HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is July 16, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The HVAC&R Mechanic is assigned to the operation and maintenance of industrial, commercial and / or residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, specialized refrigeration systems and other related equipment on campus.

Contributes towards providing a safe, accessible, invitingly clean and comfortable, functionally enriched and well-maintained campus environment. Assists with addressing stewardship responsibilities and promoting long-term sustainability of facilities and infrastructure, maximizing opportunities for efficient delivery of services.

Key Accountabilities

Maintenance and Repair

• Perform inspection, maintenance, including routine, preventive and emergency maintenance, repair and replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems (HVACR equipment), including building automation systems (BAS) and devices, in an organized manner to maintain HVACR equipment in a good state of repair for maximum equipment life and efficiency with minimal downtime:

• Inspecting, servicing, cleaning and maintaining HVACR equipment, including refrigeration, humidification, dehumidification, air make-up, air handling, air-conditioning and heating systems, air makeup units, hydronic systems and boilers (up to and including 10 MBTUH), rooftop HVAC units, heat pumps, split direct expansion systems, cooling towers, heat exchangers, etc.

• Performing regular and preventative maintenance, as well as emergency repairs and/ or replacement to HVACR equipment as required, in an organized manner to minimize downtime

• Performing appropriate diagnostics and analysis to investigate and determine problems and best course of service, reparation, replacement

• Maintaining and servicing food service equipment, including refrigerators and freezers, as well as laboratory equipment, including ultra-low temperature freezers and environmental chambers.

• Inspecting, servicing, repairing and calibrating thermostats, humidistats, pressure switches and safety controls.

• Emptying, purging, leak testing and charging of refrigeration equipment.

• Adjusting burners and controls on packaged rooftop HVAC units.

• Documenting all maintenance and inspection activities as directed by the Supervisor.

Operations

• Monitoring of equipment for proper operation, making adjustments as required to maintain equipment in a good state of repair for maximum equipment life and efficiency with minimal downtime.

• Providing feedback on equipment condition and potential replacement timelines and options.

• Performs facility condition inspections and writes summary reports. Provides assistance to other trades, including internal and external contractor resources. Inspects new installations to ensure compliance with codes and standards. Provides trade/ job instruction as well as work direction to other trades/ classifications as required. May coordinate work among other trades/ classifications.

Installations

• Prepares layout of equipment and services from general information provided on work orders or drawings and produces detailed estimates and schedules necessary to complete project.

• Assisting with design aspects of jobs assigned if or when required to assure safety, functionality, cost, and timeline targets will be met.

• Assists with and coordinates the work of external service contractors / suppliers as requested.

Customer Service

• In conjunction with the Supervisor, coordinates preventive and demand maintenance and discretionary work assignments with clients when requested.

• Assists with the sourcing and requisitioning of materials, supplies and tools and support equipment / services.

Health, Safety and the Environment

• Performs work compliant with and otherwise follows applicable technical, health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations, codes and standards as well as University and departmental policy, procedures and safe work practices, including supervisory instructions.

• Maintains current trade, environmental and health and safety certifications in the areas required to perform the functions of the position.

Other

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and supports departmental activities, including performing work of other classifications within scope of trade practice, level of incumbent’s capability/ competency/ skills, and/or regulatory requirements. May perform work of a lower classification/ pay band.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Minimum of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

• Certified HVACR mechanic possessing a valid, current Provincial Certificates of Qualification (Ontario 313A and Ontario TSSA G1) and current Ozone Depletion Prevention certification (ODP).

• Brazing certificate is an asset.

Experience

• Requires a minimum of five (5) years recent experience as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic. Work experience within major institutional sector(s), such as education, post-secondary education, medical/ hospital, may be preferred.

• Must possess a Provincial Certificate of Apprenticeship (Ontario or approved equivalent).

• Boiler, hydronic system and air make-up unit experience required. Variable refrigerant volume (VRV)/ variable refrigerant flow (VRF) experience would be an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• In-depth working knowledge of:

--> residential, commercial and industrial refrigeration units, roof top HVAC units, environmental chambers and some experience on larger chiller units, including applicable safety regulations, standards and codes.

--> DC and AC electrical power up to 600V, 3-phase, including applicable safety regulations, standards and codes

• Able to install, test, troubleshoot and service refrigeration equipment as well as gas-fired equipment installed as part of integrated HVAC systems.

• Able to prepare reports, maintain accurate service records, read and interpret blueprints, control diagrams and drawings and do material take-offs is required.

• Strong communication, oral and written, organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Safety conscious and service-oriented worker with a positive work attitude and ability to work independently and interdependently within a team.

• Good problem solving skills.

• Computer literate and comfortable with the use of Microsoft Office applications.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.