HVAC Mechanic
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Seattle, WA, 98101
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 43.09-43.09 HOUR
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Install, calibrate, inspect, balance, service, repair, and maintain electronic and pneumatic controls for HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) systems. Test equipment to ensure it is installed and functioning according to manufacturer specifications.
Install, service, test, and repair hospital and commercial refrigeration equipment, compressors, air conditioning systems (including heat pumps), and ventilation systems. Lubricate motors and moving parts, repair components or wiring, check and adjust A/C refrigeration levels, and replace malfunctioning parts. Monitor and adjust building heating and air conditioning using automated control systems.
Troubleshoot and test to diagnose malfunctions or breakdowns in assigned equipment. Remove, repair, or replace faulty parts, retest systems, and make necessary adjustments to restore proper operation. Reassemble repaired systems.
Perform scheduled, predictive, corrective, and preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment and related components essential to HVAC system operation. Set up and follow preventive maintenance schedules, determine necessary parts, and plan equipment shutdowns for repair, including chill water, heating water, and condensation pumps. Ensure all maintenance work meets organizational standards.
Conduct routine rounds to monitor the hospital’s HVAC-R systems, including equipment temperatures and pressures, while identifying mechanical system issues. Diagnose electrical and mechanical malfunctions and perform skilled repairs. Escalate unresolved or complex issues to the appropriate party as needed.
Replace, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment such as damaged or worn heating, ventilation, and A/C components. Follow diagrams, sketches, operation manuals, and manufacturer specifications using hand and power tools. Replace defective breaker controls, thermostats, switches, fuses, and wiring using electrician tools and testing equipment.
Operate and maintain testing instruments such as manometers, airflow and liquid flow meters, volt meters, ammeters, and potentiometers. Record work performed and track supplies used. Utilize tools including drill presses, grinders, bandsaws, hand drills, welding equipment, soldering guns, small hand tools, and other specialized apparatus.
Estimate and order materials and supplies needed for equipment installation, service, and repair. Maintain records of parts and materials ordered for service and repair.
Respond to trouble calls, customer complaints, equipment failures, and work requests. Maintain records required by City, State, and EPA regulations, including refrigerant transition and recovery documentation. Update service and preventive maintenance logs and related automated systems.
Monitor pressure and vacuum gauges and adjust controls for proper operation. Start units and ensure correct cut-in and cut-out for refrigeration, air conditioning, humidifiers, heaters, air cleaners, and circulating pumps.
Assist in preparing bid specifications for building repairs, modifications, and maintenance of specialized equipment.
Job Requirements
Education/Work Experience Requirements
Successful completion of a recognized HVAC-R technical/apprenticeship training program and four years of related HVAC-R work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Work experience in a large industrial or healthcare facility is preferred.
Licensure/Certification
- Washington State Journey (06) Electrician certificate or equivalent per RCW 19.28.191
- EPA Section 608 (Clean Air Act) Technician Certification.
- Certified to use Freon
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state. CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region. Virginia Mason Medical Center, was recognized among the Best Hospitals in Washington state by U.S. News & World Report. CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the regions most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
Seattle's HVAC mechanic scene is quite active due to its booming healthcare and commercial sectors. Demand for skilled HVAC technicians remains strong, especially for those with certifications like EPA Section 608 and Washington State electrician credentials. Candidates with hospital facility experience often find an edge in local hiring.
Beyond the typical EPA Section 608 certification, Seattle employers highly value a Washington State Journeyman Electrician Certificate due to regional regulations. Also, licensure aligning with state RCW 19.28.191 can significantly enhance job prospects, particularly for positions servicing healthcare facilities.
In a hospital setting, HVAC mechanics often deal with critical system uptime demands, requiring precise calibration and rapid troubleshooting of refrigeration and ventilation components. Balancing patient safety with maintenance schedules and adhering to strict regulatory standards are ongoing complexities unique to healthcare HVAC roles.
Expertise in electronic and pneumatic control systems, along with hands-on experience with hospital refrigeration and air conditioning units, differentiates top HVAC mechanics. Ability to use specialized tools for diagnostics and a strong grasp of preventive maintenance protocols tailored to medical facilities also stands out.
Catholic Health Initiatives values HVAC mechanics as essential contributors to patient safety by ensuring optimal environmental control. Their technicians collaborate closely with medical teams to maintain systems that support infection control, comfort, and operational reliability across multiple Seattle healthcare sites.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, HVAC mechanics operate within a healthcare-focused framework requiring stringent compliance with health and safety protocols. Unlike typical commercial roles, technicians here manage specialized medical refrigeration equipment and maintain systems critical to patient care environments.
HVAC mechanics in Seattle generally earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, with healthcare facility roles like those at Catholic Health Initiatives often offering salaries toward the higher end. Factors such as certifications, experience level, and specialized skills in hospital systems influence compensation.
Completing an HVAC apprenticeship is immensely beneficial in Seattle, providing hands-on experience and knowledge critical for navigating complex systems common in large healthcare facilities. Apprenticeships also enhance eligibility for certifications that are highly sought after by local employers.
Familiarity with instruments like manometers, airflow meters, ammeters, and specialized electrical testers is essential. Additionally, skills in using welding equipment and soldering guns for mechanical repairs, plus competence in digital control system diagnostics, are crucial for hospital HVAC maintenance.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives supports career advancement by offering access to ongoing training, certification support, and pathways into technical leadership roles. HVAC mechanics can deepen expertise in medical facility systems and potentially transition into supervisory or specialist positions within the integrated health network.