Lead HVAC Tech

JLL; Sarnia; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Sarnia is seeking a Lead HVAC Technician to ensure reliable operation of HVAC systems across critical industrial facilities. The role blends hands-on technical work with leadership, mentoring technicians, and coordinating maintenance to keep systems running without disruption.

You will act as the primary technical resource for complex troubleshooting, oversee preventive maintenance, and work with the Facilities Manager to prioritize resources while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with accredited HVAC training or apprenticeship.
• 5-7 years of progressive HVAC maintenance and repair, including lead/supervisor experience.
• Valid HVAC/R certification or RACM as required (Red Seal).
• Expert-level mechanical and electrical troubleshooting across HVAC equipment.
• Strong leadership to coach and develop team while managing priorities.
• Knowledge of safety regulations including lockout/tagout and confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily HVAC technician activities, prioritizing work and resources.
• Troubleshoot and repair chillers, boilers, air handlers, and BAS components.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and optimize procedures.
• Respond to equipment failures and emergencies with technical leadership.
• Mentor technicians on maintenance techniques, safety, and diagnostics.
• Coordinate with vendors during major repairs and projects.
• Review work orders in CMMS and ensure proper documentation.
• Interface with Facilities Manager on progress and capital upgrade recommendations.

Skills

HVAC troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Team mentoring

Electrical skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with accredited HVAC training or apprenticeship

Red Seal RACM certification

Tools

CMMS

BAS

Job description

What this job involves

As a Lead HVAC Technician for our industrial client facilities based in Sarnia, you'll serve as the technical expert and team leader responsible for ensuring reliable operation of all HVAC systems across critical industrial facilities. This role combines advanced hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities as you guide and mentor HVAC technicians while coordinating maintenance activities that keep essential systems running without interruption You'll act as the primary technical resource for complex troubleshooting, oversee preventive maintenance programs, coordinate with the Facilities Manager on priorities and resource allocation, and ensure all work meets rigorous safety and quality standards. Your expertise will be critical in responding to emergency situations, making technical decisions under pressure, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance system reliability and efficiency in this demanding industrial environment.

Lead HVAC Technician

What this job involves

As a Lead HVAC Technician for our industrial client facilities based in Sarnia, you'll serve as the technical expert and team leader responsible for ensuring reliable operation of all HVAC systems across critical industrial facilities. This role combines advanced hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities as you guide and mentor HVAC technicians while coordinating maintenance activities that keep essential systems running without interruption You'll act as the primary technical resource for complex troubleshooting, oversee preventive maintenance programs, coordinate with the Facilities Manager on priorities and resource allocation, and ensure all work meets rigorous safety and quality standards. Your expertise will be critical in responding to emergency situations, making technical decisions under pressure, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance system reliability and efficiency in this demanding industrial environment.

What your day-to‑day will look like

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of HVAC technicians including work prioritization, task assignments, and resource allocation to ensure efficient completion of maintenance and repair work
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repairs on complex HVAC systems including chillers, boilers, building automation systems, and industrial process support equipment that require expert-level knowledge
• Oversee the execution of preventive maintenance programs by reviewing work quality, ensuring schedule adherence, and identifying opportunities to optimize maintenance procedures for improved reliability
• Respond to critical equipment failures and emergency situations, providing technical leadership to diagnose issues quickly and coordinate repair efforts that minimize operational impact
• Mentor and train HVAC technicians on proper maintenance techniques, safety procedures, troubleshooting methods, and use of diagnostic tools to build team capabilities and technical competency
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors during major repairs, system installations, or retrofit projects to ensure work meets specifications, timelines, and quality standards
• Review and approve work orders completed by technicians in the CMMS, verify accuracy of documentation, and ensure proper recording of parts usage and labor hours
• Conduct safety observations and participate in hazard assessments, ensuring all team members follow lockout/tagout procedures, confined space protocols, and PPE requirements specific to industrial environments
• Interface regularly with the Facilities Manager on work progress, equipment status, resource needs, and recommendations for capital improvements or system upgrades

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with completion of accredited HVAC technical training program or apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive HVAC maintenance and repair experience with at least 2 years in a lead, foreman, supervisory, or senior technician capacity
• Valid HVAC/R certification or trade license as required: Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM)
• Expert-level mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills across diverse HVAC equipment including chillers, boilers, air handlers, controls, and building automation systems
• Proven leadership experience with ability to coach, mentor, and develop technical team members while managing workload priorities and quality standards
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety regulations including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, working at heights, environmental compliance and industrial safety protocols
• Excellent communication skills with ability to interface effectively with facilities management, technicians, vendors, and client representatives
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and building automation systems (BAS) for work coordination and system monitoring
• Valid driver's license

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as Gas Fitter A
• Experience in oil and gas, petrochemical, or heavy industrial facilities where continuous operations and critical system reliability are paramount
• Background in project coordination or capital improvement work involving HVAC system upgrades, replacements, or expansions
• Knowledge of energy management principles, and participation in facility sustainability or efficiency optimization initiatives
• Technical training in building automation systems, direct digital controls, or specific platforms such as Johnson Controls, Siemens, or Honeywell
• Welding, pipefitting, or millwright skills that complement HVAC expertise and enable broader facility maintenance support

Please note that our client requires that all workers/staff operating at their Sites are required to undergo drug testing (including pre-employment, reasonable cause, and post-incident and random testing) to gain and continue to have access to their Sites and equipment. Please only apply to this position if you are in agreement with this mandatory condition.