Plant Chiller Mechanic

Job Description - CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC (T237260)

CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC - ( T237260 )

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.

Join UAB as a Central Plant Chiller Mechanic and play a vital role in keeping our campus running at peak performance by maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the chilled water systems that power our world-class facilities.

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 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.

To provide routine and preventive maintenance, repair, modification, replacement, and installation of centrifugal chillers and associated refrigeration equipment located in the Central Plant and other campus facilities. To ensure optimal performance and reliability of the University's central cooling systems, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

• Performs preventive maintenance on electronic, direct digital, pneumatic, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control systems and devices for chillers, refrigeration units, and associated equipment; including troubleshooting, repairs, modifications, replacements, and installations.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on electrical and mechanical components of chiller and refrigeration systems, including 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, drying systems, and 13.2 KV/4160-volt breakers.
• Performs complete centrifugal chiller overhauls, including removal and replacement of O-rings, gaskets, shaft seals, and bearing assemblies (sleeve Babbitt, thrust/counter-thrust, and rolling-element bearings). Establish and verify operational clearances for labyrinth seals, journal bearings, seal bores, and thrust assemblies in strict accordance with OEM tolerances, utilizing precision metrology equipment such as dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth micrometers, and calibrated calipers.
• Rebuilds and performs advanced machinist operations on cooling tower gearboxes, drive couplings, intermediate shafts, fan blade pitch assemblies, centrifugal pumps, and associated seal systems. Conduct reverse dial-indicator alignment and other precision shaft-alignment methodologies to verify angularity, offset, concentricity, and runout. Utilize calibrated metrology instruments—including dial indicators, inside and outside micrometers, depth gauges, and feeler gauges—to ensure all components meet OEM dimensional tolerances and mechanical specifications.
• Operates CFC and HCFC refrigerant recovery, recycling, and evacuation equipment in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations; maintains all required recovery and service documentation; and performs all refrigerant-related maintenance activities in accordance with current federal environmental standards.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support plant operations.

• Expertise in steam fitting and pipe fitting techniques used in industrial and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including steam, chilled water, compressed air, and HVAC operations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Multi-trade knowledge including refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, and electronics.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues.
• Knowledge of confined-space entry procedures and adherence to all applicable safety regulations.
• Advanced troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills for mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with computers and maintenance software, including Microsoft Office and digital work-order platforms.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for teamwork, coordination, and conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and respond to emergencies.
• Leadership and mentoring…