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HVAC/R Technician

Willamette University
Willamette University Salary
Salem, OR Full Time
POSTED ON 5/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/28/2026

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon’s top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest’s oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master’s degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Facilities Department at Willamette University is responsible for the daily operations, maintenance and upkeep of approximately 1.4 million square feet of academic, residential, administrative and off campus properties situated on approximately 60 acres with all the associated utilities and infrastructure.

The HVAC/R Technician operates, repairs and maintains University heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning equipment and control systems to improve energy efficiency, building performances and maintain occupant comfort. Performs skilled journeyman level technical maintenance, installations and repairs to University control systems and components. Must have experience in analyzing and implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECM’s) through the use of the campus EMS and utility records. Assists the Facilities Management staff in analyzing campus and building energy use and makes recommendations on reduction strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Practices and encourages Facilities Management workplace expectations.

  • Operates, maintains and repairs all University heating and cooling equipment including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, DHW heaters and associated peripheral systems and components in accordance with good engineering standards, State laws, and safe work practices. Ensures that all preventive maintenance is accomplished as prescribed by the State of Oregon, owner’s insurance company and manufacturer’s requirements

  • Responsible for all water treatment programs for boilers, chillers, and heating/cooling closed loop systems.

  • Schedules and prepares boilers, chillers, and cooling towers for internal and external inspections with state and insurance inspectors. Makes or arranges for any and all repairs and returns boilers/heating/cooling equipment to service as required.

  • Troubleshoots and corrects campus heating and cooling system problems including food service equipment. Responds to campus IAQ/IEQ complaints, problems and questions. May perform skilled air and water balancing and balance checks as necessary.

  • Reviews and updates EMS system software and programming as needed, runs trends/trend graphs, performs periodic loop tuning, monitors and troubleshoots DDC hardware and software control components to ensure the system is performing optimally. Schedules the campus EMS to accommodate campus functions.

  • Reviews plans, specifications and schematics and makes recommendations as requested by the Facilities Management Team. Estimates time and materials for assigned jobs.

  • Maintains and repairs refrigeration equipment, air conditioning equipment, heat pumps, air handling units, air/water cooled chillers up to 250 tons and their associated equipment.

  • Ensures that all refrigerant on hand or used is accounted for, recorded and its lineage documented, as required by EPA regulations, the Clean Air Act and The Montreal Protocol.

  • Maintains heating plant records according to industry standards and DEQ regulations.

  • Maintains and repairs pneumatic and electrical (both high and low voltage) controls for HVAC/R systems.

  • Maintains and repairs auxiliary equipment, such as fans, motors, pumps and cooling towers for the HVAC/R system. Performs journeyman level repairs to various HVAC equipment such as motors, starters, pumps, VFD’s, valve and damper operators.

  • Performs preventive maintenance tasks.

  • Assists other engineering team members in troubleshooting and repairs to the building heating, cooling and energy management systems. Will be required to be backup on the campus EMS.

  • Fills in on weekends and holidays when required

  • Subject to after-hours callbacks for emergencies.

  • Performs other maintenance related duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. High school diploma with trade education preferred.

Experience

  • Minimum of five years of experience in the trade or successful completion of trade school. Commercial/industrial chiller and/or comfort cooling systems experience required.

  • Minimum of five years of experience with thorough knowledge of both oil and gas-fired boiler systems and related equipment required.

  • Minimum of five years of experience as a maintenance repair worker involving skilled work related to maintenance of equipment with five years EMS/controls experience desired.

  • Demonstrative knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion best practices.

Computer Skills

  • Extensive and proficient use of a personal computer and software programs such as Word, Excel, or any specialized applications desired. Keyboarding, email and maintaining database’s required.

Certificates & Licenses

  • Must be licensed by the EPA to handle refrigerants, universal CFC certification required with a minimum of a Type II acceptable.

  • Brazing certificate required.

  • Boiler/Pressure Vessel Building Service Mechanic Class 3 (CL3) license preferred.

  • Is familiar with and understands all applicable state boiler laws and CSD-1.

  • Limited energy class A or B electrical license, Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) or Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (LBME) license desired.

  • Possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license and satisfactory driving record or ability to obtain one within 60 days of date of hire preferred.

Other Requirements

  • Working knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools and materials used in the refrigeration trade. Working knowledge of energy management systems desired.

Typical Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

  • Fills in on weekends and holidays when required.

  • Subject to after-hours callback for emergencies.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions

  • Involves exposure to adverse environmental conditions as may be found working in a facilities setting which may include but is not limited to: working outdoors in inclement weather; extreme temperatures; noise; dim lighting; dust; dirt; confined spaces; high elevations; and bio-
    hazards and other hazardous materials.

  • Routinely and safely lift 50 pounds.

  • Climb ladders and work in confined spaces.

Salary: $38.47/ hour (~$80,000 annually)


You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications

  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments - listed at the bottom of the page - must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

Salary : $80,000

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