Skilled Maintenance Worker/HVAC

Salary : $64,966.68 - $91,407.12 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500114
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Maintenance & Operations
Opening Date: 11/26/2025
Closing Date: 12/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor, perform skilled work in the installation, repair, maintenance and service of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems of various types; perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of facilities and equipment; perform skilled work in one or more of the building maintenance trades; check, clean and repair swimming pools.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Assist and / or install, maintain and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and related equipment, including electrical components, compressor units, electrical and pneumatic control circuits, motors, valves, fans, gaskets, filters, and belts; check and add oil, water and refrigerants in compliance with codes, regulations and safety orders. E
• Use various testing devices, including computers, to troubleshoot parts; repair, adjust and install various electric, electronic and pneumatic switches, gauges, thermostats, valves, and micro switches, and other parts as necessary. E
• Assist and / or make pipe connections; install air conditioning and heating duct work; modify and fabricate ducts and attach to new systems; perform arc and acetylene welding and sil floss or silver solder. E
• Inspect boilers, furnaces and pumps for compliance with codes, regulations and safety orders. E
• Plan and lay out assigned tasks; maintain time, labor and material records; order parts and supplies. E
• Perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of District buildings, furniture, fixtures, and equipment in one or more of the building maintenance trades. E
• Check, clean and repair swimming pools and fountains; check chemicals, chemical containers and vacuum pools and decks as needed. E
• Repair filters, motors, chemical metering pumps and pool heaters independently on a daily basis. E
• Deliver and pick up equipment for special events and mail; operate district vehicles to transport students and staff as required. E
• Operate a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment including motor vehicles, grinder, jointer, bench sander, power hand tools, saws and various tools used in the maintenance trades. E Install various media, audio-visual and telephonic wiring and fixtures. E
• Weld and fabricate various metal panels, gates and fences. E Perform painting projects; paint facilities, equipment and furniture; order and mix paint; perform touch- ups and paint signs. E
• Perform installation, maintenance and repair of roofs, floors, windows, doors, locks and other building facilities; install and replace broken glass and plexiglass wind breakers. E
• Assist and / or perform installation, maintenance and repair of new motors, pumps, bearings, floats, belts, and appliances. E
• Assist specialized maintenance personnel with a variety of duties including the installation, maintenance and repair of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, equipment and vehicles. E
• Assist and / or perform water testing at well sites; monitor chemical containers and add chemicals as needed. E
• Assemble and move furniture and set up chairs for special events.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• E=Essential Functions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and a combination of training and three years journey-level experience as a HVAC and refrigeration mechanic; and two years of responsible experience in the general construction building trades.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier; some positions in this class may be required to possess a valid California Class B driver's license with passenger endorsement and medical certificate. Refrigeration Certification as required by EPA.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of: Standard practices, materials and methods of the refrigeration and heating repair trade; methods, materials and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of air conditioners, refrigeration and heating systems; applicable codes, regulations and safety orders; hand and power tools used in the trade; chemicals and methods used in the treatment of water for use in boilers and air conditioning; appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Basic operations, tools, methods and materials used in building construction and maintenance work in one or more of the following: basic carpentry, painting, plumbing and electrical work; shop practices; safe practices in the operation and care of equipment and tools; shop math applicable to the building trades.
• Ability to: Perform skilled work in the installation, repair, maintenance and service of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems of various types; operate a variety of equipment and tools used in the heating, air conditioning and refrigeration trade; work from wiring diagrams, electrical blueprints, plans and specifications; plan and lay out work including estimating labor and material costs; read and interpret technical manuals related to repair and installation of refrigeration and heating systems; maintain routine records; perform shop math. Perform skilled maintenance, repair and construction of District buildings and equipment; perform skilled work in one or more of the building maintenance trades; operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of District buildings and facilities; work cooperatively with others; understand and follow oral and written instructions; observe health and safety regulations; perform heavy physical labor; perform work over rough or uneven surfaces; climb ladders and work from heights; stand for extended periods of time lift moderately heavy objects; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Environment: Indoor, outdoor and shop environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Hazards: Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Pool chemicals. Exposure to refrigerant chemicals. Exposure to electrical power supply and high voltage. Working at heights.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday - Thursday from 12:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• RESUME: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:

• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts:
• Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.

• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https://or call (760) 773-2529.

• FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on date to be determined.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
• May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance. To learn more details, visit our benefits page:

Temporary, Substitute, Seasonal, and Part-Time Employees are eligible to opt into the Blue Shield Health Savings Account (HSA) 5000.
01

What have you done to further your knowledge about diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility? How have you (implemented and/or demonstrated) what you have learned?
02

Pre-Employment Physical Exam(s) are a requirement for this position; clearance for employment will be authorized by the Office of Human Resources.By selecting 'Yes' you are stating that you understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires you to possess a valid California driver's license and you must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

• I have a valid California driver's license and have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.
• I do not have a valid California driver's license and/or do not have an acceptable driving record to qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

04

How many years of professional journey-level experience as a HVAC and refrigeration mechanic do you have?

• No journey-level experience as a HVAC and refrigeration mechanic experience
• Less than 3 year of journey-level experience as a HVAC and refrigeration mechanic
• 3 or more years of journey-level experience as a HVAC and refrigeration mechanic

05

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

06

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes
• No

07

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.By selecting "Yes", you are stating you understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

08

Are you currently an employee of College of the Desert?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

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