Building Technician, Sr. HVAC/R

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu .

Job Description

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.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 4 years of experience in the maintenance and repair of buildings, facilities, and equipment in a large hospital, laboratory, datacenter, educational or institutional facility.

• EPA 608 Universal Certification

• Obtain Niagara 4 Technical Certification for building automation system within 1-years of hire. This is a DRI paid training

• Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics and maintenance manuals

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions

• Knowledge of construction safety standards and ability to strictly enforce all safety protocols

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff

• Proven experience working within a team environment

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Associate Degree in HVAC/R or similar

• Over 4 years of work experience in a large hospital, laboratory, educational or institutional facility

• Hands-on experience in a variety of building trades, including plumbing, and electrical

• Knowledge of controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC), preferably with Tridium Niagara, Delta, or other.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as: lifting and moving objects in excess of 50 lbs.; digging, excavating, planting, and pulling wire; climbing ladders and working at heights up to 30 ft; frequently stooping, bending, kneeling; exposure to dust, fumes, pollutants, chemicals, and construction materials.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license

• Regular work hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may vary during the week. Long and irregular hours may be required on occasion.

• This position is required to be on-call (on a rotating basis) to respond to after-hours emergencies.

SALARY / BENEFITS

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 36 with a salary range of $65,607 - 95,577 and is commensurate with education and experience.

DRI offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 19.25% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits. Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI's Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings, totaling over 364,000 square feet, spread across 47 acres of land. These campuses house over 40 specialized labs, administrative, and educational spaces. The Facilities Department operates and maintains central utility systems (backup generators, UPS, boilers, chillers, air handlers, DI water, and building automation systems) and provides in-house laboratory modification, renovation, and construction services to the site. In addition, DRI operates and maintains several renewable energy systems including solar hot water and a 2.1 MW photovoltaic system.

Our Mission

To support the institute through stewardship of infrastructure and properties; to manage energy usage on campus; and to provide whatever services the institute and its faculty need to support their mission.

Our Vision

To be an innovative team that is recognized and respected for fostering a high-quality, lasting environment

Our Values

• We exceed expectations
• We do the right thing – not the easy thing
• We are committed to continuous improvement
• We validate and incorporate new and effective technologies
• We treat every member of the institute with courtesy, dignity, and respect

Exempt

No

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section of your application in Workday:

1. A cover letter detailing your experience and career goals;

2. A current resume;

3. Contact information for three professional/work-related references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.

Qualified individuals who meet all qualifications and requirements are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0149561” in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at www.dri.edu . For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email jobs@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.