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HVAC Mechanic

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

University Housing covers 1.2 million square feet. What size and types of HVAC systems have you worked on, such as boilers, chillers or air handlers?

What they are checking: Whether their experience matches the scale of a large residential housing system.

Tell me about a time you found a recurring problem and fixed the root cause instead of patching it again.

What they are checking: Whether they think beyond the immediate call to reduce future breakdowns.

What would you do

You need to enter a student's room to fix a unit. How do you handle it respectfully?

What they are checking: Whether they respect residents' privacy and follow entry procedures in a living space.

This position is mainly 2nd shift with one weekend day. What does a 2nd-shift HVAC mechanic need to handle without a supervisor nearby?

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and make sound calls when managers have gone home.

A fix needs a part you don't have, and the building will be cold overnight. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find temporary safe solutions and communicate clearly with residents and supervisors.

About the work

A resident reports no heat in their room in January. Walk me through how you troubleshoot it.

What they are checking: Whether they work systematically from the room level back to the central system.

How do you approach preventive maintenance on air handlers and fan coil units in residence halls?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that scheduled maintenance prevents emergencies in buildings where people live.

What experience do you have with building automation systems, and how do you use them to diagnose problems?

What they are checking: Whether they can use controls data rather than relying only on hands-on inspection.

What refrigerant handling certification do you hold, and how do you handle refrigerant recovery?

What they are checking: Whether they follow EPA refrigerant rules, which are legal requirements for this work.

How do you practice lockout tagout and other safety steps around electrical and mechanical equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they follow safety procedures every time, not only when someone is watching.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: HVAC Mechanic Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: HVAC Mechanic Job Duties: The HVAC Mechanic positions are critical to the overall success of the University Housing mission. UWM University Housing’s mission is to enhance community members’ cultural understanding, leadership skills, academic success, social connections, and social responsibility by creating safe, comfortable, and well-maintained living learning environments that inspire growth and development for over 4,300 residents and 5,000 guests each year. The positions will work for the Facilities Unit for University Housing. The unit is in charge of the upkeep of 1.2 million square feet of residential and retail space. The areas are comprised of Maintenance (which takes mechanical infrastructure, electronics, paint, and elevators) and Custodial which keeps our buildings clean and in tip top condition. The unit also facilitates our capital improvements and long-term project planning. University Housing is currently hiring positions for 2nd shift. There may be availability for 1st shift work, but the main hours we are looking to fill are 2nd shift and 1 weekend day per week. During training, hours may vary between 1st and 2nd shift. The positions will be responsible for providing maintenance repair work within the buildings of Sandburg Halls, Kenilworth Apartments, Riverview, and Cambridge Commons. Under general supervision of the Building & Grounds Supervisor, the positions are responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, adjusting, and modifying mechanical and HVAC equipment specifically within the residence halls. The positions are responsible for reexamining our HVAC standards, practices and usages for University Housing, trouble shooting of building mechanical problems, and identifying, correcting, reporting and communicating building operational and maintenance needs. This role also requires performing repairs on equipment, performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on equipment, and ensuring satisfactory operation of building systems to meet the programmatic and energy conservation needs and objectives of the building. The METASYS, Carrier i-vu, InnCom and traditional mechanical controls are used to effectively balance the strict tolerances including temperature, humidity, and air quality of the environment inside the buildings. The incumbent should maintain a positive relationship with co-workers, residents, tenants, and guests of the Housing Facilities, and be able to accomplish tasks independently as well as working as part of a team. Key Job Responsibilities: • Monitors, tests, maintains, and repairs Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, related equipment, and controls according to established policies and procedures • Develops and schedules operational work plans for staff occasionally • Receives, prioritizes, and responds to service requests according to established timelines and policies • Identifies, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and escalates system problems, equipment malfunctions, and repair needs • Performs scheduled preventative and routine maintenance and documents activity on equipment and systems to ensure optimal and safe operation Job Qualifications And Additional Details For Job Posting Department: University Housing Compensation: $28.85/hr Required Qualifications • Professional experience in the HVAC trade and/or commercial experience with boilers, chillers, furnaces, and air handlers • Ability to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction (e.g., within confined areas; extreme temperature ranges; in hot noisy, dirty and/or dust-filled areas; at heights in excess of 30 feet, etc) • Proficiency in common business productivity software and applications (e.g., MS Office suite, email, internet, etc) • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that may require nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by operational need • Ability and desire to perform a wide range of HVAC and Maintenance type work in a residential facility (i.e. simple to complex mechanical problems arise (blown circuit breakers, steam leaks, no heat, flooding toilets) • Be able to pass written and behind the wheel forklift training within first 90 days. • Ability to meet listed physical requirements Preferred Qualifications: • Associate degree or higher from a 2-year college or tech school with a certificate in HVAC and/or similar applicable training as received in a military service school • Facility Operating Engineer – 3rd Class License • Experience with computerized climate control systems • Carpentry experience • Plumbing experience • Electrical experience • Professional experience in a 365/24/7 operation performing HVAC and/or maintenance responsibilities PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Ability to climb ladders or steps to access equipment • Must have sufficient vision to read directions, diagrams, and to adjust equipment • Must be able to lift and carry items weighing over 60 pounds • Must not be affected by heights or closed areas • Must have sufficient physical dexterity to work on, under, and around equipment • Must have the ability to bend, reach, and kneel • Must be able to stand for long periods of time Education : HS Diploma Required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred How to Apply : Interested applicants are required to apply online and submit a resume and cover letter that addresses how their experience meets the qualifications of the position. PLEASE NOTE: resumes and cover letters will need to be uploaded to the same area in the application. In instances where the Search and Screen is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Contact Information: Kayla Schamerhorn, kmvail@uwm.edu Student Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre-Employment screenings on the selected candidate for this role. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. This is an Evergreen recruitment with an initial review date of 09/10/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 09/09/2026. Applications submitted after 09/10/2026 may not be reviewed. Reasonable Accommodations Pursuant to university policy , UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/ , or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy. Employment Authorization In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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