CENTRAL PLANT CHILLER MECHANIC
Reference: 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.
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.
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.
Essential Accountabilities:
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Expertise in steam fitting and pipefitting 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 capability, including guiding junior staff and
supporting process improvement and quality-assurance initiatives.
Hourly Pay Range:
$24.05 - $31.30 (commensurate with experience & qualifications)
Work Schedule:
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, with overtime as required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including participation in on-call.
Availability to adjust schedule as needed to meet the needs of the
University.
Minimum Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC
Four (4) years of related experience is required
Equivalent work experience may substitute for the educational requirement
Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR):
Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including:
Valid U.S. driver's license
Minimum age of 21
At least three years of driving experience
Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Required Certification:
Currently certified with a Section 608 Technician Type I, II, or Ill
Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
required. Applicants who are EPA certified are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to safely perform job duties with or without mechanical
assistance, including:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing job
duties.
Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
Climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding and work at heights above 30 feet.
Perform bending, stooping, kneeling, and long-distance walking between and
within campus buildings.
Work in confined spaces as required.
Ability to work in extreme temperature and humidity conditions while
handling a wide range of materials and equipment.
Maintain visual acuity for gauges and instruments and hearing acuity for
alarms.
Additional Information:
Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please be certain to showcase
depth and breadth of experience, as it relates to the needs of this job
announcement.
UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage,
competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of
employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can
explore the full benefits overview here:
https: // www. uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits
For more information about UAB Facilities and the work we do across campus,
please visit: https:// 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.
