Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) - Facilities & Services

University of Illinois

Urbana, IL

Pay: $56/hr

Shift: Full time

**Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) - Facilities & Services**

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Utilities and Energy Services

Job Summary

Install, repair, and maintain air conditioners, refrigeration, and chiller equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots and performs needed repairs on air conditioning, chiller, and chiller plant equipment.
• Services air conditions units ranging from window and fractional horse compressors to 5,500 ton units.
• Services refrigeration machinery ranging from ice machines to scientific lab equipment.
• Installs new air conditioners, refrigeration systems, and equipment.
• Assists and trains apprentices.
• Complies with safe working procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

1. Employee may be required to work in kneeling or stooping positions or at heights, depths, and in confined areas with proper safety equipment.

2. Employee may be required to bend, climb, lift, squat, and stretch to reach.

3. Work environment contains chemicals, toxins, dirt, dust, heat, cold, and moving machinery parts.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

1. The job of the refrigeration mechanics that operate and maintain the plants is a complex task including many unpredictable and off normal encounters.

2. Plants operate twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

3. Work assignments within this work unit focused on continuous production of chilled water and the chilled water utility distribution system. Accomplishment of the work provides continuity for the environment of the major buildings and of reliable utility service to the campus. These roles are critical to the campus mission of support for instruction and research activities.

4. The Chilled Water Production Refrigeration Mechanics may deal directly with all members of UA-Utilities, departmental persons, all members of the F & S Division, occupants of the buildings, and all members of the campus community. Communication must be factual, polite, clear, concise, and professional at all times and under all circumstances. Communication shall be face to face, by telephone, by two-way radio, by cell phone, or by display pager.

5. Position receives work assignments from the Foreperson.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A. Certificate of completion of Pipetrade apprenticeship under a registered Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training program.

OR

B. Experience sufficient to qualify as a journeyman Pipefitter or other Pipetrade classification with a minimum of five (5) years (60 months) of actual work in the trade, which may have included apprenticeship and/or applicable vocational training. The trade for this purpose shall include work normally performed by Pipefitters, Pipefitter Welders, Refrigeration Mechanics, Temperature Control Mechanics, Sprinkler Fitters, and/or Oil Burner Mechanics.

Preferred Qualifications

Current CFC certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic math skills.
• Ability to interpret diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Thorough knowledge of, and skill in repair of, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Working knowledge of technical equipment.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Journeyman level skills in the mechanics of refrigeration.
• Ability to communicate and sufficient knowledge of trade to assist and train apprentices.
• Working knowledge of safety procedures.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3309 - Pipefitter (Refrigeration Mechanic) position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/23/2026. Salary rate for this position is $56.26 per hour.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm, **November 11th, 2026**. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Syed A. Arshad at sarshad4@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — **every staff member helps shape what’s next**. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant co