Lead Journeyman Chiller Mechanic

Job Purpose

The Lead Technician (CHILL) is responsible for troubleshooting, maintenance, service, and overhaul activities in HVAC mechanical equipment, electrical systems, and instrumentation systems at OUC’s chilled water plants.

• Assist the Chilled Water Supervisor in planning and scheduling labor, equipment, materials, spare parts, tools, and support requirements to ensure equipment reliability and availability.
• Troubleshoot chilled water operational systems and HVAC mechanical equipment, including problem identification, evaluation of alternative solutions, and implementation of corrective action.
• Provide supervision to technicians and contractors during maintenance and repair activities.
• Lead and perform all maintenance, service, and major overhaul activities on low and high‑pressure water‑cooled centrifugal chillers (single, two‑stage or three‑stage compressors, 1000‑ton and larger units, including duplex units).
• Lead and perform maintenance, service, and overhaul activities on air‑cooled chillers, valves, bearings, gear assemblies, fans, pumps, motors, air compressors, and related equipment.
• Identify and execute appropriate refrigerant recovery techniques and safety procedures during detection and repair of refrigerant leaks.
• Operate machine‑shop equipment, perform welding duties, and maintain proficiency with hand tools and rigging equipment.
• Operate OUC commission vehicles (pickup trucks, forklifts).
• Work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required.
• Understand and implement safety procedures and regulations (Red Tags, safety equipment, safe work practices).
• Attend staff meetings, communicate with other departments, and provide clear status updates.
• Perform emergency maintenance and operate chilled water plants during abnormal conditions, using SCBA and other proper safety equipment.
• Execute and supervise disassembly and assembly of centrifugal compressors, impellers, motor assemblies, and replacement of internal components within manufacturer’s tolerances and specifications.
• Operate within manufacturer’s specifications and safety guidelines, maintaining precision and timeliness.

• Chiller factory training with extensive knowledge of low and high‑pressure water‑cooled centrifugal chillers equipped with single, two‑stage, or three‑stage compressors (1000‑ton and larger, including duplex units).
• EPA Universal 608 Refrigerant Handling License.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Certified Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Technician under EPA Section 608 required.

Extensive standing, walking, speaking, and detailed inspection; frequent sitting, lifting 0–20 lbs, bending, reaching overhead, climbing ladders; occasional lifting more than 50 lbs; exposure to noise, heights, confined spaces, chemicals, and extreme weather.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of formal trade school training or equivalent experience in HVAC mechanical equipment.
• Ten (10) years of experience (not including education) in installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance, and service of low and high‑pressure water‑cooled centrifugal chillers (≥1000 tons), air‑cooled chillers, cooling towers, pumps, valves, and related equipment.
• Technical and operational understanding of all chilled water systems and ability to operate within established parameters.
• Working knowledge of general industrial safety skills, and advanced computer skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical, structural, piping, and instrumentation drawings; electrical schematic drawings; logic diagrams; and control loop drawings.

• Competitive compensation starting at $50.658 per hour ($ annually), with structured step progression and performance‑based pay increases every six months up to $54.467 per hour ($ annually).
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision benefits and paid life insurance premiums with no probationary period.
• Hybrid retirement program: fully funded cash‑balance account, defined contribution with employer…