HVAC Refrigeration Specialist Advanced - Mendota Mental Health Institute

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for an HVAC Refrigeration Specialist Advanced.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. A secure setting to meet the legal and behavioral needs of our patients is provided. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
  
  

Mendota Mental Health Institute is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

Position Summary

Responsibilities

As the HVAC Refrigeration Specialist Advanced, you will be responsible for the troubleshooting, diagnosis, maintenance and repair and modifications of HVAC and refrigeration equipment at MMHI. Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing computerized energy management system and associated controls for heating and cooling (Building Automation Systems),
• Maintaining high- and low-pressure steam, steam traps, valves, fans, steam reducing stations as well as microprocessor-based controllers,
• Performing scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance on equipment,
• Identifying, correcting, reporting, and communicating building operational and maintenance needs,
• Diagnosing building mechanical problems and ensuring satisfactory operation of building systems,
• Overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, kitchen equipment, and other mechanical systems,
• Directing HVAC/Refrigeration Specialists and Maintenance Specialists in the routine maintenance of the above-mentioned systems or performing this work alongside your primary duties as the subject matter expert,
• Designing, developing, operating, maintaining, and monitoring these systems.
  
  

You will be required to maintain required reclamation certification and appropriate EPA requirements.

Salary Information

The starting pay is $32.21 per hour (approximately $66,900 per year), plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is in pay schedule and range 03/15.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

This position has physical requirements which includes the ability to lift equipment up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• HVAC certification and EPA 608 for refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling. If not certified, certifications must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
• Experience inspecting, maintaining, and performing basic repairs on small and large-scale institutional HVAC equipment (e.g., AHU's, RTU's, VRF's/VRV’s, chilled water, steam loops, etc.).
• Experience performing routine and emergency repairs on plumbing (e.g., clogged lines, flushometers, sinks, etc.), electrical systems (e.g., ballasts, outlets, emergency generators, etc.), and hardware (e.g., high-security electronic locks, door closers, anti-ligature fixtures, etc.).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy ** to drive a state vehicle.
  
  

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience using a computerized maintenance management system (e.g., WebTMA, MAPCON, etc.) or institutional Building Automation Systems (e.g., Johnson Controls Metasys, etc.).
• Experience repairing and adjusting mechanical equipment (e.g., valves, booster pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, switches, louvers, etc.).
• Training or certification in commercial plumbing, industrial electricity, or electronic locking systems.
• Experience working in a healthcare facility or correctional/psychiatric institution.
  
  

For tips on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

• This position requires the ability to drive a State vehicle. In order to become authorized to drive a State vehicle, you must meet the requirements for the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle policy, which are:
• Must have a valid driver's license;
• Must have minimum of two years non-probationary licensed driving experience with a regular (Class D) driver’s license;
• Must be 18 years of age.
  
  

Additionally, your driving record MUST NOT reflect any of the following conditions:

• Three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years;
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation within the past 12 months;
• Suspension or revocation of driver's license.
  
  

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.

Helpful Information

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera at Rachel.Libera@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
  
  

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is August 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.