Refrigeration HVAC/r Technician or Sr. Technician

Job Summary:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is seeking skilled HVAC/r professionals to join its Facilities Services team. These positions are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing campus heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The work has an emphasis on refrigeration, including air conditioning, chilled water systems, and campus chillers.

The level of responsibility will depend on the candidate''s qualifications and experience. The HVAC/r Technician performs routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, while the HVAC/r Technician, Sr. independently plans and performs more complex repairs, advanced troubleshooting, and challenging maintenance activities. Both positions participate in an on-call rotation to support campus operations and emergency maintenance needs.

Position Level Determination:

Candidates may be considered for either the HVAC/r Technician or HVAC/r Technician, Sr. classification based on their education, relevant experience, technical knowledge, demonstrated skills, and overall qualifications.

• HVAC/r Technician: Requires a minimum of three (3) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum.

• HVAC/r Technician, Sr.: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum with at least four (4) years of related and progressively responsible experience.

The HVAC/r Technician level is intended for candidates who demonstrate foundational HVAC/r knowledge and the ability to perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. The HVAC/r Technician, Sr. level is intended for candidates who demonstrate advanced technical expertise, significant progressively responsible experience, and the ability to independently diagnose, plan, and perform complex HVAC/r and refrigeration system repairs.

The final classification and level of appointment will be determined by the department''s Hiring Manager based on the candidate''s qualifications, demonstrated technical capabilities, and departmental needs. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not automatically determine placement at the Senior level.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• HVAC/r Technician: Minimum of three (3) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum.

• HVAC/r Technician, Sr.: Minimum of five (5) years of related and progressively responsible HVAC/r experience, or an associate degree in an HVAC/r-related curriculum with at least four (4) years of related and progressively responsible experience.

• EPA Refrigeration Certification to handle EPA Type I and II or Universal refrigerants, or the ability to obtain the required certification within 120 days of hire.

• Valid U.S. driver''s license.

• Ability to meet medical requirements for respirator use.

• Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or technical training in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/r) or a related field.

• Experience with refrigeration systems, chilled water systems, and cooling towers.

• Experience with centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers.

• Experience with building automation and management systems.

• Experience with HVAC/r installation, maintenance, and repair in a large institutional, commercial, or campus environment.

• New York State 7G Commercial Certification for pesticide application to cooling towers.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Fundamental knowledge of refrigeration systems and HVAC/r equipment.

• Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment.

• Ability to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and basic control system issues.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematic drawings, pneumatic diagrams, and control diagrams.

• Ability to operate and maintain HVAC/r equipment, including boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, chillers, and air compressors.

• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.

• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts.

• Ability to utilize computer-based building management systems.

• Strong customer service and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of refrigeration systems, HVAC/r equipment, and operating strategies.

• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration system problems.

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers.

• Proficiency with electrical, pneumatic, and digital control systems.

• Experience with networked building management systems and advanced system diagnostics.

• Knowledge of cooling tower water treatment, chemical monitoring, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Ability to plan and perform complex repairs and provide technical guidance to other technicians.

Representative Job Duties:

• Install, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair HVAC/r equipment, including refrigeration, comfort cooling, heating, air compression, air filtration, and ventilation systems.

• Diagnose and resolve refrigeration system issues, including refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, mechanical failures, and equipment malfunctions.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot reciprocating, screw, and centrifugal chillers and associated cooling towers.

• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and assist in developing maintenance procedures.

• Recover, handle, and recharge refrigerants in accordance with EPA regulations and documentation requirements.

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, pneumatic, and digital control systems.

• Utilize computer-based building management systems to monitor equipment, identify system issues, and make necessary adjustments and repairs.

• Assist with the setup and installation of laboratory equipment and specialized HVAC systems.

• Evaluate contractor work for quality and provide feedback to supervisors.

• Support cooling tower water treatment activities, including testing, chemical monitoring, and maintaining appropriate chemical inventories.

• Maintain accurate work orders documenting labor, materials, equipment identification numbers, and completed repairs.

• Participate in the on-call rotation and respond to campus maintenance emergencies.

Shift:

Monday-Friday, regular daytime schedule. Participation in an on-call rotation is required, including availability for emergency response outside normal working hours and on weekends.

Travel:

No regular travel required. Work is performed throughout RPI''s campus and ancillary facilities.

Driving:

A valid U.S. driver''s license is required. Operating an RPI vehicle may be necessary to travel between campus facilities and work locations.

Starting Salary/Rate:

Starting Salary/Rate:

• HVAC/r Technician: $24.50-$27.00 per hour.

• HVAC/r Technician, Sr.: $27.00-$30.00 per hour.

Final starting rate and classification will be determined based on the candidate''s qualifications, experience, demonstrated technical capabilities, and the department''s assessment.

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Applicants should submit a resume and complete an online application through RPI''s employment website. Candidates are encouraged to highlight their relevant HVAC/r experience, refrigeration expertise, certifications, and experience with commercial or industrial chiller systems.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute''s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.