Under limited supervision, the HVAC&R Mechanic performs 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. Additionally, the HVAC&R Mechanic is responsible for the installation, maintenance, adjustment, and repair of electric, electronic, pneumatic, and digitally controlled BAS (Building Automation System) HVAC devices.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be • Installs, modifies, adjusts, and repairs heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems, including air-handling units, fan coil units, hydronic heating systems, various direct digital control (DDC), and pneumatic controls components. • Troubleshoots, modifies, monitors, and collects data for the BAS (Building Automation System) HVAC devices. • Install, troubleshoot, calibrate, service, repair and maintain direct expansion (DX) HVAC systems and other refrigerated equipment and systems. • Read, interpret and work from blueprints, plans, drawings, and specifications including making rough sketches where needed to facilitate work efforts. • Performs minor-to-major overhauls. • Perform brazing and soldering as necessary to complete work. • Installs electrical conduit, power feeds, and controls for a wide range of systems and various equipment. • Installs network cables and terminations. • Utilizes plans and own knowledge to determine how and where to fabricate, assemble and install sheet metal products such as air ducts, reheat systems, supports and control boxes. • Installs gauges, valves and various types of pipes which may require soldering, brazing, threading and gluing. • Replaces air filters and water filters. • Responds to service requests and diagnoses and troubleshoots system problems. • Observe functioning of equipment to detect hazards, adjust, relocate, and replace as necessary. • Uses computer for communicating, researching parts and specifications, coordinating, documenting work details, and recording time log. • Performs a variety of routine manual duties as required, such as moving supplies, furniture, equipment, removing trash, scrap material, sweeping and mopping, etc. • Provides work direction to lower-level technicians. • Prepare routing reports, schematics, and diagrams in laying out work areas and make estimates of time and materials needed for task. • Performs work in other skilled trades as assigned by management.

What we Require • High school diploma or general education degree (GED). • Training Preferred: • 1 year trade school in HVAC&R • Experience Required: • These abilities normally would be acquired through +5 years of specialized experience in industrial or commercial HVAC&R • Experience Preferred: • 2 years of experience in sheet metal fabrication. • Must possess an EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification. • Computer skills required: Microsoft Office; Project Management Software. • Other skills required: • Demonstrated ability to read construction drawings and documentation. • Certificates, licenses, and registrations required: Must be willing to maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification. • Satisfactory completion of the post-offer physical required. • Must be able to use ladders to provide access to work areas and work from heights.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $33.50 to $38.50 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

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HVAC/R Mechanic