HVAC Mechanic

Position Summary: This position fulfills the duties of an HVAC Mechanic at Washburn University.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For program.

Essential Functions:

• Employees are expected to use equipment to meet manufacturer and University standards and to comply with University and OSHA policies and regulations.
• New employees are required to complete safety training within 6 months of employment.
• Operate heating and boiler systems, monitoring steam boilers on site for scheduled operations. Make needed repairs to all boilers, pumps, and support equipment.
• Install, maintain, and repair ductwork, refrigeration piping; air conditioning units; exhaust equipment; kitchen equipment such as walk-in coolers, freezers, refrigerators, and ice makers; doors and door closers; and other materials and mechanical equipment as needed by campus departments and buildings.
• As lead worker or in cooperation with other trade specialists and/or contractors, assist with troubleshooting and repairing systems and equipment.
• Work with and assist engineers, contractors, and consultants who evaluate building systems operations for maintenance, expansion, and repair.
• Inspect and/or test buildings; plumbing, electrical, and HVAC equipment and systems, fire sprinkler piping systems, and report identified deficiencies.
• Perform maintenance and repair work on buildings and mechanical systems as assigned from inspections or Computerized Maintenance Management System work orders. Assist in relaying information and serve as a resource by answering questions about job assignments. Work may include, but is not limited to, tasks such as the following:
  • Inspecting and testing air compressors, fire sprinkler piping systems, grease traps, sewer pumps, and other systems and equipment.
  • Patching and painting interior walls and surfaces.
  • Clearing sewage blockages and drain lines.
  • Troubleshooting systems and equipment.
  • Installing and calibrating HVAC controls and actuators of all kinds (for example, pneumatic and electric).
  • Locate underground utilities such as natural gas, water, sewer, etc., for dig permits.
• Record completed repairs using Computerized Maintenance Management System or other University software.
• Recommend work process improvements to Facilities supervisors and administrators.
• Perform welding, fabrication, or sheet metal work as needed.
• Maintain a professional, safe, and clean work area.
• Provide service support for campus events.
• Snow removal duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Graduate of an apprenticeship program or HVAC certification program.
• Five years of experience in HVAC and experience troubleshooting equipment controls.
• Experience with steam boiler operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to read and apply information from schematics and building blueprints.
• CFC refrigerant recovery certification.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record under Washburn's standards.

Physical Requirements:

• This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position and will be required to undergo drug screening.
• Ability to work from a ladder and/or a lift.
• Ability to respond to emergency service calls outside regularly scheduled work hours.
• Ability to move and/or maneuver equipment and materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• HVAC certification.
• Training in PLC controllers.
• Familiarity with frequency drives.
• College coursework.
• Experience in energy management.
• Master Mechanic’s license.
• Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System.
• Familiarity with refrigeration processes for troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS).

Hourly, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
Background check, driving history, and drug screen are required