HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant

Location: Westfield, MA Category: Custodial/Trades/Operations Job Type: Full-time Non-Exempt Posted On: Tue Nov 3 2026 Job Description:

Campus Title: HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant
State Job Title: HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II
Department: Trades
Job Code: H17X16
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: TBD
Regular Days Off: TBD
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from the AVP Facilities & Capital Planning; Executive Director of Facilities and Operations; Chief Power Plant Engineer; and may receive functional supervision from heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics of a higher grade who provide training and instruction, assign work and review performance through written and verbal reports for compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Supervision Exercised: None
Salary: $2,405.69

This is a fully in-person position at Westfield State University, with all duties performed on campus during the employee's regularly scheduled work hours to support direct engagement with students, colleagues, and the campus community, unless the position requires travel to perform said duties.

Working Conditions:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Mechanics work under exposure to adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards such as noise, fumes and gases and may work in confined or cramped spaces. In the performance of duties, one may be required to endure physical stamina and endurance alongside manual dexterity and the ability to lift and/or move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) for prolonged periods of time; work from ladders, scaffolds and other elevated equipment; may be required to operate motor vehicles; work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights, and may be subject to a standby (on call) work status.

General Statement of Duties:

Winter Requirements: September 1st - May 15th

The HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant operates high pressure boilers and related equipment; read meters and gauges at specified intervals; open and close valves and adjust controls; check/monitor operating systems to detect faulty operating equipment, etc.; clean, maintain and/or lubricate power plant and related auxiliary equipment; record data and maintain logs on such matters as temperatures, fuel consumption etc.; and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to operate power plant equipment to provide a constant source of steam energy to users, as well clean, maintain and repair auxiliary equipment.

Summer Requirements: May 15th - September 1st

The HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic II - Power Plant performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms. Installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including related fixtures; checks heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment for malfunctions; and performs related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Responsible for maintenance and operation of the generation of steam power to provide heat and to operate various equipment throughout the University. Maintains high-pressure boilers of various horse power and such auxiliary equipment as air conditioner chillers and air compressors to provide steam, and auxiliary services.
• Performs routine maintenance on HVAC equipment such as air filter changes, greasing bearings, and cleaning mechanical rooms.
• Records such data as hours of boiler operation, pressure, and temperature. Keeps records of fuel consumption.
• Observes functioning of steam, vacuum, water, and other, indicating measures to determine operating condition of equipment.
• Makes adjustments and repairs where necessary. Uses considerable judgment in emergency situations.
• Assumes full responsibility of all plant operations during assigned shift.
• Maintains working area in a clean and orderly condition; observes standard safety rules and regulations.
• Installs heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including controls and related fixtures such as air and water filters and piping by using refrigeration, pipe fitting and structural layout techniques, blueprints, appropriate machines, tools and work aids to join tubing and/or pipes; to cut and thread pipes; to solder or braze joints; to mount compressor and condenser units; and to connect motors, compressors, temperature controls, humidity controls and circulating ventilation fans to electrical power sources.
• Checks equipment for malfunctioning by observing pressure and vacuum gauges and other indicators; by adjusting controls in testing joints and connections for gas leaks; by injecting refrigerant and adjustment valves, controls and pumps; and by using testing equipment such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, amp probes, etc. to ensure proper operation.
• Maintains, rebuilds and repairs by replacing worn or defective parts such as switches, fuses, thermostats and electrical wiring; by pumping specified gas or fluids into systems; by adding necessary liquids; by lubricating motors and bearings; and by changing filters.
• Calculates heat loads for new installations; analyzes and treats both open and closed water systems such as cooling towers by adding algaecides to prevent the spread of airborne bacteria.
• Performs related work such as making and assembling metal ducts and chassis parts for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems; drilling holes for mounting brackets; screwing, boring, riveting and welding parts to assemble structural and functional components such as motors, controls, switches and gauges; and installing shells and cabinets of systems.
• Provides technical assistance and makes recommendations regarding improvements.
• Performs programming tasks, monitors energy management systems and makes calibrations.
• Plans and organizes work each day; trains and supervises co-op students, other trades personnel assigned to assist with specific jobs and seasonal assistants.
• Performs preventive maintenance, makes repairs, installs equipment, and makes manual adjustments to the systems.
• Uses computerized preventive maintenance programs and building management systems; maintains computerized inventory.
• Orders supplies and equipment needed in the performance of HVAC duties.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge of the types and uses of low and/or high-pressure boilers.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of the safe operation of steam boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in firing and operating low-pressure and high-pressure boilers and their auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the safety procedures followed in power plant operations.
• Knowledge on the safe operation of boilers.
• Knowledge of the types of tools and equipment used in repairing, testing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigerant equipment.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures for this type of employment; familiarity with air quality standards.
• Knowledge of computerized energy conservation programs and ability to monitor, program and calibrate same.
• Extensive knowledge of various types of HVAC and refrigeration systems required in order to make recommendations on improvements, updates and installations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to make recommendations in writing to the supervisor.
• Manual dexterity; mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to supervise, train and plan the work of others.
• Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in the installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and related electrical systems.
• Skill in operating heating, refrigeration, ventilation, air conditioning machinery and related equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and pneumatic HVAC control systems.
• Knowledge of the use of electrical test equipment, such as voltmeters, amprobes, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as specifications, operation manuals and blue prints.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing assigned unit activities.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

• Knowledge and understanding of the departmental, University and state rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines and the ability to apply them to unit activities.
• Ability to use tools and equipment available at the institution.
• Knowledge about specific campus systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration and ability to repair same.
• Ability to make adjustments to campus systems either manually or using computerized energy conservation programs.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• (A) Must have at least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical experience in the operation of High Pressure Steam Boilers and installation, maintenance and repair of heating, refrigeration, ventilating and air conditioning systems, or
• (B) Any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

A certificate or diploma from a recognized institution above the high school level, as evidence of completion of a two-year program in refrigeration and heating, may be substituted for one year of the required experience.*

• Education toward such a certificate or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid Second-Class Steam Fireman's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• A current and valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• A current and valid Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician's License or Universal EPA License.

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.