Master Refrigeration Plant Operator, Days

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Master Refrigeration Plant Operator at our Hyde Park Location. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

As a Refrigeration Technician at UChicago Medicine, you will oversee the operation and maintenance of the Central Refrigeration Plant systems across our facilities. Your responsibilities will include repairing and maintaining building utility systems and appliances, fabricating and assembling refrigeration system components, and interpreting building blueprints to determine the layout of circuits, ducts, and piping. You will perform on-site repairs or replace components as needed, as well as conduct maintenance work in the central shop. In the absence of the Manager, Skilled Trades, you will assign tasks within the workgroup and ensure timely completion of duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates the chiller plant to optimize the efficient production of cooling for the medical center. 
• Maintains the central plant chilling equipment to promote efficient operations, minimize down time and maximize the equipment’s useful life. Observes operation of chiller plant systems and associated equipment/ components to detect potential failures and identify causes of malfunctions.
• In the absence of the Manager, Skilled Trades, assigns tasks within workgroup to continue UCM standards of care.
• Performs maintenance on chillers, cooling towers, service fan motors, and belts. Blows down and cleans cooling tower sumps, strainers, header, trees, and nozzles. Replaces and installs pipe and check valves in water feed systems, strainer/water filters/piping, fittings and steam traps. Cleans chiller tubes, and controls during the off-season, to ensure work is performed safely and industry best practices are implemented.
• Dismantles, inspects and replaces pumps, bearings, seals and other related parts. Collects and tests samples of chiller plant systems to determine if proper levels of acidity, causticity, and alkalinity are maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and procedures.
• Maintains HVAC electrical components (circuits, wiring, starters, relays, and motors) and mechanical components (compressors, valves, pumps, condensers). Performs removals, replacements and repairing defective or worn parts; cleans and lubricates components. Calibrates and adjusts electrical control devices such as thermostats, humidistats, aquastats, modulating valves, relays, and controllers.
• Maintains the water treatment system effectively to control freezing, organic growth, rust, scaling and dirt etc.
• Using hand tools, powered tools, and welding equipment, fabricates and assembles components of central refrigeration systems according to blueprints or schematic drawings and knowledge for operations of refrigeration systems.
• Performs welding including Arc, Gas, HeliArc and spot welding. 
• Adjusts and repairs central air compressors.
• Requisitions materials and supplies as needed in the absence of Master Refrigeration Plant Operator.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent.
• Successful completion of recognized apprentice program as Building engineer or equivalent progressive experience in building repair and maintenance.
• Five years of experience with large refrigeration equipment systems including five years maintaining district cooling plant.
• Working knowledge of district cooling systems and equipment including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, ancillary equipment, and control strategies.
• Experience in welding with qualifications for certification.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and communicate with others by writing.
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of power and hand equipment used on the job.
• Must be able to work from ladders and scaffolds.
• Must be physically capable of performing the work expected in an efficient manner.
• Must have knowledge of safety rules, practices and equipment.  
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and work with other people.
• Must be capable of strenuous physical activity.
• Previous experience directing group work assignments is preferred.
• EPA Refrigerant License (Universal)

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full-time (1.0) ; 8-hour shifts
• Shift: 7:00am - 3:30pm, Sunday - Thursday
• Unit/Department - Facilities
• CBA Code: 73 SEIU
• No Visa Sponsorship Available

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.