HVAC & Refrigeration Engineer Manager at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 523259

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Building Maintenance

Union: PSU

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The HVAC and Refrigeration Engineer Manager will undertake a multifaceted role, bearing key responsibilities geared towards ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our organization's HVAC and refrigeration systems. This pivotal role will be spearheading efforts to align our HVAC and refrigeration systems with cutting-edge technology, sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, all while upholding operational excellence, compliance with industry standards, and the implementation of cost-effective solutions. Leadership will play a vital role in bolstering our team's dedication to meeting campus requirements and optimizing the overall performance of our HVAC and refrigeration infrastructure.

Essential Functions

• Develops and executes strategies to align our HVAC and refrigeration systems with decarbonization and electrification goals, including the integration of heat pumps.


• Leads and mentors a team of HVAC and refrigeration technicians and engineers to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Hires, trains, evaluates and recommends personnel actions.


• Stays updated on the latest advancements in HVAC, refrigeration, and heat pump technology and assess their applicability to the organization's needs.


• Oversees the planning, execution, and completion of HVAC and refrigeration projects, ensuring they are aligned with efficiency objectives and delivered on time and within budget.


• Ensures compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations related to HVAC, refrigeration systems, and sustainability initiatives.


• Manages the budget for HVAC and refrigeration projects, making informed decisions to optimize resource allocation.


• Collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders, including sustainability teams, building managers, and external partners, to drive initiatives related to support efficiency and electrification in HVAC and refrigeration systems.


• Utilizes data-driven insights to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and carbon reduction within HVAC and refrigeration systems.


• Works with the campus direct digital control (DDC) building automation system (BAS) to track equipment operation and performance, rotates equipment for serviceability, analyzes data to predict potential failures and operates building systems and controls the comfort and energy use within the buildings.


• Assures that the correct preventive maintenance tasks and schedules are programmed into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and executed on time.


• Develops and implements quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff. Participates in the selection of maintenance staff; meets with and maintains harmonious relationships with building coordinators and university stakeholders.


• Coordinates with Design & Construction Management (DCM) project managers on all construction and renovation projects. As needed, plans, organizes, and implements small to medium size projects, including budget management.


• Assures that all warranty data is delivered to the Physical Plant and that the information is entered in the CMMS.


• Performs related duties as assigned or as required to meet department, executive area/division, and University goals and objectives.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, and 3 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, installation, and management of systems 100 tons and larger


• OR an Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering and 5 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, installation, and management of systems 100 tons and larger in a supervisor role


• OR 7 to 10 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, installation, and management, specifically in industrial chiller systems with a capacity of 400 tons or larger, in a supervisory role.

Familiarity with heat pump technology and its applications in commercial or institutional settings, including its integration with refrigeration systems.

Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully leading HVAC and refrigeration projects.

Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations in HVAC and refrigeration.

Excellent leadership and team-building abilities.

Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Ability to analyze complex maintenance problems and direct their solution.

Experience in computerized maintenance management systems, databases, and spreadsheet software.

Experience in managing service contracts and small to mid-size mechanical projects/retrofits.

Strong planning and organizational skills and the ability to supervise maintenance personnel.

Must possess and maintain a Universal Refrigerant Certification, as required by state and federal laws.

Must be experienced with the proper use, handling, recovery, and recycling of R22, R134a, and other common refrigerants. Must be able to oversee, supervise, and adhere to appropriate regulations, handling and safety requirements involving the use of refrigerants.

Knowledge and understanding of cooling tower systems including operation, maintenance, cleaning, and repair.

Must be familiar with all aspects of water treatment for chillers, cooling towers, district cooling and closed loop systems.

Ability to read and review construction blueprints for new construction, renovation, and repair of chilled water systems and chiller plants.

Familiarity with lock out / tag out procedures, isolation of energy, and industrial safety related practices.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Professional Engineering (PE) registration


• Five (5) or more years' experience directly related to the operation, maintenance, trouble shooting, and repair of steam driven, steam absorption, electric centrifugal and screw chillers, larger than 400 Tons.


• Experience with large district cooling systems.


• Experience with rigging and lifting of heavy industrial loads.


• Experience with electrical safety and Arc Flash


• Experience with coordination and scheduling of utility outages, include communicating to workers, managers, and customers.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods and under varying climatic conditions.


• Ability to carry heavy objects of at least 50 lbs. as needed


• Ability to climb and work on a ladder as needed

Additional Details

• This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. It is your responsibility to update the service desk with your current phone numbers.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 1st shift


• Must also be willing to work nights, weekends, or irregular hours during campus emergencies or during start-up and commissioning periods.

Salary Information

Level 30

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Apr 29 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 22 2024 Eastern Standard Time

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