Senior HVAC Technician

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

About the role

Uncommon Schools is seeking a Senior HVAC Technician to join the charter network’s New Jersey Facilities team. This position provides an opportunity for an experienced HVAC technician with at least seven years' relevant experience to work with a dedicated facilities group, deepen technical skills, and help ensure that Uncommon provides well-maintained, comfortable, and safe educational facilities for our students and staff.

Uncommon’s portfolio in New Jersey comprises buildings constructed from the early 1900s through the early 2020s, operating HVAC systems dating from 1966 to recent years. As ambient comfort is essential to a productive learning and teaching environment, the impact of this individual’s attentiveness will be felt and deeply appreciated across the region.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Facilities Management Team, the Senior HVAC Technician will perform all technical work necessary to inspect, maintain, repair, and modify HVAC systems in our buildings. The successful candidate will conduct minor HVAC projects, manage larger ones, and ensure they are completed on time and within budget. The Senior HVAC Technician will partner with senior Facilities team members and outside consultants on planning, coordination, and supervision of mechanical construction and repair activities, mentor junior staff, and handle all HVAC-related communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose problems with HVAC systems, evaluate solutions to remedy issues, and provide sound recommendations to supervisors in emergency situations.
• Take immediate steps to contain problems and restore systems to sound working condition in emergency situations.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders to apprise them of steps being taken to address issues.
• Troubleshoot and repair all HVAC system types currently available in the market.
• Maintain records of corrective and preventive work assignments received through an automated work order system (currently SchoolDude, soon ZenDesk).
• Assist onsite Facilities Managers and General Maintenance Workers with work projects or special assignments.
• Respond to campus emergency calls after hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of the National Standard HVAC Code and other applicable building codes.
• Perform all facets of the HVAC trade in accordance with codes and in a safe and effective manner.
• Manage and supervise outside vendors on mechanical construction and repair activities, ensuring project timelines and quality control standards are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree equivalent or seven plus (7+) years of experience in the HVAC field.
• Evidence of progressive responsibility and experience in the HVAC field, with four plus (4+) years as head technician.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with key building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing).
• Familiarity with OSHA and other Life Safety codes.
• Computer skills necessary to operate BMS systems.
• Facility with Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and electronically with facilities staff, school staff, and vendors.
• Available to work nights and weekends when necessary.
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities.
• New Jersey low pressure black seal boiler, HVAC, or other certificate, training, or licenses a plus.
• Current EPA card enabling technician to dispense refrigerants.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle.
• Strong capacity to operate independently.

Qualifications

• Significant journeyman-level HVAC experience along with the trade knowledge to effectively understand and perform all facets of the HVAC trade in accordance with the National Standard Plumbing Code and other applicable codes.
• Strong background in commercial heating projects large and small, including hot water boilers and gas furnaces.
• Ability to read as-built plans for all buildings in the portfolio.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, submittals, cut sheets, layouts, technical manuals, schematic drawings, and other HVAC-related trade documents.
• Advanced knowledge of BMS systems and system operations.
• Ability to procure replacement parts as needed to make all necessary repairs.
• Ability to properly and safely use the tools of the trade and carry out all tasks expected of a Senior HVAC Technician.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair refrigerant-driven cooling and heating equipment (heat pump systems).
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair water-driven heating and cooling equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair water or glycol pump systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and service chillers and cooling towers.
• Ability to change filters and belts and clean coils as needed to ensure proper functioning of units.
• Ability to troubleshoot and implement recommended repair/replacement of:
  • Gas valves
  • Economizer motors and dampers
  • Compressors and contactors
  • Dampers
  • Chilled water and hot water pumps
  • Glycol injection units
• Ability to evacuate and top-off units with refrigerant.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or walk for up to two hours at one time, up to eight hours per day.
• Sit for fewer than two hours during an eight-hour day.
• Lift or carry up to 35 pounds frequently and 100 pounds occasionally.
• Lift up to 100 pounds to waist height and up to 35 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead.
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, or pulling.
• Occasionally climb stairs or ladders, dig, or pull with forces up to 100 pounds.
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, knee stand, lift overhead, reach overhead, push, or pull.
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Possess the ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.

Mission Alignment

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the schools’ rules, regulations, and safety procedures.
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture.
• Create high accountability for oneself as well as for building staff and vendors.

Pay

Compensation for this role is between $43/hr to $50/hr. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• Regional staff will have the same holidays and sustainability days as school-based staff in their region, and flexible summer PTO.
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• Financial planning.
• New Jersey Pension program.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.

A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.