Job Details

Building Technician, Sr. HVAC/R

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full-time Building Technician, Sr. HVAC/R position for the Reno campus. The Building Technician, Sr. HVAC/R is a key member of the facilities maintenance team, and is responsible for the installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems throughout the campus. This role ensures critical building systems perform reliably to support research and administration, safety, and regulatory compliance.

This technician performs both scheduled preventive maintenance and emergency repair work and must be capable of independently diagnosing and resolving complex HVAC/R issues. As a senior-level technician, the individual may serve as a mentor to junior staff and act as a subject matter expert during system failures or emergency response.

• Independently perform preventative maintenance on all associated HVAC/R equipment; change air filters, bearing lubrication, belt replacement, equipment inspections, chiller tube bundle cleaning, compressor/condenser repair and installations, etc.

• Independently respond and resolve work orders assigned by the for temperature, leaks, smells, repairs, etc.

• HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and calibration of laboratory fume hoods

• Diagnose/Troubleshoot equipment failures, make repairs, and test system functionality using common HVACR meters, analyzers and equipment.

• Perform maintenance and independently order necessary parts on a wide variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including recycling refrigerant, replacing pipes & valves, replacement of compressors, brazing, soldering, replacing motors, programing VFDs, actuators and controls work.

• Monitor and adjust the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS), aka Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, and diagnose issues while performing the duties of the operator.

• Lead critical system shutdowns when assigned

• Modifying existing mechanical systems*

• Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts to maintain department fiscal accountability.

• Ensure compliance with applicable EPA, NFPA, OSHA, NEC, codes and standards

• Train and mentor the junior HVAC/R or other general maintenance staff

• Other duties as assigned. May include, but is not limited to providing general assistance to department personnel, faculty and staff; provide for building safety and security as well as inspect and maintain emergency systems for the buildings and physical plant.

*Mechanical systems include chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, furnaces, boilers, fan coil units, compressors, heat pumps, VAV boxes, walk in freezers and refrigerators, and related mechanical/electrical equipment such as variable frequency drives, motors, pumps and fans.

This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies. As a Sr. Building Technician, the incumbent is the first point of contact to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.

In addition, the Sr. Building Technician HVAC/R will be working in a team environment and will participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed. Examples include leading in the remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups. Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to HVAC/R systems, as well as other duties as assigned.