HVAC Maintenance Technician in Columbia, Missouri at Stephens College

The HVAC Maintenance Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus facilities by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and installations related primarily to HVAC systems and secondarily to plumbing and other mechanical systems as needed.

This position services academic, residential, administrative, dining, and event spaces across campus while supporting the daily operations and goals of Stephens College. The technician will work independently on assigned tasks, participate in an on-call rotation, and assist during emergencies, campus events, and peak workload periods such as residence hall turnovers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

HVAC Systems

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install HVAC systems including:
  • Boilers
  • Chillers
  • Air handling units (AHUs)
  • Rooftop units (RTUs)
  • Fan coils
  • VAV systems
  • Split systems
  • Heat pumps
• Perform seasonal startup and shutdown procedures.
• Replace filters, belts, motors, bearings, sensors, and other HVAC components.
• Diagnose airflow, temperature control, and system performance issues.
• Perform refrigerant leak checks and manage refrigerants in accordance with EPA guidelines.
• Work with Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and adjust system performance.
• Maintain mechanical rooms and HVAC-related equipment spaces in a clean and organized condition.

Mechanical and Plumbing Support

• Assist with plumbing repairs and maintenance including fixtures, valves, pumps, water heaters, drains, and piping.
• Assist with other mechanical projects as assigned, including boiler systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and campus utilities.
• Respond to water leaks, heating/cooling failures, and emergency maintenance situations.

Work Orders and Documentation

• Complete preventive and corrective maintenance work orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Record labor, materials used, and equipment notes in the work order system.
• Provide job estimates and submit purchase requests when required.
• Communicate equipment concerns, deficiencies, and unsafe conditions to supervisors.

General Facilities Support

• Assist with residence hall turnovers and campus projects during peak operational periods.
• Support campus events, moves, shutdowns, and emergency operations as needed.
• Coordinate and communicate professionally with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and vendors.
• Maintain positive working relationships with team members across all Facilities Departments.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and campus safety procedures including:
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Ladder safety
  • Fall protection
  • Refrigerant handling
• Properly operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, lifts, meters, and shop equipment.
• Report and/or correct unsafe conditions when identified.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Support the mission and goals of Stephens College.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of HVAC controls and mechanical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and technical documentation.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, gauges, and diagnostic equipment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Basic computer skills including email and work order systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA 608 Certification (required or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• HVAC certification, journeyman license, or technical/trade school training preferred.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (Trane, Johnson Controls, Siemens, etc.) preferred.
• Experience in commercial, institutional, or campus facilities maintenance preferred.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical/trade school or apprenticeship training preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of HVAC or mechanical maintenance experience preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

Work is performed in classrooms, residence halls, mechanical rooms, rooftops, crawlspaces, offices, dining facilities, and outdoor campus environments with exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

This position requires:

• Frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting up to 100 pounds.
• Occasional work in confined spaces and at elevated heights.
• Participation in an on-call rotation and after-hours emergency response.

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s degrees and certificates for working professionals, and is home to the co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).