HVAC Mechanic

Employer: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Oct 3, 2025

Position Type: Administrative, Business & Administrative Affairs, Facilities, Student Affairs, Residence Life

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Details

Salary:
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: HVAC Mechanic

Job Summary:

Join the Housing Facilities team as an HVAC-R Mechanic!

The Mechanical Maintenance team repairs and maintains all mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration systems in University Housing, serving the residents and guests who live and eat on the UW-Madison campus. This position:

• Assists and guides student workers
• Communicates in English via radio and in person to emergency personnel
• Performs HVAC diagnosis and advanced repair work in a variety of University Housing Buildings in both occupied and vacant spaces.
• Performs duties in a highly diverse student and family housing community, including resident-occupied spaces, as well as in vacant and common areas
• Responds to, and solves urgent or emergency sanitation, temperature, and safety issues in housing and dining units.
• Leads assigned projects and activities to ensure satisfactory performance of mechanical systems
• Coordinates and oversees the work of vendors, outside contractors, and physical plant staff in housing and dining facilities
• Identifies and attends to seasonal and preventative maintenance requirements
• Assists in creating, leading, and participating in a collaborative environment
• Manages facilities records and databases
• Drives vehicles to efficiently transport staff, move supplies, and urgently respond to emergency situations.
• Provides after hours, weekend and holiday coverage as needed
• Provides support and assists as needed in the implementation of plans and procedures in the event of an emergency

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced knowledge of the design, operation and functions of building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems as they relate to building HVAC- related systems.
• Significant experience diagnosing and repairing commercial HVAC systems
• Experience with installing, diagnosing, and repairing HVAC actuators, dampers, VAV’s, pumps and other related components.
• Experience maintaining and/or replacing electrical components such as motors, pumps, thermostats
• A high level of mechanical aptitude
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical maintenance practices and occupational safety associated with the operation, treatment and repairs of same
• Ability to read and utilize mechanical and electronic thermometers, multi-meters, pressure gauges
• Basic understanding of electrical systems and service
• Basic understanding of plumbing systems
• Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot and complete advanced level repair service on electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
• Experience with computerized database records or work order system
• Knowledge of maintenance and repair of appliances and equipment used for food preparation, commercial laundry equipment and basic home kitchen appliances
• Organizational and record keeping skills to prioritize and document work
• Basic understanding of DDC controls
• A desire to serve residents, staff and guests in University Housing
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills and exercise a strong sense of priority and time management

Work Schedule will be determined with the selected finalist upon hire. Primary schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm, with an on-call or weekend rotation as required by the department.

Work with a team of dedicated professionals focused on excellent customer service with no sales component. Base hours are all daytime hours with flexible start time. This position may participate in a weekend schedule rotation or scheduled on-call with standby and call back compensation.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Performs scheduled preventative and routine maintenance and documents activity on equipment and systems to ensure optimal and safe operation
• Develops and schedules operational work plans for staff occasionally
• Monitors, tests, maintains, and repairs Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, related equipment, and controls according to established policies and procedures
• Receives, prioritizes, and responds to service requests according to established timelines and policies
• Identifies, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and escalates system problems, equipment malfunctions, and repair needs

Department:

Division of University Housing, University Housing Facilities

University Housing Facilities is a part of the Division of University Housing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and focuses on housekeeping, mechanical maintenance, and long-term infrastructure projects and planning. As a student service organization, University Housing Facilities provides quality living/learning environments to over 8,000 undergraduate student residents during the academic year and 18,000 guests in the summer months. Additionally, Housing Facilities serves the University Apartments community, which is approximately 3,000 residents in 1,240 apartments on 83 acres. The University Apartments Community also includes a large Community Center and a Housing operated licensed early childhood education program.

University Residence Halls consists of 30 buildings containing approximately 2 million square feet and 37 acres of surrounding grounds. In addition to residential living spaces the residence hall infrastructure supports many functions and programs requiring many types of spaces such as classrooms, office space, dining and culinary space including commercial kitchens and marketplace areas, mechanical support spaces and large meeting rooms.

Compensation:

The starting hourly wage is $31.00 or higher based on qualifications and includes a competitive retirement and benefits package, including vacation, holidays, and paid time off. This is a full-time position. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

This position may have a rotating weekend schedule or scheduled on-call with standby and call back compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of commercial maintenance experience
• Experience or training with installing, diagnosing, and repairing HVAC Systems
• Experience or training with testing and monitoring systems for maximum operating efficiency
• Drivers License - A valid driver’s license is required.
• A valid driver's license that meets UW Risk Management Standards is required for some positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• More than 5 years of experience working in a commercial facilities environment performing diagnosis and repairing of building mechanical systems and system components.
• Related experience in a commercial, industrial, hotel, large multi-family, hospital, or similar environment
• On-call experience
• Industrial, technical, or HVAC-related degrees or certifications
• EPA Refrigerant Handling Certification

Education:

High School diploma preferred

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume within the online application system. We are only able to consider completed application materials submitted by the deadline date.

Candidates who apply for this position may be considered for other or future vacancies within this title, including those which may have a different work schedule and/or requirements from this vacancy.

This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial criminal background check to be eligible for employment and then every four years thereafter.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Contact Information:

University Housing Human Resources, hr@housing.wisc.edu, 608-262-2766