HVAC/R Mechanic

HVAC/R Mechanic

Salary

$151,274.24 Annually

Location

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-M81-A

Department

Facilities Department

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

08

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general supervision, to perform journey-level HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) work in the inspection, service, and repair of a variety of refrigeration and air conditioning units and centrifugal or reciprocating chillers, including water and steam boilers.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Inspects, installs, adjusts, repairs, replaces, and performs preventative maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and controls, including but not limited to condensers, compressors, direct expansion piping systems, and/or other HVAC/R equipment;
• Checks oil pressure and tests for acidity;
• Operates and repairs automatic thermostats and controls;
• Performs major repairs on integrated building temperature control panels and Building Management Systems;
• Replaces and repairs solenoid valves and Direct Digital Controls on Energy Management Systems;
• Disassembles, cleans, and repairs automatic electric and pneumatic control valves;
• Tests, checks, and calibrates thermostats and other sensors and controls;
• Checks v-belts, lubricates fan bearings, and replaces air filters;
• Takes and records all temperatures and pressure readings on A/C systems, checks condenser coils for cleanliness, and checks all operational and safety controls on chillers and large and small package units, including built-up systems;
• Repacks stem valve packing;
• Cleans and replaces switches, relays, and capacitors in control systems;
• Checks operational and cut-out controls; conducts complete check of burner assembly and flame safeguards on boilers;
• Checks units for leaks;
• Periodically disassembles and overhauls large centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration compressors and related equipment;
• Responds to service calls, including emergency off-hours repair service, as needed;
• Repairs, maintains, and overhauls condensers, chilled water pump seals, and motor bearings; cleans pump suction and Y strainers;
• Removes condenser heads, cleans face plates, replaces gaskets, and flushes and checks copper tubes on chillers for leaks;
• Inspects, operates, and repairs pumps and other auxiliary equipment used in HVAC/R systems, including but not limited to cooling towers, heat exchangers, and steam and condensate return systems;
• Inspects, operates, and repairs low-and-high pressure boiler systems and related heating equipment;
• Lays out HVAC/R installations of various types and estimates labor, materials, and cost requirements;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through the successful completion of a recognized apprenticeship program for HVAC/R Mechanics or four (4) years of equivalent training.

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain for the duration of employment in this classification a Universal Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• Based on departmental assignment, may be required to obtain and maintain a Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities for the duration of employment in this classification.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of closed-loop heating and cooling systems and fundamentals of air movement, air distribution, and refrigerants;
• Various manufacturers, models, styles, and operation of low-pressure boilers, including applicable regulations;
• Automatic controls and thermostats;
• Methods, practices, and tools used in the operation, repair, and maintenance of a variety of boilers and heating, refrigeration, ventilating, and cooling systems and equipment used in large and small buildings;
• Water treatment and testing of heating and air-conditioning equipment;
• HVAC/R codes and regulations, including but not limited to applicable California building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders, and California Code of Regulations - Industrial Relations;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Perform journey-level HVAC/R work in the operation, diagnosis, installation, repair, testing, and maintenance of systems and equipment;
• Recover, recycle, and reclaim refrigeration cooling systems;
• Diagnose and correct operating malfunctions;
• Read, interpret, and work from diagrams and blueprints;
• Plan, lay out, and estimate materials and labor costs for HVAC/R projects and complete all necessary paperwork;
• Silver solder and braze;
• Disassemble and overhaul large scroll and reciprocating refrigeration compressors;
• Effectively understand and follow written instructions;
• Utilize department-specific applications, including maintenance management software, direct digital controls, and energy management systems;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

Physical Requirements

• In accordance with Federal and State standards, work under the following conditions using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): dust, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, cramped quarters, and inadequate lighting;
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, and grasp;
• Ascend and descend ladders;
• Lift, push, and pull up to sixty (60) pounds;
• Work days, evenings, and/or night shifts on regular County workdays, weekends, and holidays;
• Will be placed on a rotating "on-call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities. On-call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.

Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you successfully completed a recognized four (4) year apprenticeship program for HVAC/R Mechanics?

If you answered yes, please attach a scanned copy of your Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship to your online application.

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of training and/or experience do you possess that is equivalent to a recognized HVAC/R Mechanic apprenticeship program?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten years or more

04

Please describe your training and/or experience equivalent to a recognized HVAC/R Mechanic apprenticeship program.

Include in your response:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

If no experience, please type N/A.

05

Do you possess the required Universal Section 608 Technician Certificate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

If "yes", please attach a copy of your Universal Refrigerant Certification to your online application.

• Yes
• No

06

Some positions may require incumbents to work in a locked facility (i.e. jail). Incumbent(s) in these positions must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities throughout the term of employment.

Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07

This position requires if driving the possession of a valid California drivers license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you understand and agree to be placed on a rotating "on-call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities?

Please note: on-call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification.

• Yes
• No

09

Please select the following Manufacturers/Building Management Systems you have worked with.

• Carrier
• Mitsubishi
• Trane
• Automated Logic Systems
• Delta Controls
• York
• StruxureWare
• Other
• None of the above

10

If you selected "Other" in Q9, please specify the manufacturer/building management system or type N/A.

11

Please select the following HVAC/R Mechanic specialty areas you have experience with.

• Building Automation Systems
• Frequency Drives
• Chillers
• Variable Air Volume Systems
• Pneumatic Systems
• Clean Room/Lab Applications
• None of the above

12

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

13

How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Clara

Address 70 W. Hedding Street

8th Floor, East Wing

San Jose, California, 95110

Phone (408) 299-6816

Website http://www.sccjobs.org/