HVAC Technician III

The HVAC Technician III, with limited direction and supervision, will assist in the installation, calibration, operation, repair, and preventive maintenance of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), as well as other refrigeration systems and associated controls. The HVAC Technician III m ay serve as a Lead supervising the work of junior level team members.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a team environment and experience working with HVAC-specific mechanical equipment (air handlers, AC units, chillers, etc.) and refrigeration systems (condensers, compressors, evaporators, etc.)

Salary: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Maintains, repairs and adjusts air conditioning and air handling equipment and systems
• Installs, maintains, and repairs direct expansion air conditioning and refrigeration units
• Troubleshoots, adjusts, calibrates and completes minor repair of HVAC controls
• Maintains and repairs digital and pneumatic HVAC systems and system components in response to service calls
• Ensures all work orders are completed on schedule and within provided time and cost estimates
• Assists in preparing cost estimates for facilities maintenance projects
• Inspects HVAC systems, equipment and components, and performs preventative maintenance tasks on HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Troubleshoots and performs minor repairs on refrigeration systems such as ice machines, walk in coolers/freezers, etc.
• Works with contractors, vendors and consulting engineers
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions / Information

• Effectively communicates with customers, coworkers and others as appropriate

Required Education/Experience

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of experience in industrial, institutional or commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Universal EPA Refrigerant Certification

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of institutional commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Advanced ability to read mechanical blueprints and electrical schematic diagrams associated with HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework in related field; HVAC and refrigeration training courses or completed associated degree
• Background with building controls systems particularly those found on educational campuses
• Knowledge of steam utility systems and operations
• State of Texas HVAC/Refrigeration Licensing and/or other related technical certifications
• Knowledge of console and/or field operation and adjustment of building control systems, especially as are found on educational campuses
• Computer literacy to allow for interface with computerized maintenance management systems
• Valid Texas Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift loads no greater than 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work around confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment.
• Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day
• Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces

Work Conditions

• Physical Environment:
  • Requires exposure to high-pressure boilers and steam piping, high voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating and other potentially dangerous equipment
  • Requires work in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, and wet conditions.
  • Requires personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses
• Work Hours and Travel:
  • After hours work may be required or other work outside the regular schedule may be needed
  • Available on a continuous “on call” basis for response to problems and emergencies that affect campus operations
  • May require periodic travel to classes, conferences, and vendor sites as needed

Essential Personnel

• This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in this position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated and work under the overall direction of the Crisis Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Rice University HR / Benefits website
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies