| Purpose of the Position: | The HVAC & Water Treatment Technician keeps our campus buildings running safely and smoothly. In this role, you will mix mechanical maintenance with industrial water chemistry. You will run tests on campus water systems and take care of installing, tuning up, and repairing campus heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment.
Shift & Schedule:
This position is on the second shift (Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM). You will be able to set your exact shift hours within that timeframe. Once your hours are set, the schedule is final and cannot be changed without approval. This second shift includes extra shift differential pay, which will be removed if you ever return to first shift.
Duties / Responsibilities:
Water Treatment & Chemical Control:
• Collect water samples from university cooling towers, chillers, and boilers.
• Test water samples using standard tools to check for proper chemical balance and keep contaminants within safe limits.
• Figure out the right chemical doses to stop bacteria, algae, and mold growth (including reducing Legionella risks).
• Calibrate chemical feeder devices to protect pipes and systems from rust and buildup.
• Fix or replace broken water lines, pumps, valves, and control boards.
HVAC & Preventive Maintenance:
• Make daily checks on refrigeration, heating, and cooling equipment.
• Use the Building Automation System (BAS) to check system performance and solve issues.
• Inspect campus buildings and equipment and report any maintenance problems.
• Diagnose, maintain, repair, and/or replace commercial HVAC systems, air handlers, fan coil units, VAV boxes, exhaust fans, compressors, condensers, evaporators, and chillers.
• Handle routine preventive maintenance to fix equipment before it breaks down.
• Recover, charge, and manage refrigerants while checking for system leaks.
• Assist with calls that are outside of normal job duties (water leaks, fire alarms, power outages, etc.)
Documentation, Project Support, & Technology:
• Use a tablet or phone to view and update work orders daily.
• Estimate the hours and parts needed for repair jobs.
• Help outside contractors get site access during second shift.
• Follow up on contractor work to ensure all work meets standards.
Safety & Customer Service:
• Follow all OSHA, electrical safety (NFPA 70E), and university safety rules.
• Keep the job site clean and make sure all tools are working properly.
• Communicate clearly and politely with students, faculty, and staff to resolve their service requests.
• Perform emergency overtime as required to maintain campus safety and continuity. |
| Minimum Requirements: | • High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4 years of full-time, proven work experience in the HVAC trade (trade school counts toward this time).
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, basic electrical safety (low voltage), and ability to read blueprints and technical drawings.
• 1–2 years of hands-on experience handling, dosing, and testing industrial water treatment chemicals (e.g., biocides, corrosion/scale inhibitors, chlorine, pH adjusters for boilers, chillers, and cooling towers).
• Certification in proper refrigerant practices from a program approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Must possess a high degree of independent judgment.
• Must be physically capable of performing all duties and able to work off a vertical lift.
• This employee will be a regular driver as defined in the UAH Vehicle Safety Management Program, which includes, but is not limited to, possessing a valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable MVR in the judgment of the University’s insurance company. |