HVAC Technician

About Us: The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The HVAC Technician position operates freon, carbon dioxide, or glycol based chilled water cooling systems to refrigerate areas of the Museum or refrigeration units within the Museum; respond to calls for system or room temperature problems; diagnose and repair cooling and heating systems including mechanical and electrical pumps, drives, motors and valves, and make set point adjustments to Building Automation System through the Andover control programs.

This is a 40-hour/week, union-represented position (IBEW, AFL-CIO, Local #134) with regular hours and occasional overtime.

Responsibilities:

• Thoroughly inspecting all the systems to detect defects and malfunctions.
• Conduct regular maintenances and service of HVAC systems and maintaining a cycle record.
• Procuring spare parts for replacement and filing necessary documentation for the same.
• Following all standard operating procedures of the Museum.
• Meet deadlines and efficiently completing all tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Complying with all safety norms and regulations for repairing of the systems.
• Appropriately handling testing tools and equipment.
• Coordinating work functions with fellow workers.
• Opens valves on equipment such as compressors, pumps, and condensers to prepare system for operation and starts equipment and auxiliary machinery.
• Observes temperature, pressure and ampere readings on log sheet at specified intervals.
• Record temperature, pressure, and ampere readings for system and equipment and adjust controls or overrides automatic controls to obtain specified operation of equipment.
• Connect hose from supply tank to compressor to replace coolant while knowing and understand proper pressure readers from attached gauges.
• Make periodic inspection of equipment and systems to observe operating condition and need for repair adjustment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all refrigeration/cooling systems.
• Adjust controls to isolate and clear broken lines for repair or shuts down equipment.
• Repack pumps and compressors, cleans condensers, and replaces worn or defective parts.
• Conform to federal rules and regulations associated with specific coolants per EPA requirements.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school a plus or three (3) years’ experience with corporate/commercial cooling, refrigeration and HVAC systems.
• A City of Chicago Stationary Engineers license is a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of cooling, refrigeration and HVAC systems and the software that controls them, as well as the ability to detect technical defects malfunctions and other faults is required.
• Sound understanding of using all types of repair tools.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or on a team by collaborating and coordinating on projects.
• Tenacity and ability to “think on your feet” in stressful situations.
• Ability to manage a wide variety of projects/demands at one time with quality execution and a timely and safe delivery.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Provide an accident-free learning environment for our visitors and a safe and healthy work environment for our employees by complying with all pertinent and applicable safety regulations that support the Museum’s Safety and Health Program.

Our DEAI Mission

The Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.