend a majority of their time in the field responding to daily HVAC -R service requests (work orders) and scheduled preventative maintenance in support of the University’s HVAC and energy management equipment. This equipment consist of the building automation direct digital controllers, air handlers, VAV boxes, fin radiation, fan coils, exhaust fans, heat pumps, humidifiers, heat recovery units, and other heating, cooling and ventilation systems on campus.
Key responsibilities include:

• Respond to daily service requests (work orders) and scheduled preventative maintenance
• Perform a variety of trouble shooting, installation, repair, and maintenance tasks.
• To be successful in this position the incumbent must be able to diagnose, troubleshoot and overhaul the following:
  • All types of coolers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units and systems
  • Humidifiers
  • Compressors
  • Ventilators
  • Cooling towers and other similar and related equipment
• Diagnose, troubleshoot and service the HVAC building automation systems ( BAS ) and electrical/mechanical equipment of all types found on campus. These are mechanical, electrical and computerized equipment used to perform HVAC energy management and climate control.
• Use computer to document service work performed
• Operate computers used in the field of direct digital controls (D.D.C.)
• Perform the removal or installation of electrical/mechanical HVAC building control equipment and systems
• Involved in all facets of small mechanical HVAC equipment and building control system ( BCS ) projects
• Provide high level of customer service
• Expected to perform emergency service promptly when-notified
• Read and understand prints and schematics
• Work with and direct outside contractors when necessary

In some cases the Trade Generalist will be responsible for directing a Maintenance Assistant who will assist in the field tasks.

The candidate must detail their qualifications and submit appropriate documentation with their application to clearly explain and demonstrates their skills and competency for this position

Outstanding Benefits Package

Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we qualify as a public service loan forgiveness organization. Learn more about the great benefits the University at Buffalo has to offer.

About The University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America’s leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo .

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States by their start date. The University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will sponsor, support, or otherwise assist with obtaining work authorization.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Departmental Operating Needs

The candidate must have demonstrated experience and understanding of commercial/institutional HVAC -R mechanical and electrical equipment, systems, controls and sequence of operations that support building energy management. This equipment includes but is not limited to DDC controllers, air handling units, roof top units, VAV boxes, fan coil units, fume hoods, unit heaters, exhaust fans, variable speed drives, humidifiers and all other institutional equipment and systems.
The candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and ability to:

• Diagnose, service, repair and replace HVAC -R equipment and systems
• Perform repairs and troubleshooting of various types of control devices
• Replaces parts, reassembles and checks performance of energy management equipment
• Read and understand prints and schematics
• Must communicate well with other employees
• Have a working knowledge of computers and equipment used in the field of control systems
• Must be able to understand and follow written and/or oral instructions.
• Must be able to communicate well with the entire campus community and demonstrate a willingness to provide customer service and support when advised of problems and equipment malfunctions.
• Be willing and able to respond to after hour calls resulting from equipment and system failures that may arise at any time of day or any day of the week
• The incumbent may be required to work during adverse weather conditions to ensure continuous operation of all BMS and HVAC systems.
• Since the activities of other employees depend upon the availability of the employee in this position, reliable attendance is a factor that will be considered when filling this vacancy.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States by their start date. The University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will sponsor, support, or otherwise assist with obtaining work authorization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a NYS two-year Refrigeration Mechanic Traineeship;

Or

• Successful completion of a NYS two-year refrigeration repair and maintenance training program;

Or

• Successful completion of any equivalent refrigeration two-year training or apprenticeship program;

Or

• * Successful completion of four years of full time experience in the mechanical or electrical trades under a skilled journey level mechanic or electrician which would provide training equivalent to that given in an apprenticeship program, one year of which must include both training and work in the operation and maintenance of commercial type of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment. Apprenticeship training in the mechanical or electrical trades

Or

• Training gained by completion of technical courses in the mechanical or electrical trades at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services may be substituted on a year for year basis.

* Successful completion of the traineeship and the training program includes a total of 288 hours of trade specific class room instruction, 45 hours of technical math course work, 45 hours of technical communications course work, and 15 hours of blueprint/schematic reading course work. Course work must be completed with an average of C or better. Additionally, successful completion of the traineeship also includes 4,000 hours of on the job training.

When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.

Preferred Qualifications

• HVAC -R training certification
• Strong Information Technology aptitude
• Four Years Building Automation Systems ( BAS ) field experience.
• Certifications from Siemens or Andover Controls BAS training schools

Our University Community

Prodig+ No

Executive Position

Executive Position No

Physical Demands

Bending, twisting, ability to lift 50 pounds, climb ladders, access equipment located on mezzanines, catwalks, basements and crawlspaces. Ability to work off ladders, scaffolding, in confined spaces and/or where air monitoring may be required. Work in loud/noisy dusty/dirty environments. Work with or around high-pressure steam, high-voltage electrical systems and rotating equipment.

Driving Requirements

Driving Requirements Driving is not a required duty for this position. Employees who choose to operate university vehicles for business purposes must be enrolled in the LENS program to verify a valid Class D driver’s license.

Salary Range

Salary Range $52,694

Work Days

Work Days Weekdays - Monday - Friday

Work Hours

7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Campus

Campus As Assigned

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

Is a background check required for this posting?

Is a background check required for this posting? Yes

Background Check Notification For non-internal applicants: a selected candidate will have to complete and pass a background check prior to appointment.

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Contact's Name CARL KIRCHGRABER

Contact's Pronouns

Contact's Title

Contact's Title Maintenance Supervisor 3

Contact's Email

Contact's Email [e-mail]

Contact's Phone

Contact's Phone [phone]

Posting Dates

Posted

Posted 07/02/2026

Date to be Filled

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate your current employment affiliation with the University at Buffalo.
  • Faculty
  • Faculty Student Association (FSA)
  • Research Foundation Employee
  • State Classified
  • State Professional
  • UB Foundation
  • TA/GA
  • Student
  • No Current Employment Affiliation
• * How did you first hear about this employment opportunity?
  • AcademicKeys.com
  • CareerExposure.com
  • CareerWomen.com
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • DiversitySearch.com
  • GoogleJobs.com
  • HERCjobs.org
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • IMDiversity.com
  • Indeed.com
  • LinkedIn.com
  • MBACareers.com
  • Conference
  • Personal Referral
  • UBJobs.buffalo.edu
  • Other
  • WNY Jobs

UB is an AA/EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Arrangements will be made if an applicant has a disability in order to provide access to the application, interview and selection process upon request. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner by email at [e-mail] or by phone [phone].