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HVAC Operator

HVAC Operator

locationEvansville, IN, USA
PublishedPublished: 12/18/2023
Full Time

Title: HVAC Operator

Division: Finance and Administration

Department: Facility Operations and Planning

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: Grade 11: $23.03/hour

EEO Job Group: 6 E7

Position Summary

The University of Southern Indiana is accepting applications for HVAC Operator.

Understands the functions and means of operation of all building and plant heating, ventilating, air conditioning, lighting, communications, and alarm systems and equipment. Capable of adjusting physical and software components/systems to maintain a comfortable environment in all buildings while minimizing energy use. Makes necessary repairs and perform preventive maintenance in a multi-building complex.

Duties/Responsibilities 

  • Continuously monitors, operates and makes adjustments as necessary to a central computerized energy management and control system to ensure an environment balanced in temperature and humidity, minimizing energy use, throughout a multi building complex.
  • Start, stop, and adjust operations of all on line equipment to include boilers, chillers, air handling units, pumps and ancillary components.
  • Understand and maintain proper water treatment for boiler and chill water systems. Understand the properties of water such as PH, Alkalinity, Acidity, Hardness, Conductivity etc. and what to do to control corrosion and bacteria.
  • Perform preventive maintenance checks and services. Makes repairs as found when possible. Reports other issues on a work request or to management.
  • Read gauges, instruments, and recorders. Understands specified limits of readings and how to react when readings are outside of limits.
  • Perform boiler room operations by understanding and properly maintaining high temperature/high pressure boiler system capable of 400 psi @ 400 degrees and a central chill water system in a safe manner. Make adjustments accordingly.
  • Operate computer-based equipment that controls the building HVAC systems (e.g., Johnson Controls and Trane Tracer Ensemble). Understand and adjust binary and analog inputs and outputs. Analyze equipment performance and make adjustment to discharge air temperatures, mixed air, outdoor air, cooling and heating coils etc., to maintain proper indoor air quality and room comfort.
  • Solder and replace refrigerant lines, drain lines, water supply lines, vent pipes, gas piping etc.
  • Fabricate sheet metal transitions when replacing or installing duct work and new HVAC equipment.
  • Modify existing walls and structures to accommodate replacement equipment. (return grilles, supply registers, duct work, etc.)
  • Read and understand blueprints and symbols when tracking down electrical wiring, duct work, plumbing, etc.
  • Maintain official operating log.
  • Test and treat water in closed loop system. Understands how to treat dependent on readings.
  • Operate central lighting system.
  • Monitor energy consumption.
  • Respond to emergencies.
  • Operate radio and after hours telephone system. Answers calls in absence of Admin Support Staff, or as requested.
  • Fill in for other HVAC Operators when absent.
  • Advise on preventive maintenance measures and on energy conservation methods.
  • Dispatch vehicles and maintain vehicle control logs.
  • Clean and paint power plant.
  • Perform service work on equipment in addition to preventive maintenance. This includes but is not limited to: repairing air conditioning systems in Campus housing including PTACs, split systems and residential style refrigerators; diagnosing and repairing walk-in coolers and freezers, ice machines, or water coolers (drinking fountain); maintaining air handlers, air compressors, air driers, chill and hot water pumps; Air Compressors, Air Driers, Chill and hot water pumps, Various tube bundles that are in equipment across campus, maintain Valves.
  • Ability to work seven (7) days straight.
  • Assist with snow removal and other weather-related events as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Required Knowledge and Skills

  • High school diploma/GED required.
  • One year experience in the maintenance or operation of heating, air conditioning, or temperature control systems or related maintenance experience required.
  • Demonstrated judgment in assessing and responding to emergencies required. Demonstrated good decision-making skills while controlling and operating multi-million-dollar buildings and equipment.
  • Reliability for working with minimum supervision required.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • EPA certification (Level 1 and Level 2 OR Universal) upon hire or must obtain within the first 90 days of employment.


About USI           

The University of Southern Indiana is a public higher education institution located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, IN. We offer employees exceptional benefits! Benefits for this position include:

  • Affordable medical, dental, vision, life and short term and long-term disability insurance plans.
  • Retirement plan where the University makes the total contribution equivalent to 7% of annual salary.
  • Full tuition fee waiver for employees/75% for spouses and dependent children.
  • Accrue up to 10 paid vacation days per fiscal year – accrual increases after 4, 7, and 11 years of service


For more information about the benefits that USI offers, please visit www.usi.edu/hr/benefits.

Application Process

Click “Apply Now!” near the top right of this page to complete an application.



Pre-Employment Screening

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Authorization to Work in the United States

USI will not sponsor an employment-related visa for this position.

Interview Accommodations

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please contact the manager of Employment at mcweinzapf@usi.edu or (812) 464-1840. Contacting the manager of Employment is intended for use in seeking disability-related accommodations only. For general applicant inquiries, contact Human Resources at HumanRes@usi.edu or (812) 464-1815.

EEO Statement

The University of Southern Indiana is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.