HVAC Technician

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906 WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16293 students and nearly 2612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students faculty and staff to become effective scholars contributors and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville KY WKUs main campus is in Bowling Green KY - a city with approximately 70000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKUs strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays vacation and sick leave and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at Description:

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision of the Manager of Plant Operations the HVAC Technician performs skilled work at the experienced trade level in the maintenance and repair of refrigeration air conditioning heating and air handling equipment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Testing electrical circuits or components for continuity using electrical test equipment
• Testing pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks
• Installs/repairs control valves motors actuators and associated air handler equipment
• Troubleshoots and dismantles malfunctioning system components using electrical mechanical and pneumatic testing equipment
• Repairs and replaces defective equipment components or wiring
• Installs connects and adjusts thermostats humidistats and timers
• Inspects and tests systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions
• Adjusts valves according to specifications and charges system with proper type of refrigerant
• Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks
• Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming
• Maintains campus air handling equipment chillers and ice machines
• Maintains refrigerant records and associated documentation

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains excellent communication/customer service with Building Coordinators and all other DFM Supervisors
• Communicates bi-laterally with other supervisors within DFM to coordinate work activities between groups
• Performs other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success

• Mechanical & operational knowledge of all machines & tools related to HVAC equipment
• Troubleshooting skills to determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it
• Skill to repair machines or systems using the needed tools
• Skill to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Active listening skills by giving full attention to what other people are saying taking time to understand the points being made asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself and make improvements or take corrective action
• Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively
• Ability to manage ones own time both efficiently and productively
• Being reliable responsible dependable and able to fulfill obligations
• Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
• Ability to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations
• Good organizational communication and interpersonal skills required
• Basic computer skills to access/send emails and perform data entry into the maintenance work order system
• Possess basic computer skills familiar with web/internet navigation and willingness to learn and utilize new technology based products as applicable
• Adhere to all University policies and regulations

Physical Abilities Required

• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor which includes heavy lifting carrying up to 50 lbs. as well as standing walking reaching carrying stooping and kneeling
• Installation skills for installing equipment machines wiring or programs to meet specifications
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Must be able to wear protective eye wear gloves ear wear and top of head during work times for ones safety as the task dictates.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• One year of experience in commercial HVAC service and repair OR relevant education below may be substituted for experience
• Must meet one of the following:
  • Taken and passed the HVAC Journeymans test and is currently enrolled and close to completion of a 1-2 year program of instruction for refrigeration and air conditioning at an accredited vocational/technical school
  • Successfully completed a 1-2 year program of instruction for refrigeration and air conditioning at an accredited vocational/technical school
  • Possess a current KY Journeyman HVAC license
• Current EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification
• Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky drivers license

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Revised 1992 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race color ethnicity national origin creed religion political belief sex sexual orientation gender identity/expression marital status age uniformed services veteran status genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation report a complaint or ask questions regarding WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040) please contact Ms. Ena Demir Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at or by phone at . Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the Universitys response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKUs website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: information related to job postings please email .

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:

• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.