Heating & Refrigeration Mechanic III, Building Services

Job Description:

Heating & Refrigeration Mechanic III, Building Services

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

About Building Services:
The mission of the Building Services department is to support reliable, sustainable, and efficient City facilities. We provide property management, custodial services, building maintenance, project management, security, and other asset management services to optimize the comfort and operational efficiency for city employees, customers, and the community at large.

About the job:
The City of Austin Building Services Department is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Heating & Refrigeration Mechanic III to support the maintenance, repair, and optimization of HVAC systems across a variety of municipal buildings and facilities. This position plays a key role in maintaining the comfort, safety, and energy efficiency of essential City operations. More than just a maintenance role, this opportunity allows you to contribute to the reliable delivery of public services while advancing your career in HVAC and mechanical systems.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position performs work of a complex nature, including installation, maintenance, and repair of residential, industrial and/or commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in City facilities.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, diagnoses, and repairs chiller controls/safety circuits, and refrigerant circuits on multi-stage chillers, air conditioning systems, ice machines, and other equipment.
  
• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, and performs start-up of building automation system network devices and components.
  
• Designs and installs heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation equipment and systems.
  
• Calibrates and services thermostats, chillers, and other system controls.
  
• Performs basic service on HVAC equipment including pumps, air handlers, cooling towers, and other mechanical systems.
  
• Reads and interprets profiles and blue prints.
  
• Maintains appropriate records.
  
• Assists with supervisory tasks as required.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to others.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of residential, commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
  
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety rules and regulations.
  
• Knowledge of tools, materials and methods used in maintenance and repair of ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning.
  
• Knowledge of applicable building codes.
  
• Skill in presenting oral and written instructions.
  
• Skill in reading plans and specifications and in laying out work.
  
• Skill in performing emergency and routine repairs and maintenance as required.
  
• Skill in understanding oral and written instructions.
  
• Skill in estimating time, materials and costs.
  
• Skill in performing heavy manual work.
  
• Skill in tracing and analyzing causes of HVAC troubles and in making repairs.
  
• Skill in conducting routine inspections for the purpose of determining conformity to ASHRAE, building code and safety standards.
  
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.
  
• Ability to analyze complex control sequences and resulting operations and to develop innovations to solve difficult technical problems.
  
• Ability to acquire, through training and on-the-job experience, specialized knowledge in rapidly changing technology and applications.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years experience in repair and maintenance of commercial/industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration systems, including chillers.
  
• Completion of accredited training in air conditioning and refrigeration systems may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Texas Driver License in good standing.
  
• EPA Refrigerant Recovery Certification.
  
• Must obtain unrestricted Texas Air Conditioning License for City use within 120 calendar days of hire.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise, mechanical hazards, fume/odor hazards.
  
• Occasional kneeling, crawling, carrying and lifting up to 50 lbs., client/customer contact, indoor activity, exposure to electrical hazards, explosive hazards, biological hazards, dust/mites hazards.
  
• May require employee to be medically cleared to wear respirator.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive hands-on experience in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial HVAC systems, including chillers, boilers, air handlers, VAV systems, and cooling towers and refrigeration equipment.
  
• Proven experience in managing HVAC projects, including coordination, scheduling, and resource management.
  
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including the ability to mentor junior technicians and coordinate maintenance activities effectively.
  
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
  
• Currently have valid Unrestricted Texas Air Conditioning License for City use or HVAC certification and additional relevant technical certifications or the ability to obtain within 120 calendars of hire.
  
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently with minimal supervision
  

Notes to Candidate:

Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Work Hours:

Monday through Friday; 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Evening, weekend, & holiday work may be required to meet business needs.
Rotational on call and call back is required by the position.

Work Location: 411 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Salary Range: $27.77 - $33.95 per hour

Important Application Information - City of Austin

The City of Austin employment application is an official document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed and complete employment application is required to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for the position.

Application Requirements:

• List your complete employment history, including job titles, employment dates, number of employees supervised (if applicable), and detailed job duties and responsibilities descriptions.
  
• Do not use statements such as “see resume” or “see LinkedIn profile.”
  
• Resumes will not substitute for a complete application and will not be used to determine qualifications or salary.
  
• All responses to supplemental questions must be supported by information in your application.
  
• No changes will be accepted after the job posting closes.
  

If you are Selected as a Top Candidate:

• We will verify your employment history, professional references, and education (including high school, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees).
  
• Proof of education from an accredited institution, verification of professional licenses or certifications, and a copy of your DD-214 (if claiming veteran’s preference) may be requested directly from the issuing institution or accrediting authority.
  
• Verification of foreign education credentials through a recognized third-party evaluation service and confirmation of accreditation status with the issuing institution and its accrediting body. Providing unofficial credentials during the application process is recommended to support meeting minimum qualifications. A formal and official verification process will be required before the offer extension step if you are selected for the offer.
  

Driving Requirement (if applicable):

• This position may require a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one by your hire date.
  
• For positions that require driving: External new hires must meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) standards (e.g., no more than 3 moving violations or 6 points in the last 36 months).
  

Travel:

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• If the position requires travel, you must meet Driver Safety Program standards, Otherwise, you are responsible for transportation to and from multiple job sites as needed.
  

Essential/Critical Employee Designation:

• Some positions are designated as Critical or Essential. Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified. This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.
  

Work Conditions:

• Work hours may vary based on operational needs and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call assignments.
  
• Must have the ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
  
• A skills assessment may be required as part of the hiring process.
  

Veteran Preference:

• Veteran candidates must provide a copy of their DD-214 at the interview to receive the veteran’s preference.
  

Internal Candidates - Good Standing Policy.

Background Check:

• A criminal background check may be required, depending on the responsibilities of the position.
  

Click here to review the City of Austin’s Employee Benefits Guide .

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-14