Job Location: Denver, CO 80204, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $30.00 - $32.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Skilled Labor - Trades, Job purpose
As an HVAC Specialist at Cornerstone, you'll play a vital role in the maintenance and reliability of mechanical systems across our 300-property, 7,000-unit portfolio. This hands-on, field based position focuses on expert level HVAC service including boiler and hydronic heating systems as well as air conditioning, swamp coolers, and chiller systems — across our scattered site model, with plumbing service as a secondary but essential part of the role. You will be the go to technician for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining core systems that directly impact our residents comfort and safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
HVAC Maintenance and Repair
- Troubleshoot and service HVAC units, steam and hydronic boilers, and forced air heating systems to maintain proper climate control and tenant comfort.
- Diagnose, repair, and maintain cooling systems including window and split air conditioning units, evaporative (swamp) coolers, and chiller systems.
- Diagnose and repair complex mechanical system issues across a wide range of building ages and configurations.
- Conduct preventative maintenance — including seasonal changeover, refrigerant checks, and swamp cooler winterization/spring start-up — to prolong the life of HVAC, boiler, and cooling systems and reduce emergency calls.
Plumbing Maintenance and Repair (Secondary)
- Diagnose and repair plumbing issues including leaks, clogs, and drainage problems across kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas.
- Install or replace water heaters, faucets, sinks, toilets, and other fixtures.
Field Service & Customer Interaction
- Respond quickly to work orders and system-related emergencies across multiple residential properties.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents and internal teams about service needs and expectations.
- Deliver high-quality work with minimal disruption to tenant living conditions.
Inspections & Reporting
- Conduct scheduled inspections of HVAC, boiler, cooling, and plumbing systems, noting signs of wear, inefficiency, or code violations.
- Submit clear reports and service documentation through our internal systems.
- Make repair and replacement recommendations based on property condition and risk factors.
Compliance & Safety
- Follow all applicable local, state, and national HVAC and plumbing codes, including proper refrigerant handling and EPA 608 requirements where applicable.
- Maintain job site safety protocols, including safe handling of hazardous materials.
- Uphold Cornerstone's internal safety policies and reporting standards.
Collaboration & Inventory
- Coordinate with Portfolio Managers, Regional Managers, Maintenance teams, and vendors to streamline service.
- Assist with sourcing and inventory tracking of necessary parts and tools.
Team Responsiveness
HVAC issues can happen outside of business hours, especially during extreme weather. While this position does not carry a formal on-call schedule or rotation, the specialist is expected to remain reasonably accessible by phone outside normal hours to help triage urgent situations or step in during staffing gaps.
Qualifications:
Education
High school diploma or GED required. Formal trade school, HVAC, or plumbing apprenticeship preferred.
Experience
5-7 years of hands-on HVAC experience, ideally in a residential or multifamily setting, with strong working knowledge of steam and hydronic boiler systems as well as cooling systems (A/C, swamp coolers, chillers). Plumbing service experience is strongly preferred.
Licensing
Valid driver's license required. HVAC certification is strongly preferred (EPA 608 certification a plus); plumbing certification a plus.
Skills & Strengths
- Deep understanding of complex HVAC systems: steam boilers, hydronic boilers, forced air
- Solid working knowledge of cooling systems: air conditioning units, evaporative (swamp) coolers, chillers, and related refrigerant handling
- Solid understanding of plumbing systems spanning building vintages from the 1890s to today
- Strong troubleshooting, repair, and diagnostic abilities
- Ability to produce cost estimates
- Clear communicator with excellent time management
- Able to work independently in a mobile environment
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 75+ lbs and work in confined spaces
- Comfortable navigating ladders, rooftops, and various building conditions
- Willingness to work in various weather conditions throughout the year
Compensation Package
- $30.00 - 32.00 per hour plus commissions and overtime opportunities
- 2 weeks of Paid Time Off to start, accrued in your first year, Sick Leave, and Parental Leave
- 9 Paid Holidays, including your birthday
- 401k - 100% vested after 90 days, up to a 4% match of gross salary
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (90% paid by Cornerstone), Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, and Life Insurance
- Cell phone
- Use of company vehicle (after probationary period)