Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.
Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking dedicated individual to fill a full-time Building Technician – HVAC/R position for the Reno campus. Entry level applicants who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply!
Perform preventative/emergency maintenance on all associated HVAC/R equipment; change air filters, bearing lubrication, belt replacement, equipment inspections, chiller tube bundle cleaning, compressor/condenser repair and installations, etc.
Perform light plumbing preventative/emergency maintenance including, but not limited to, faucet repair, mixing valve replacement, water heater replacement, clearing drains, and replacing flush valves.
Respond to work orders assigned by the for temperature, leaks, smells, repairs, etc.
HVAC Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and calibration of laboratory fume hoods
Diagnose/Troubleshoot equipment failures, make repairs, and test system functionality using common HVACR meters, analyzers and equipment.
Perform maintenance on a wide variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including recycling refrigerant, replacing pipes & valves, replacement of compressors, brazing, soldering, replacing motors, programing VFDs, actuators and controls work.
Monitor the campus building HVAC system using the Building Automation System (BAS), aka Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, and diagnose issues while performing the duties of the operator.
Modifying existing mechanical systems
Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts to maintain department fiscal accountability.
Other duties as assigned. May include, but is not limited to providing general assistance to department personnel, faculty and staff; provide for building safety and security as well as inspect and maintain emergency systems for the buildings and physical plant.
Mechanical systems include chillers, cooling towers, air handlers, furnaces, boilers, fan coil units, compressors, heat pumps, VAV boxes, walk in freezers and refrigerators, and related mechanical/electrical equipment such as variable frequency drives, motors, pumps and fans.
This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies. As a Building Technician, the incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.
In addition, the Building Technician – HVAC/R will be working in a team environment and will participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed. Examples include remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and/or experimental setups. Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to HVAC/R systems, as well as other duties as assigned.
High school diploma or equivalent
Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of buildings, facilities, and equipment OR Successful completion of trade school, technical coursework or equivalent combination of experience and education.
EPA 608 Universal Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months
Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics and maintenance manuals
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Knowledge of construction safety standards and ability to strictly enforce all safety protocols
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff
Experience working within a team environment
Associate’s Degree in HVAC/R or similar from an accredited institution
Facilities maintenance experience in a large hospital, laboratory, educational or institutional facility
Hands-on experience in a variety of building trades, including plumbing, and electrical
Knowledge of controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC), preferably with Tridium Niagara, Delta, or other.
Obtain Niagara 4 Technical Certification for building automation system within 1-years of hire. This is a DRI paid training.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Ability to perform physical tasks, such as: lifting and moving objects in excess of 50 lbs.; digging, excavating, planting, and pulling wire; climbing ladders and working at heights up to 30 ft; frequently stooping, bending, kneeling; exposure to dust, fumes, pollutants, chemicals, and construction materials.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license
Regular work hours for this position are 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may vary during the week. Long and irregular hours may be required on occasion.
This position is required to be on-call (on a rotating basis) to respond to after-hours emergencies.
This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 34 with a salary range of $60,611 – $78,406 and is commensurate with education and experience.
DRI offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 19.25% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits. Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI's Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings, totaling over 364,000 square feet, spread across 47 acres of land. These campuses house over 40 specialized labs, administrative, and educational spaces. The Facilities Department operates and maintains central utility systems (backup generators, UPS, boilers, chillers, air handlers, DI water, and building automation systems) and provides in-house laboratory modification, renovation, and construction services to the site. In addition, DRI operates and maintains several renewable energy systems including solar hot water and a 2.1 MW photovoltaic system.
Our Mission
To support the institute through stewardship of infrastructure and properties; to manage energy usage on campus; and to provide whatever services the institute and its faculty need to support their mission.
Our Vision
To be an innovative team that is recognized and respected for fostering a high-quality, lasting environment
Our Values
We exceed expectations
We do the right thing – not the easy thing
We are committed to continuous improvement
We validate and incorporate new and effective technologies
We treat every member of the institute with courtesy, dignity, and respect
Exempt
NoFull-Time Equivalent
100.0%Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section of your application in Workday:
1. A cover letter detailing your experience and career goals;
2. A current resume;
3. Contact information for three professional/work-related references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.
Qualified individuals who meet all qualifications and requirements are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0150855” in the search box.
For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email jobs@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.
Posting Close Date
03/31/2026Note to Applicant
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.
Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).
All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.