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CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC (2)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham

university, fl, usa
USD 24.05-31.3 / hour
Posted on Dec 20, 2025
CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC (2) - (T232393)

Description

Central Plant Chiller Mechanic

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Position Summary

The Central Plant Chiller Mechanic performs routine and preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, replacement, and installation of centrifugal chillers and refrigeration equipment, components, and supporting equipment located in the Central Plant buildings and other outlying facilities on campus. This role may assist other maintenance personnel, including Central Plant Repairers, Central Plant Operators, Water Treatment Specialists, Electricians, and Plumbers. The mechanic reads, understands, and interprets blueprints, drawings, floor plans, schedules, and manufacturer's specifications related to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, millwright, and machinist work, special equipment, and building structures and finishes. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise and commitment to safety and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

· Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, modifications, replacements, and installations on electronic, direct digital, pneumatic, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) controls and devices for chillers, chiller components, refrigeration units, and supporting equipment.

· Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, replacements, rebuilds, and installations on chiller and refrigeration unit electrical and mechanical components and supporting equipment such as: condensing units, evaporators, purge units, compressors, cooling towers, chilled and evaporator water pumps, piping, valves, heat exchangers, motors, hoists, motor control centers, power and lighting panels, fan units, emergency generators, lighting systems, air compressors and drying systems, 13.2 KV/4160 volt breakers, and other similar equipment.

· Perform centrifugal chiller rebuilds, including the replacement of O-rings, gaskets, seals, bearings (sleeve Babbitt, thrust/counterthrust, and roller bearings). Set clearances on labyrinth seals, journal bearings, seal openings, thrust and counterthrust clearances per the manufacturer's specifications using dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring devices.

· Perform rebuilds/machinist work on cooling tower gearboxes, drive couplings, intermediate shafts, fan blade pitches, centrifugal pumps, and seal replacements. Utilize reverse dial indicator alignment procedures on all types of shaft alignments and use a variety of precision measuring devices to conform with specified dimensions.

· Utilize CFC and HCFC refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment; maintain records; perform all service and maintenance repairs in accordance with current EPA regulations.

· Carry out additional duties as assigned to support facility operations.

Qualifications

Qualifications

· Graduate from an accredited Vocational School in HVAC and four (4) years of relevant experience is required.

· Relevant and progressive work experience may substitute for education requirement.

Certifications

· Section 608 Technician Type I, II, III or Universal Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) required. Applicants who are EPA certified are encouraged to apply.

The driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of university business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSAs)

Technical Proficiency:

· Expertise in steam fitting, pipefitting techniques.

· Familiarity with mechanical systems including steam chilled water compressed air HVAC.

· Ability to interpret technical drawings specifications.

· Basic mechanical aptitude.

· Knowledge of trades mechanics refrigeration plumbing electrical/electronics.

Safety & Compliance:

· Knowledge of confined space entry procedures and safety standards.

· Ability to work safely complies with safety regulations.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking:

· Strong mechanical aptitude troubleshooting skills.

· Ability to diagnose resolve complex system issues.

Technology & Tools:

· Proficient with personal computers maintenance software.

· Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite digital work order systems.

· Proficiency in using tools technology relevant to the role.

Communication & Collaboration:

· Effective verbal communication skills.

· Strong interpersonal conflict resolution abilities.

· Ability to work independently as part of a team.

Organizational & Leadership Abilities:

· Strong organizational prioritization skills.

· Ability to lead mentor junior staff collaborate across trades.

· Experience with process improvement quality assurance.

Project & Time Management:

· Capable of managing multiple tasks responding to emergencies.

· Basic project management skills for coordinating installations repairs.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities of this position in a timely manner to include:

· Lifting and carrying a minimum of 50 pounds.

· Climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding, and working at heights above thirty (30) feet.

· Perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.

· Working within extreme temperature and humidity ranges with a variety of materials.

· Working in confined spaces

Compensation and Benefits

· Starting pay range: $24.05 - $31.30 Hourly (commensurate with experience qualifications).

· OT Pay: 0~10 Hours OT/Week is expected. May exceed 10 Hours/Week under extraordinary conditions.

· Benefits include multiple health care options dental vision pre-tax flexible spending account health savings account participation in the RSA Pension plan 403(b) 457(b) retirement savings plan accident insurance identity theft protection pet benefits life/AD&D disability insurance UAB Employee Wellness employee assistance counseling vacation sick leave 9 paid holidays/year 3 personal holidays/year educational assistance for employees’ families.

Work Schedule

· 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday plus OT as required.

· Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including on-call.

· This position may require overtime including evenings weekends holidays as operational needs dictate. (subject to change to meet the needs of the University).

For full consideration, please apply, resume and cover letter by the posted deadline. The submitted documents should highlight qualifications and experience relevant to the position as described in the posting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Primary Location

: University

Job Category

: Facilities

Organization

: 112802010 Chilled Water

Employee Status

: Regular
Shift: Day/1st Shift
Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite