Pipe/Mechanical Trades I

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions." Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder. MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays State pension plan (PERA) Parental Leave Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members Life and Disability Insurance Professional growth and training opportunities Access to technology and equipment Colorado State Employee Assistance Program Access to a world-class recreation center Interaction with an international population and cultural events Keep Campus Operations Running at Their Best Facilities Management is seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Pipe Mechanic Trades I to join our HVAC Service and Operations team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the mechanical systems that support classrooms, research facilities, offices, and campus infrastructure. Whether you already have HVAC and mechanical maintenance experience or you're looking to build your skills in a stable, supportive environment, this role offers hands-on training, exposure to a wide variety of equipment, and opportunities for career advancement. The ideal candidate enjoys troubleshooting, working with their hands, learning new technologies, and taking pride in ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Why Join Our Team? Four-day work week (Monday through Thursday) Opportunities for internal training and professional development Exposure to a diverse range of HVAC and mechanical systems Collaborative and supportive team environment Opportunities to advance into higher-level HVAC and Facilities Management positions Meaningful work supporting students, faculty, staff, and campus research activities Position Summary Under general supervision, the Pipe Mechanic Trades I position performs preventative, predictive, proactive, and reactive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems across campus. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining equipment reliability, improving system performance, identifying emerging issues before failures occur, and supporting campus operations through responsive maintenance services. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Preventative Maintenance (75%) Perform routine HVAC and mechanical preventative maintenance activities, including: Changing air filters and worn belts Lubricating bearings and moving components Cleaning drain pans, condensate drain lines, and pump housings Cleaning coils and strainers Verifying proper airflow and water flow through equipment Adjusting motor and pump alignments Performing minor repairs identified during inspections Monitoring equipment condition and identifying abnormal vibrations, noise, or wear Supporting campus water treatment programs, including testing and chemical handling Maintaining clean mechanical rooms and equipment spaces Accurately documenting maintenance activities, inspections, deficiencies, and repairs Predictive Maintenance (10%) Assist with equipment condition monitoring activities, including: Motor amperage testing Temperature monitoring of motors and bearings Vibration analysis Refrigeration system performance checks, including superheat and subcooling measurements Lubrication analysis Recording and analyzing equipment trends to identify potential failures before they occur Proactive Maintenance (10%) Support long-term equipment reliability through: Root cause analysis of equipment failures Identifying recurring maintenance issues Evaluating equipment performance trends Recommending corrective actions and preventative strategies Communicating findings to supervisors and operations staff Maintaining detailed records and maintenance histories Participating in special assignments and departmental initiatives as needed Reactive Maintenance (5%) Assist Operations personnel with: Equipment repairs Motor failures Hot and cold comfort calls Alarm response Equipment resets Glycol system issues General maintenance and housekeeping activities Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Technical Skills Mechanical troubleshooting Preventative maintenance practices Equipment inspection and diagnostics Basic HVAC system knowledge Recordkeeping and documentation Professional Skills Strong communication skills Attention to detail Customer service orientation Adaptability Problem-solving ability Team collaboration Work Environment This position works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and may be exposed to: Mechanical rooms Utility spaces Construction and maintenance areas Varying temperatures and weather conditions Mechanical and electrical equipment Work may require standing, walking, climbing ladders, lifting materials and tools, bending, reaching, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout the shift. What Success Looks Like Successful em