HVAC/Preventative Maintenance Technician

Division

Finance and Administration

Department

Facilities - Trades

Work Arrangement type

On-Site (Hamilton, NY) - expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

Hiring Wage/Salary Range

$35.81/hr.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

At least one of the following is required:

• Certificate from an accredited apprentice program in the field of HVAC/R
• Graduation from certified trade school plus one-year work experience as HVAC/R technician.
• Proof of five consecutive years as a Journeyperson working in the field of HVAC\R.

Ability to diagnose complex system issues without guidance required.

Ability to work independently and with a team, and outside contractors required.

Must be available to work evenings, nights and weekend hours as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A combination of additional education and/or experience related to instrumentation and control systems.
• Working proficiency specifically in Schneider Electric EcoStruxure and BACnet.
• Experience working with system sequence of operations, system graphics and configuring & mapping system points.
• A demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems.

Education

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable skills are attained.

Certifications

A current valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

EPA 608 Certification (Universal Refrigerant Technician) is preferred at the time of hire and will be required as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, as well as stoop, bend, reach and climb.
• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to a maximum of 50 pounds.
• Will be required to wear a NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Health & Safety) approved respirator and personal protective equipment, which may include a flame resistant uniform (as defined by NFPA-70E).
• May be exposed to hazards of electrical shock and steam.
• Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions as needed.
• Exposure to heights, high speed power tools.
• Must have the ability to work outside as required.
• Those assigned to second and third shift will be deemed essential personnel under the University's essential personnel policy.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and overtime, as required.
• Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor.
• Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.
• Position requires safety shoes be worn.
• Required to wear a uniform, as provided.

Other Information

Colgate bargaining unit employees must apply by June 16, 2026 to be considered.

Accountabilities

• Maintains and repairs all heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC/R) and refrigeration components on campus as required.
• Conducts layouts for assigned jobs, reads, interprets, provides material labor estimates, orders materials, and translates prints into a finished product.
• Maintains accurate records of materials used and time spent on assignments.
• Maintains a working knowledge and stays current on operations of new systems such as HVAC/R, fire alarms, electrical motors, chemical treatment and filtration of swimming pools, chillers, water softening equipment, and refrigeration systems.
• Must use and strengthen knowledge in Building Automation systems for use in daily monitoring and troubleshooting. Attends training related to such systems.
• Work independently, as well as collegially and effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, visitors and contractors on a daily basis.
• Coordinate work with other trade shops and departments.
• Proficient use of personal computers for work order entries (material & labor needs) and campus energy management system to monitor building conditions.
• Maintains accurate records of materials used and time spent on assignments.
• Provide service, repairs, and preventive maintenance procedures to HVAC/R control systems including controllers, networks and peripheral devices.
• Review and understand project plans and specifications to accomplish project goals and objectives.
• Conducts layouts for assigned jobs, reads, interprets, provides material labor estimates, orders materials, and translates prints into a finished product.
• Maintain sensors, thermostats, controllers, valves, actuators, and other HVAC/R control related equipment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of HVAC systems such as electrical motors, chillers, and refrigeration systems.

Work Schedule

The typical shift, subject to change based on the needs of the University, for this position is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This position is responsible for providing coverage for second- and third-shift operations during extended employee absences. In addition, occasional schedule adjustments may be required, including remaining on duty until 3:30 p.m. to support operational needs.