HVAC Technician

General Summary

The Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician performs skilled work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across the district. This role applies advanced knowledge of the refrigeration cycle to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair complex systems, including large-scale commercial units, chillers, and boilers.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled craft-mechanical work on HVAC and refrigeration systems in various repair, maintenance, and service tasks for the school district.
• Install, maintain, and service HVAC and refrigeration components, controls, and systems, including but not limited to air handlers, condensers, evaporators, pumps, and associated piping.
• Service or replace components such as screens, filters, switches, controllers, sensors, lines, pressure gauges, and valves to ensure optimal system performance.
• Set, adjust, and calibrate equipment components, such as conductivity controllers, sensors, and scales, to maintain efficient and safe operation.
• Perform preventive maintenance according to established schedules; monitor system performance to identify potential problems and address them proactively.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, ordinances, and building and safety standards related to HVAC, and refrigeration.
• Respond to emergency or critical incidents involving HVAC or related systems to confine, resolve, and/or prevent hazardous conditions.
• Complete and maintain work orders, purchase requests, and related documentation; maintain accurate daily logs and records for assigned systems and equipment.
• Supports district operations during inclement weather by assisting with snow and ice removal, clearing debris, and performing related tasks to maintain safe access to school facilities and grounds.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant technologies, equipment, and best practices; participate in district-supported training to sustain skills at the level required for the position.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of information maintained as part of job responsibilities.

Advanced Technical Responsibilities

• System Diagnostics: Apply advanced understanding of the refrigeration cycle, including subcooling and superheat calculations, to evaluate system efficiency and troubleshoot complex compressor, metering device, and control issues.
• Refrigerant Management: Perform refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging in strict compliance with EPA regulations and district procedures, ensuring zero intentional atmospheric release.
• Leak Detection & Repair: Conduct thorough leak detection on commercial and industrial-sized units and perform mechanical, brazed, or soldered repairs to restore system integrity.
• Chiller/Boiler Oversight (where applicable): Monitor, maintain, and service high-capacity chillers and boilers, ensuring safe and efficient operation and smooth seasonal start-up and shutdown.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical resource for the district, advising and supporting maintenance staff and other trades on complex thermal comfort and HVAC system issues.

Entry-level Requirements

• Education/Training: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of an HVAC training program, trade school, or formal apprenticeship in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial or institutional HVAC and refrigeration systems; school or public-sector experience preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses: Requires EPA Section 608 Technician Certification in refrigerant handling and recovery when assigned to air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Indiana drivers license.
• Additional Industry Certifications: Experience with Building Management System (BMS) preferred. Additional industry certifications such as NATE, HVAC Excellence, manufacturer-specific training, or OSHA safety training related to HVAC and mechanical systems may be considered.
• Demonstrated Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in system diagnostics, including use of subcooling and superheat calculations, leak detection methods, and the interpretation of pressures and temperatures on HVAC systems.

Non-essential Functions

Performs related duties as directed.

Physical Requirements

• Tasks involve medium to heavy physical effort typical of PreK12 facilities work, including climbing ladders, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasional crawling in mechanical or confined spaces.
• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and equipment up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally heavier items with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment.
• The employee must be able to walk and stand for extended periods while moving between and within school facilities.
• Sensory Requirements: Tasks require the ability to see clearly at close and distant range, distinguish colors and shades when working with wiring, indicators, and system components, and detect depth when navigating ladders, platforms, and mechanical spaces.
• The position requires the ability to hear and distinguish a variety of sounds, including alarms, equipment operation, and spoken communication in noisy environments.
• Reading gauges, digital displays, and written/electronic instructions is essential.

Environmental Factors

• Tasks are performed in both indoor school environments and mechanical or outdoor settings, with regular exposure to temperature extremes, noise from equipment, dust, and occasional wet or humid conditions.
• The position may involve intermittent exposure to vibrations, electrical currents, cleaning and maintenance chemicals, and other hazardous materials, with required use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to district safety protocols.