Pipe​/Mechanical Trades I

Pipe Mechanic Trades I

Facilities Management is seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Pipe Mechanic Trades I to join our HVAC Service and Operations team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the mechanical systems that support classrooms, research facilities, offices, and campus infrastructure.

Whether you already have HVAC and mechanical maintenance experience or you're looking to build your skills in a stable, supportive environment, this role offers hands-on training, exposure to a wide variety of equipment, and opportunities for career advancement.

The ideal candidate enjoys troubleshooting, working with their hands, learning new technologies, and taking pride in ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently.

Why Join Our Team?

• Four-day work week (Monday through Thursday)
• Opportunities for internal training and professional development
• Exposure to a diverse range of HVAC and mechanical systems
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to advance into higher-level HVAC and Facilities Management positions
• Meaningful work supporting students, faculty, staff, and campus research activities

Position Summary

Under general supervision, the Pipe Mechanic Trades I position performs preventative, predictive, proactive, and reactive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems across campus. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining equipment reliability, improving system performance, identifying emerging issues before failures occur, and supporting campus operations through responsive maintenance services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Preventative Maintenance (75%)

• Changing air filters and worn belts
• Lubricating bearings and moving components
• Cleaning drain pans, condensate drain lines, and pump housings
• Cleaning coils and strainers
• Verifying proper airflow and water flow through equipment
• Adjusting motor and pump alignments
• Performing minor repairs identified during inspections
• Monitoring equipment condition and identifying abnormal vibrations, noise, or wear
• Supporting campus water treatment programs, including testing and chemical handling
• Maintaining clean mechanical rooms and equipment spaces
• Accurately documenting maintenance activities, inspections, deficiencies, and repairs

Predictive Maintenance (10%)

• Motor amperage testing
• Temperature monitoring of motors and bearings
• Vibration analysis
• Refrigeration system performance checks, including superheat and subcooling measurements
• Lubrication analysis
• Recording and analyzing equipment trends to identify potential failures before they occur

Proactive Maintenance (10%)

• Root cause analysis of equipment failures
• Identifying recurring maintenance issues
• Evaluating equipment performance trends
• Recommending corrective actions and preventative strategies
• Communicating findings to supervisors and operations staff
• Maintaining detailed records and maintenance histories
• Participating in special assignments and departmental initiatives as needed

Reactive Maintenance (5%)

• Equipment repairs
• Motor failures
• Hot and cold comfort calls
• Alarm response
• Equipment resets
• Glycol system issues
• General maintenance and housekeeping activities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Technical Skills

• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Preventative maintenance practices
• Equipment inspection and diagnostics
• Basic HVAC system knowledge
• Recordkeeping and documentation

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving ability
• Team collaboration

Work Environment

• Mechanical rooms
• Utility spaces
• Construction and maintenance areas
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions
• Mechanical and electrical equipment

Work may require standing, walking, climbing ladders, lifting materials and tools, bending, reaching, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.

What Success Looks Like

• Eager to learn new equipment and procedures
• Comfortable working in changing conditions
• Detail-oriented and safety-minded
• Strong communicators
• Collaborative team members
• Proactive problem solvers
• Committed to providing excellent service to the campus community

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to grow their technical abilities, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build a long-term career in Facilities Management. Join a team that values learning, collaboration, and service while helping maintain the systems that keep our campus operating safely and efficiently.