If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Department
Facilities Management
Job Description
Job Summary
Under the direction of the facilities manager, mechanical trades or designee, safely operate, repair and maintain the HVAC/R systems for the college.
*This position works Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-3pm*
Job Responsibilities
- The operator is responsible for the operations, servicing and maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and control systems.
- Servicing and maintenance including, but is not limited to, the installation, set-up, calibration, troubleshooting, upgrading, monitoring and repairing a wide variety of HVAC/R equipment and control systems in all campus facilities.
- This includes the daily monitoring and operation of a microprocessor-based energy management system and a 4,000-ton chiller plant, which includes both mechanical and absorption chillers.
- Program changes in the energy management system as required.
- Inspect, test, lubricate, clean, adjust and replace parts (such as fan belts, bearings, couplings, etc.) and repair and adjust varied types of mechanical-electrical equipment (such as fans, motors, pumps, compressors, filters, engines, generators, refrigeration equipment and controls, etc.) on a regular schedule or as assigned.
- Service, operate and monitor building ventilation, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems to control temperature and humidity within the buildings.
- Service, operate and monitor swimming pool pumps, water treatment and filters.
- Record necessary operating information, maintain preventive maintenance records and service records on all pieces of equipment.
- Maintain metering equipment, log associated data and analyze systems to maintain accurate records.
- Ensure specified temperature, humidity levels and control points are being maintained efficiently and at the desired levels. Report more serious issues to manager.
- Maintain areas surrounding mechanical equipment, keeping them clean and free from dirt, grease and oil, and in safe operating condition.
- Replace, install or maintain all safety devices on equipment.
- Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices at all times.
- Be responsible for reading and recording the data of various types of energy metering devices such as electric, gas, steam and condensate meters.
- Participate in training sessions related to technical and personal performance and apply training to improve system operation.
- Assist in analyzing existing systems and their schematics to suggest operating improvements.
- Drive college vehicles as assigned.
- Responsible for cleaning vehicles, inspecting for damage and performing visual check prior to using. Reporting any issues discovered to the supervisor immediately.
- Report all necessary maintenance and repair items via the work order system.
- Clean and maintain a neat and orderly work area.
- Remove ice and snow and perform sanding as assigned.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have a valid driver’s license and furnish own transportation as required to carry out college work. A mileage allowance is provided, per the union contract. Must complete and comply with all college driving credentialing requirements. Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.
- A Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license, desired
- Certified Pool Operators license, preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire.
- OSHA 10 or 30-hour certification may be required
- Must be proficient in the operation of automated control systems.
- Must be able to safely lift and carry up to fifty pounds regularly and up to ninety pounds occasionally.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders and work in very warm/cold and cramped spaces for extended periods of time.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email, finance, payroll and calendar systems as well as the work order system.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
Minimum Education/Experience:
- High school/vocational diploma, GED equivalent or combination of education and experience.
- An associates degree in engineering or related field is preferred.
- Equivalent work experience will be considered as a substitute for such a
- degree.
- Additional technical training in the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, DDC controls and related fields is required.
- Must have a minimum of five years of field experience in the maintenance, servicing, installation, set-up, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of all HVAC/R equipment and controls and thoroughly understand the interaction of such equipment with all related HVAC systems.
- Familiar with ALC and Alerton systems.
- Working knowledge of absorption and centrifugal and screw chillers, preferred.
- Must be familiar with variable refrigerant flow HVAC technology.
- A Massachusetts State Refrigeration Technicians license, desired.
- Ability to obtain pool license, if requested.
Skills:
- Must be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of all parts, terms, schematic drawings, tools and equipment, design, servicing, maintenance and operation of HVAC/R and DDC control systems.
- Must possess ability to safely operate, maintain and repair all college related plant systems and equipment, including, but not limited to chillers, air handling units, distribution systems, A/C units, controls, etc.
- Must not be allergic to chemicals and materials normally used in the HVAC/R or pool maintenance operation.
- Must be capable of wearing respiratory masks and other PPE as required for the job.
- Ability to perform routine welding and machinist work is desirable.
- Must demonstrate strong communication skills including oral and written and electronic.
- Commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance.
- Must have knowledge of OSHA regulations for the safety of the college employees, its users and property.
- Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
- Must demonstrate understanding of chemicals used, including but not limited to reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Must possess knowledge of all safety regulations applicable to work performed.
- Perform duties and responsibilities with a view toward department and college, including, but not limited to energy conservation.
- Must have ability to operate and maintain all hand and power tools as required by position.
- Must possess ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches and other specifications as well as plan work procedures.
- Must have excellent customer service skills and have noted ability to work well with staff, students and all members of the college community.
- Must possess strong commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance.
- Must have a clear understanding of the union contract and all college policies.
- Ability to use good judgment to take appropriate independent action to carry out the primary functions of the job.
- Must be proficient in working with lift systems, ladders, scaffolding and safety harnesses, etc.
Compensation
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $31.15. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.
Position Type
Regular
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Review of applications will begin
June 2, 2026
About Smith College
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
