Environmental Systems Mechanic II

Position Title:

Environmental Systems Mechanic II

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Six years of experience in temperature and computerized building environmental automation systems, refrigeration or air conditioning work, including apprenticeship, or has two years of experience in computerized building environmental automation systems and meets the minimum eligibility requirements of ESM I; or four years experience in above plus Journeyman’s license; and
• Has refrigeration certificate of at least type 2.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.
• Prefer 2 years of college/trade school.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of a Journeyman HVAC or Environmental Control Systems license
Commercial HVAC experience

Job Description:

Iowa State University is hiring an Environmental Systems Mechanic II to help maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems across student housing. This is a full-time, steady position offering a variety of hands-on HVAC work—from preventative maintenance to troubleshooting and repairs — across residence halls and apartments on campus. You'll work independently and as part of a skilled trades team to keep air systems running safely and efficiently. As part of our team you’ll have the chance to work on a wide range of systems and spaces, giving variety to your day while knowing what to expect from your schedule.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On-call: Rotating schedule assigned in advance; includes 3-hour minimum compensation if called back to work.

What you’ll do:

• Maintain and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment

• Calibrate controls, thermostats, and electronic components

• Troubleshoot and balance air systems and steam traps

• Perform preventative maintenance and complete daily work orders

• Respond to HVAC-related emergencies and resolve issues promptly

• Support overall system efficiency and long-term reliability

Why work with the Department of Residence:
At Iowa State, the Department of Residence supports over 10,000 students across a variety of housing options—from traditional residence halls to apartment complexes. Iowa State offers competitive wages and a full benefits package — paid time off, retirement programs, tuition assistance. and health and dental insurance starting your first day!

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all listed duties under Environmental Systems Mechanic I.

• Installs and maintains environmental systems equipment and components such as air conditioning equipment, chillers, condensers, pumps, fume hoods, autoclaves, environmental chambers, scientific equipment, cascade cooling units, process water systems, compressors and other pneumatic and computerized controls. Installs and maintains cooling tower equipment, plate-frame heat exchangers, cooling water treatment equipment, heating systems (all fuel types) to include boilers, unit heaters, furnaces, radiant heating, heat pump systems (geothermal and air source), variable frequency drives, and other emerging technology equipment/systems.

• Tests and evaluates performance of systems using specialized equipment, repairs or replaces defective valves, thermostats, sensor and other parts in both pneumatic and computerized building environmental automation systems.

• Operates computerized building environmental automation systems that control heating and cooling systems.

• Performs continuous commissioning and retro commissioning of various types of environmental equipment to assure these systems are meeting energy optimization efficiency goals, operating to desired baselines, and are meeting the expectations of the customer.

• Utilizes energy monitoring devices and test equipment to establish predictive type maintenance repairs that extend the life of systems and eliminate out of service conditions.

• Provides functional guidance and training to apprentices, replacements, students and other personnel as required.

• Other duties as assigned by appropriate department or administrative personnel. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of operations, methods, materials, and tools utilized in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration and repair of environmental systems.

• Ability to properly braze refrigeration tubing and connections.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Admini