Geothermal Ground Loop

Job Summary:

The Geothermal Installation Assistant is an ideal entry-level position for HVAC graduates or trade workers wanting to acquire additional specialty trade experience with geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems in addition to HVAC mechanical work. The successful candidate will also have opportunity to advance quickly into a full-time Geothermal Field Technician's position including additional benefits year round with a growing company.

Based in Brimson, MN, Northern GroundSource Inc. is the Northland's longest established professional contractor specializing in the design and installation of high-performance geothermal heating and cooling systems—with hundreds of successful installations throughout Northern MN & Northwestern WI since 2001. Successful candidate will NOT be required to commute to main office in Brimson but will work out of central shop/warehouse at field supervisor's secure location near the city of Duluth.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Under direction of the field supervisor, the successful candidate will assist with geothermal ground heat exchanger (GHEX) and GSHP/HVAC mechanical installations, including the following duties:

• Pick up materials & equipment for delivery to shop or job site by company vehicle
• Assist with material handling, pipe fitting & heat fusion of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe during the fabrication of various types of GHEX installations
• Work around OSHA-compliant excavation & drilling operations using proper safety practices, tools and equipment as required
• Operate pump & pressure test equipment to properly flush, fill & hydro-test GHEX loop installations
• Complete code-compliant foundation wall penetrations for leak-proof PVC/HDPE pipe details
• Help transport, set and install heat pump equipment, including heavy GSHP compressor units
• Perform precision pipe & tubing assemblies using copper & PEX compression tools as well as conventional joining methods
• Assist with custom duct fitting & assembly for forced air GSHP delivery systems
• Help keep shop clean and organized and assist with some basic parts inventory management.

Qualifications and Skills:

While 1-2 years of basic HVAC mechanical training or experience is preferred, candidates with indirect experience who can demonstrate sufficient aptitude & initiative may also be considered. One of the unique aspects of this position is that it provides valuable hands-on training of specialized skills unique to geothermal heating & cooling installations that are not, otherwise, commonly taught. Following are the basic qualifications desired for this position:

• Ability to be on time, stay alert and show sufficient hustle when a long way
• Must have a valid driver's license (CDL with Hazmat endorsement helpful but not required)
• No personal tools or vehicles required—all tools, vehicles and equipment provided by employer
• Should be capable of using basic hand & power tools plus learning how to use specialized ones, including purge and transfer pump equipment
• Must have the physical ability to help safely transfer & maneuver heavy GSHP equipment, including up-and-down-stairs by assisted hand-cart, without incident
• Possess basic pipe fitting and joining skills, with some duct assembly experience preferred
• Ability to safely use multi-meter test instrument and accurately convey data to technicians
• HDPE pipe fusion certification or experience helpful but not required
• CFC/EPA Universal Refrigeration Certification not required but may increase pay scale
• No domestic water plumbing or high voltage electrical work required (performed by others).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Working conditions for this position involve both indoor and outdoor work activities, occasionally rigorous and in varying types of weather. Successful candidate is responsible for own work clothes and must dress suitably for prevailing occupational conditions (no shorts allowed). They must also be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment on site and in other work areas as required, including:

• Reflective Safety Vest
• Hard Hat (around heavy equipment and on commercial/industrial sites)
• Safety Glasses/Goggles
• Hearing Protection
• Steel-toed Boots.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $ $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• HVAC: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations