Transit Building Operating Engineer (HVAC/R Technician)
King County
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
King County Metro Transit seeks a Building Operating Engineer to maintain HVAC, refrigeration, and building controls at the South Maintenance Facility in Seattle. You will perform diagnostics, repairs, and routine maintenance, ensuring occupants are comfortable and systems run efficiently.
This public-sector role emphasizes energy management, safety, and reliable operations within a large municipal agency. The position may require day, swing, or overnight shifts with overtime opportunities and a
Qualifications
- 3+ years journey-level HVAC/R or building engineer experience with boilers, chillers, heat pumps, DDC, and line voltage controls.
- Knowledge of refrigeration equipment maintenance and repair.
- Ability to read wiring diagrams and use multimeters.
- Strong communication and teamwork; able to work with diverse groups.
Responsibilities
- Perform predictive and preventative maintenance on HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair air conditioning units, boilers, chillers, and BAS controls.
- Operate BAS/BMS and analyze performance to identify issues.
- Maintain logs and reports; keep mechanical rooms clean.
- Optimize system operation for energy efficiency.
Skills
Tools
Job description
Learn how Metro connects you with what matters
*This recruitment is open to all current King County employees and the general public.*
*HVAC/R Specialists* *Top Troubleshooters* *Energy Efficiency Advocates* *System Installers*
As a Building Operating Engineer (or BOE), working with King County Metro Transit, you will have stable and consistent year-round employment applying your HVAC/R skillset to ensure that our building occupants remain comfortable and breathing clean air. You will be tasked with utilizing your HVAC/R and mechanical experience to perform skilled diagnostics and repairs to our HVAC systems and controls; and, to carry out routine maintenance, proactively identifying and solving emerging problems within our HVAC systems. Our team is proud to offer in-house diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair for our systems. We would be thrilled to have you join us as we deliver top-tier service to our fellow employees and the residents of King County.
*Generous healthcare and retirements plans* *Vouchers for quality work boots & winter coats*
*Annual Tool Stipend* *Work-Life Balance*
This recruitment will immediately fill one (1) Career Service position, and may be used to establish an eligibility pool upon closing of the announcement to fill future Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary, and/or Special Duty Assignment vacancies that may occur in this classification and in this division. Eligibility pools remain valid for 12 months, or until the list is exhausted, at the discretion of the hiring authority.
Qualified candidates typically start at the mid-point of the established pay range, depending on candidate qualifications.The top step of the pay range is achieved within three (3) years or less through automatic step progression, depending on initial step placement at time of hire.
The pay range for day shift is $38.82 to $55.46 per hour. The mid-point step is currently $49.91 per hour for day shift.
This position is eligible for shift differential if assigned to swing/afternoon or overnight shift. Positions assigned to swing/afternoon shift receive 5% shift differential, and positions assigned to overnight shift receive 7.5% shift differential.
This recruitment is open to all current King County employees and the general public.
This posting will be open until all positions are filled. Initial application review will be conducted at least 14 days following the posting date of this announcement, currently anticipated to occur during the week of June 15, 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates beginning the week of June 22, 2026 (though dates are subject to change), and ongoing thereafter until positions are filled.
Note: A cover letter/letter of interest and/or a resume are highly encouraged, but not required. Any additional attachments will not be considered.
Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?
We highly recommend visiting the King County Workforce Development website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: King County Workforce Development.
Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions at Application FAQ’s- King County.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Erica Minshull, Talent Advisor for King County Metro Transit
Erica.Minshull@KingCounty.gov or 206-477-6059
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. All employees are expected to model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors, and practices. As the Transit Building Operating Engineer (BOE), you will also:
- Perform predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance, and repairs on HVAC, refrigeration equipment, and systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair all air conditioning units, fluid coolers, split systems, direct and indirect gas-fired rooftop units, boilers, chillers, heat pumps, and mixing boxes.
- Troubleshoot building, waterside, and airside systems through performance analysis. Troubleshoot, repair, adjust pneumatic, electronic, and line voltage controls.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical control circuits for all types of HVAC equipment.
- Maintain and repair air handlers including adjustments to airflow and temperatures to achieve maximum energy efficiency and comfort level.
- Conduct water tests and chemically treat boiler, condenser, and chilled water systems. Use Building Automation & Controls System (BAS/BMS) to locate system problems and take corrective action.
- Use desktop and laptop computers to access and operate control systems and related control devices.
- Maintain work logs, simple records and prepare reports as needed. Clean mechanical room, pick up and deliver parts.
- Optimize system/equipment operation for efficient energy management and energy reduction.
- Three (3) or more years of journey-level work experience in the HVAC/R and/or building engineer trade(s), participation in or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program related to the trade, completion of other trade-related training courses or programs, or some combination thereof that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties required of the position. This should include experience and/or education/training with refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, boilers, gas burners, chillers, heat pumps, direct digital controls (DDC) and line voltage controls, control circuits, hydronic, balancing systems, and variable frequency drives.
- Knowledge and skill in maintenance and repair of refrigeration equipment. This should include soft soldering, brazing, electrical schematic reading, equipment installation, electrical troubleshooting, calibration techniques, and an understanding of the pressure/temperature characteristics of various refrigerants and how these apply to refrigeration troubleshooting and efficient equipment operation.
- Knowledge and skill in maintenance and repair of gas burners. This should include calibration and tuning techniques and the function/repair/diagnosis of the various elements in the gas train.
- Knowledge and skill with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) and line voltage controls. This should include the ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, general troubleshooting techniques, and the proper use of a multimeter to diagnose problems.
- Knowledge and skill with preventive and predictive equipment maintenance tasks and schedules.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill to perform energy management functions and write equipment run programs and schedules.
- Demonstrate behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work well and respectfully with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions and backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to read and follow building blueprints and other design schematics.
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work constructively on a team with a diverse group of employees.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Five (5) or more years of journey-level experience in the HVAC/R and/or building engineer trade(s).
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing large refrigeration and/or chiller systems.
- Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification to buy and handle refrigerants (EPA 608 – Universal or Level 1 & 2) in your possession for 2 years or longer.
- Completion of a recognized HVAC/R apprenticeship program.
- Training in Siemens Building Technologies, Apogee PPCL programming, and/or Apogee Advanced Operations.
- Low Voltage Electrical certification (EL-06/06A).
- Experience with Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systems.
- Advanced skill in natural gas combustion analysis to ensure efficient operations of natural gas appliances.
- Advanced skill in troubleshooting hydronic systems.
- Current valid Washington State driver license, with an acceptable driving record. Out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a Washington State driver license within 30 days of hire.
- Current valid Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certification (EPA Section 608 Technician Certification – Universal or Levels 1 & 2), to buy and handle refrigerants, or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
- City of Seattle Refrigerating Operating Engineer License, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
- City of Seattle Steam Operating Engineer Grade 3 License, or ability to obtain within the first two (2) years of employment. Training will be provided by King County.
8122100 / 234
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587.
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications, as well as for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview, which may also include a written test and/or practical skills test. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as driving record checks, internal record reviews and/or reference checks, etc. The first six (6) months of employment are served in a probationary capacity to provide an opportunity to confirm whether the position is a good match between the successful candidate’s interests and skills and the ability to perform the requirements of the job.
The work location will be at South Maintenance Facility (11911 E Marginal Way S; Seattle, WA 98134). This position is typically scheduled full time (40 hours per week), with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday day shift. However, because schedules are selected by a seniority-based twice-annual ‘shift pick’, employees must be available and willing to work any shift (day, swing, o or overnight), weekends, nights, holidays, and call-outs. This position is not exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval. This position is not eligible for telework/remote work.
Work may be performed indoors or outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. Work may need to be performed in confined spaces and at heights, such as on roofs. Must be able to work in hot areas such as boiler rooms and inside fan plenums. When warranted, must be able and willing to wear safety equipment and protective clothing as required.
This position is required to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and may involve lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance. Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, stooping, and safe operation of power tools are also required. Work is often performed in cramped and awkward positions.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
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