ROLE TITLE: HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigerant) & PM (Preventative Maintenance) Mechanic
POSITION REPORTS TO: Facilities Mechanical Supervisor
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Summary of Position
Under the general supervision of the Facilities Mechanical Supervisor, this position will provide comprehensive maintenance and support to all residential and commercial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R), Kitchen Equipment, Automation Controls, Elevators, and Pneumatic systems across Allegheny College’s 74 facilities and 565-acre campus. This role will perform preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs, ensuring the functionality and safety of essential equipment. The role involves responding to work orders, performing routine inspections, addressing emergency service calls, and supporting a variety of mechanical systems. This is a specialized technical position that requires a strong foundation in mechanical systems and equipment maintenance. The mechanic will work across a wide range of systems that require expertise in HVAC, boilers, refrigeration, automation controls, and more. This position is required to maintain first aid qualifications, work center safety, hazardous material handling and disposal, and proper personal protective equipment wear. This position will perform critical on-call, after-duty standby responsibilities; responds to routine/urgent/emergency service calls. This positions works as part of the Maintenance Department’s team and will perform Snow and Ice Removal Operations and may assist the other Physical Plant teams (Carpentry, Electrical, Grounds, Locksmith, Painting, and Plumbing) on projects.
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What you will do in this role:
- Routine Maintenance and Repairs. Responsible for performing regular maintenance and minor repairs to all HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, kitchen appliances, automation controls, and other mechanical systems. The mechanic will conduct checks of systems, focusing on components like electrical connections, gas connections, and moving parts like belts, fans, and motors. Additionally, they will lubricate systems, clean coils, filters, and drain lines, ensuring proper airflow and preventing the buildup of dirt and debris. Minor repairs such as tightening electrical connections, replacing worn components, and maintaining refrigerant levels will also be part of the daily responsibilities. This preventative approach is key to reducing breakdowns and prolonging the lifespan of equipment materials. Provides responsible and reliable coverage; shift work and overtime/weekend work will be required and must occasionally be available for off-hour emergencies
- Inspection and Monitoring. Performing regular inspection of mechanical systems is essential to ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and safely. The mechanic will perform mechanical, visual, and auditory inspections to monitor the condition of HVAC equipment, including testing equipment system safeties, checking for unusual noises, temperature fluctuations, and wear on parts like belts and pulleys. In addition, the mechanic will assess equipment performance by measuring amperage, voltage, and other relevant parameters. These inspections allow for the early detection of potential failures, minimizing the risk of downtime and costly repairs. The mechanic will also perform energy assessments, ensuring that energy management systems and building automation controls are operating efficiently and effectively. By identifying problems early, the mechanic can recommend corrective actions or upgrades to prevent more significant issues
- Provide Customer Service and Emergency Response. Manage and resolve customer inquiries and complaints. The mechanic will provide updates to supervisors and campus stakeholders, ensuring clear communication regarding system status, estimated repair times, and potential impacts on campus operations. Escalate complex questions and complaints to Supervisor. The mechanic will be key to ensuring rapid and effective service during urgent situations. This includes responding to after-hours service calls for critical repairs on HVAC systems, boilers, refrigeration units, and other essential equipment. The mechanic will quickly assess the situation, determine the necessary steps to restore functionality, and execute repairs or coordinate with other departments as required. During high-priority emergencies, the mechanic must demonstrate strong decision-making skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure
- Record Keeping and Documentation. Accurate documentation is crucial to track maintenance and repairs, ensuring that all systems are serviced in compliance with safety regulations and manufacturer guidelines. The mechanic will maintain detailed records of all maintenance tasks performed, including inspections, repairs, part replacements, and any other work related to HVAC and mechanical systems. This documentation will be entered into the College’s work management system (School Dude), providing a history of activities for each piece of equipment. The mechanic will also document any issues identified during inspections and provide recommendations for corrective action or system upgrades. This record-keeping process supports long-term planning and helps the college track maintenance costs, equipment lifecycles, and warranty compliance
- Collaboration and Communication. Work as part of a collaborative team within the Physical Plant Department. This role requires cooperation and coordination with contractors and other tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters) to address multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring that all systems are working seamlessly across campus facilities. In addition to working with internal teams, the mechanic will communicate directly with campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students, to coordinate maintenance schedules and address service interruptions. The mechanic will notify campus users about equipment downtime, provide updates on repair progress, and offer estimated completion times. Effective communication is essential for minimizing disruption and ensuring that the campus community is informed about ongoing work.
- Safety and Compliance. The mechanic will be responsible for ensuring that all work performed adheres to safety regulations, including federal, state, and local codes. The mechanic must follow established safety practices for handling hazardous materials, operating machinery, using Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures, utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a professional appearance. The role involves performing safety inspections on HVAC equipment, ensuring that boilers, refrigeration units, and other systems are in compliance with safety standards. The mechanic will participate in ongoing safety training, staying current on best practices for maintaining a safe work environment. In addition, the mechanic will identify potential safety hazards in mechanical rooms or other work areas and report them to supervisors or the appropriate personnel for corrective action. Adherence to safety protocols not only protects the mechanic and campus community but also ensures the longevity and proper functioning of all mechanical systems.
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YOUR EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 1-3 years relevant experience in the field. 4-7 years’ experience preferred.
- Exceptional ability to work independently and provide exceptional end results
- Must have excellent time management and ability to problem-solve
- The HVAC-R & PM Mechanic must have a comprehensive understanding of diagnostic tools and test meters to assess and troubleshoot HVAC and mechanical systems effectively. A basic understanding of HVAC systems, boilers, refrigeration units, pneumatic/DDC controllers, and related equipment is crucial in performing routine maintenance and repairs. The mechanic must have a basic knowledge in the National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) building codes, and other relevant safety regulations. Knowledge of these codes ensures that all work is completed safely and meets the necessary regulatory standards. The mechanic should also have experience performing routine maintenance tasks, such as equipment lubrication, filter changes, and general system checks. Also, must demonstrate the ability to read blueprints, schematics, and manuals for equipment installation, maintenance, and repairs. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are essential to identify issues, diagnose them accurately, and implement effective solutions. Furthermore, familiarity with or the ability to learn Building Automation Controls Systems and work management software such as SchoolDude, which is used for tracking maintenance tasks and work orders, will be important to streamline operations and ensure thorough documentation of all work performed.
- The HVAC-R & PM Mechanic must possess the skills necessary to work independently and efficiently manage time, tasks, and priorities. This includes a high degree of competence in troubleshooting and problem-solving, particularly with complex mechanical systems. The mechanic should have a strong attention to detail and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. In addition, the mechanic will need to work collaboratively with other colleagues across various trades and departments to complete projects effectively. Communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital to ensure that work orders are clearly understood and that updates or issues are communicated to supervisors, team members, and campus stakeholders. Flexibility is also important, as the mechanic must be available to occasionally work outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, for emergency service calls and on-call duties.
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YOUR COMPENSATION
New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.
The hourly starting rate range for this position is $27.00 per hour.
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THE HIRING PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and provide contact information for three references to the Office of Human Resources, Allegheny College, 520 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335 by e-mail to employment@allegheny.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. For certain positions, finalist candidates can expect to engage in three rounds of interviews either in person or via Online meetings. Candidates will also have the opportunity to read more about the current work and share thoughts during the interviews.
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ALLEGHENY COLLEGE
Allegheny College, founded in 1815, is one of the nation’s most historic and innovative four-year colleges with the distinct requirement of completing a major and minor in different academic areas. This multidisciplinary learning celebrates students’ unusual combinations of interests and provides creative, independent thinkers with a path for educational depth and intellectual growth, preparing them for a successful launch after graduation and even for careers that may not yet exist. Located in western Pennsylvania, 1.5 hours equidistant from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo, Allegheny College is one of 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope’s “Colleges That Change Lives” and recently ranked #4 by The Princeton Review in its Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact. In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Allegheny College as one of the country’s top 100 national liberal arts colleges, with special distinctions including one of the top 10 best for senior capstone experience and one of the top 25 best for undergraduate research and creative activities.
Allegheny College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Allegheny does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
Allegheny College is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Director of Human Resources
Visit the Allegheny College Web Site at http://www.allegheny.edu
posted 3/27/2025