Refrigeration Mechanic

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Facilities Project Supervisor HVAC, the Refrigeration Mechanic works independently or as a team member to perform the full range of skilled journey level air conditioning and refrigeration work including install, troubleshoot, calibrate, service, repair and maintain refrigeration and HVAC systems, equipment, instruments and controls using electrical, electronic, pneumatic or digitally controlled systems; oil, clean, adjust, overhaul, and repair motors, condensers, compressors, oil and vacuum pumps, and similar equipment; perform major overhauls involving disassembly and inspection of all parts, replacement of defective and worn parts, reassembly of equipment instruments and/or controls, and the testing of equipment to ensure proper functioning; locate and diagnose malfunctions using a wide variety of test equipment and instruments; analyze the efficiency of campus refrigeration and air conditioning systems and recommend action for improvement; respond to service requests; diagnose problems in the distribution of air to individual rooms and buildings and make necessary adjustments; use building automation system to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in HVAC and refrigeration systems; maintain inventory and records; order parts and supplies; and train and provide work direction to skilled and semi-skilled workers. The incumbent uses a computerized maintenance system to ensure the preventive maintenance program objectives are met and also provides instruction and direction to unskilled or semi-skilled assistants.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform journey-level installation, troubleshooting, calibration, service, repair, and maintenance of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Overhaul, clean, lubricate, adjust, and repair motors, condensers, compressors, pumps, and similar equipment.
• Diagnose malfunctions using test equipment; analyze and improve system efficiency.
• Respond to service requests and resolve air distribution/temperature issues.
• Use building automation systems for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Plan layouts for new or remodeled installations; estimate cost, time, and materials
• Inspect work for compliance with codes and safety regulations.
• Perform preventive maintenance, welding, brazing, and soldering.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and document work in computerized systems.
• Order supplies and maintains shop tools and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, steam, and condensate equipment operation and repair.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, California Safety Orders, and federal/state regulations.
• Ability to maintain EPA certification for compressed refrigerants.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and automated energy management systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair a wide range of HVAC and refrigeration systems including chillers, boilers, pumps, and air handlers.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to use computerized maintenance management systems and building automation systems.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups.
• Ability to provide training and supervision to assistants.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations and changing priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Journey-level skill equivalent to that acquired through the completion of a refrigeration or air conditioning mechanics apprenticeship program is required.
• Must possess those abilities normally acquired through progressively responsible experience in the installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of building HVAC and refrigeration systems. Universal Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency in the use and disposal of compressed refrigerants required.
• Must possess Universal Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency in the use and disposal of compressed refrigerants
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and driving record that allows for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification indicating completion of an applicable apprenticeship program in the mechanical trades with focus on air conditioning/refrigeration
• Five years of journey level work experience in the maintenance, repair, or construction of mechanical systems related to air conditioning and refrigeration
• Commercial or university campus experience

Compensation

Classification: Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Mechanic
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,914/month - $8,072/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,998/month - $8,737/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: September 11, 2025 through September 28, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

Tuesday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu .

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: Sep 11 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• Cal State University (CSU) San Jose

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