Refrigeration Mechanic

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups, as well as the separate Emergency Management team, are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group.

Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Refrigeration Mechanic.

Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform skilled journey-level refrigeration mechanic work to install, repair and maintain all types of refrigeration, air-conditioning and chilled water systems.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

* Accomplish all work in compliance with the federal and local requirements and the UW Refrigerant Management Plan requirements.
* Install, operate, repair and maintain all types of refrigeration systems, including air-conditioning, chilled water systems, and refrigeration units.
* Diagnose, inspect, troubleshoot and overhaul associated electrical control circuits, temperature and pressure controls and all related refrigeration components using manuals and blueprints.
* Test coils, valves and connections to determine that systems are leak proof and properly adjusted.
* May develop cost estimates for installation and repairs.
* Operate and maintain cooling towers, including water treatment systems.
* Recharge systems with proper refrigerant when necessary.
* Maintain and repair compressor units and departmental research refrigeration equipment.
* Test, measure and adjust all types of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems for most efficient performance.
* Assist in developing cost-effective solutions for repair and maintenance problems.
* Keep leads and supervisors informed of project status and work progress, required project materials and equipment.
* Work with lead to discuss any proposed project changes before construction.
* May instruct semi-skilled workers.
* Operate machinery such as forklifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers.
* Load and unload materials and supplies.
* Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.
* Communicate and coordinate with other UW Facilities' shops and Campus Utilities & Operations Services to facilitate work.
* Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to the work and conduct on the job, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
* Comply with all UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures, M&C protocols, i.e., Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP).
* Support all management directives and the vision and values of M&C.
* Participate in and follow through with M&C process improvement initiatives, including Balanced Scorecard (BSC), incorporating metrics and Lean principles into internal work processes, and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.
* Actively participate in meetings and training as scheduled.
* Provide excellent customer service through effective, courteous and professional interactions with clients, colleagues and the campus community.
* Other duties as required

Core Competencies

* Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
* Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
* Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
* Be responsible and accountable.
* Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
* Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
* Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
* Exhibit a professional work ethic.
* Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Requirements include:

* Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a refrigeration mechanic;

OR full journey status as a refrigeration mechanic in a union;

OR four years' applicable work experience.

Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

* Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license may be required.

Additional Requirements include:

* Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

* Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
* Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products
* Working knowledge of National Electrical Codes relevant to refrigeration work.
* Working knowledge and experience working on kitchen, restaurant/food service refrigeration equipment.
* Working knowledge and practical experience with cascade systems (troubleshoot, repair change compressors, evacuate and recharge).

Conditions of Employment:

* City of Seattle Journey-Level Refrigeration License or equivalent or experience and training to qualify to obtain a City of Seattle Journey Level Refrigeration License within 90 days.
* Possession of current Environmental Protection Agency Certification Type Universal or Type III or obtain this certification within 90 days of employment.
* Demonstrated excellent effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a member of a team.
* May be required to accept variable work shift.
* Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety precautions.
* Ability to lift and move heavy material may be required.
* Approved footwear must be provided at the employee's expense and worn on the job.
* Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
* Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
* Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
* Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.