Position Summary

Are you a skilled HVAC professional with a passion for precision and reliability? San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanic to support our mission through expert-level maintenance, repair, and installation of complex HVAC and refrigeration systems. This is an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic campus environment while working alongside a dedicated facilities team.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Maintenance & Repair: Perform service, repair, and installation of HVAC and refrigeration systems and components.
• Diagnostics & Troubleshooting: Use tools to assess issues and ensure optimal system performance.
• Preventive Maintenance: Deliver proactive maintenance to support campus safety and system longevity.
• Emergency Response: Respond to urgent HVAC issues to protect safety and operations.
• Project Completion: Accurately track time and materials; complete tasks on schedule.
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols and contribute to a clean, hazard-free work environment.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively and maintain respectful working relationships campus-wide.

Why Join Us?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Support a vibrant university community through your technical expertise.
• Team Environment: Join a collaborative and mission-aligned facilities team.
• Diverse & Inclusive Community: Work in an environment that values equity, inclusion, and respect.
• Professional Growth: Access training and development to enhance your skills.
• Stability & Benefits: Enjoy competitive CSU benefits and long-term career stability.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university.  Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding the Refrigeration Shop in the Facilities Services department, click here.

Education and Experience

Knowledge: Work requires thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of major types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and of the materials, equipment and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of such equipment; and working knowledge of electrical voltage, plumbing refrigeration, electrical and plumbing codes, thermodynamics and automated energy/environmental management systems. 

Abilities: In addition to the abilities required of a Building Service Engineer, the Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanic must be able to use judgment and discretion in determining the methods and priorities of work orders; perform skilled electrical and plumbing work; diagnose and repair major malfunctions in the complex multi-zone air conditioning systems; devise and control air distribution efficiently with maximum comfort; and diagnose and repair the full range of refrigeration equipment including centrifugal and absorber equipment and/or screw, scroll and reciprocating refrigeration equipment. 

Experience: These abilities normally would be acquired through progressively responsible experience in the installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems involving modulatory and safety controls, thermostats, humidifiers and duct stats as well as one year of experience in the installation and repair of central multi-zone air conditioning systems. In addition, journey-level skill equivalent to that acquired through the completion of a refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic’s apprenticeship program is required. 

Key Qualifications

• Ability to analyze, respond appropriately to emergency situations and to recognize, secure and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Diagnose and repair major malfunctions in the complex multi-zone air conditioning systems.
• Diagnose and repair the full range of refrigeration equipment including centrifugal and absorber equipment and/or screw, scroll and reciprocating refrigeration equipment. 
• Associate’s degree and/or NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, journey-level experience is preferred in all phases of HVAC/R work, including the installation, maintenance, and repair of air-conditioning systems with capacities of 10 tons or greater, and HVAC systems in multi-story buildings.
• Knowledge of latest equipment and methods recommended for proper and expeditious work practices.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting central plant systems, including chilled water plants and cooling towers.
• Familiarity with thermal energy storage (TES) systems, including control logic and operational strategies.
• Understanding of hydronic distribution systems, pumps, and associated control valves.
• Familiarity working with building automation systems (BAS/DDC) for campus-wide HVAC coordination.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.
• Valid Certification in the proper handling and use of refrigerants, as required by federal EPA regulations.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. 

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $71,976 - $104,844 per year (Step 1 - Step 20); Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 13 ($91,272) for highly qualified candidates. Future increases, including step advancement, are subject to contract negotiations.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 30, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu