HVAC Technician - Chemical Specialist
Position Overview
Facilities Services supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by operating and maintaining the University's physical plant and grounds. This position is responsible for providing on-site monitoring in large buildings that house offices, classrooms, dorms, and labs. Specifically, this position is responsible for the monitoring, testing and maintenance of chemical treatment programs in cooling towers and other HVAC equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This role involves working with a variety of chemicals, testing equipment, and HVAC systems to prevent corrosion, scaling, and biological growth in cooling towers and other HVAC equipment. Must be able to operate refrigeration recovery equipment in compliance with EPA guideline for CFC and HCFC refrigerants. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles.
In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 8 hours of sick leave earned every month, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KU is a great place to work!
In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 8 hours of sick leave earned every month, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KU is a great place to work!
Job Description
40% - Chemical Monitoring and Treatment:
- Regularly test water samples from cooling towers to assess chemical levels, pH, conductivity, and other relevant parameters.
- Adjust chemical dosages and treatment protocols based on test results to maintain optimal water chemistry.
- Maintain accurate records of chemical usage, test results, and system performance.
- Perform routine inspections and maintenance on cooling tower systems and associated HVAC equipment.
- Identify and troubleshoot issues related to water quality, chemical feed systems, and mechanical components.
- Coordinate with HVAC technicians and other maintenance staff to resolve issues promptly.
- Maintain detailed logs of all maintenance activities, chemical treatments, and system performance metrics.
- Prepare reports on system performance, chemical usage, and any issues or incidents.
- Communicate findings and recommendations to supervisors and management.
- Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols for handling and storing chemicals.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to chemical treatment and environmental protection.
- Participate in safety training and drills as required.
- Monitor inventory levels of chemicals and testing supplies.
- Place orders for chemicals and supplies as needed to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Properly store and label all chemicals and supplies.
Position Requirements
- Reach, grasp, lift, carry and place moderately heavy loads frequently and heavy loads occasionally (75 lbs) with or without accommodation.
- Perform work above normal heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures – both hot and cold, inside and outdoors.
- Work overtime and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
- Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
- Must enter work order information digitally and perform other electronic communications as required.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED equivalency
- 2 years of experience in refrigeration/air condition installation and repair work. A certificate of completion from a vocational school or an Associate degree in this trade area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
- Must have EPA CFC Certification for refrigerants or able to obtain within 6 months of hire date.
- Must have a valid driver’s license by the time of hire and maintain the license throughout employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3 years or more of experience in refrigeration/air condition/refrigeration equipment, DX residential air conditioning units, DX commercial air conditioning units and small chiller systems 100 tons and smaller, installation and repair work.
- Experience working in a college or university setting
- Experience working with HVAC systems in large multi-storied institutional or residential buildings.
- Electrical experience including a working knowledgeable of the National Electric Code
- Applied ability to read and understand blueprints a evidenced by work experience.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application will include your current contact information including email and phone number and your previous work experience including dates of employment. Please include the name and contact information to three references with your application.
UPDATED - Application review has begun and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.
UPDATED - Application review has begun and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Kasey Minihan
kasey.minihan@ku.edu
kasey.minihan@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Minimum $46,000 annually ($22.11 hourly). Salary offers increase with relevant experience.
Work Schedule
7:30am-4:00pm, Monday - Friday.
Application Review Begins
Monday June 17, 2024
Anticipated Start Date
Monday July 29, 2024