Commercial HVAC Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Commercial HVAC Technician in Facilities Operations. The role performs preventive maintenance, repairs, and installations to ensure reliable building services across campus.

Responsibilities include diagnosing HVAC systems, coordinating with occupants, and maintaining records. Requires EPA certification, Virginia journeyman license (or ability to obtain), and strong knowledge of building codes. Fully onsite with a 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Several years' experience in commercial/institutional HVAC and mechanical maintenance.
• Ability to diagnose, repair, and service a wide variety of HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of appropriate building codes.
• Ability to read/interpret drawings, plans, specifications and scopes.
• Ability to use a wide variety of hand tools and power equipment.

Responsibilities

• Independently diagnose and repair air handling units, fan coil units, rooftop equipment, heat pumps, cooling towers, chillers, and related components.
• Respond to service work requests; diagnose carpentry, electrical and plumbing issues as needed.
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on pumps, air handling units, and other HVAC equipment.
• Maintain clear records of service and repairs and communicate status to supervisors.
• Provide guidance to junior team members and monitor contractor work for compliance with specs.
• Occasionally cover on-call duties, including after-hours emergencies.

Skills

HVAC maintenance

Diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Reading drawings

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification

Virginia Journeyman HVAC License or ability to obtain within 2 years

Job description

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Unit

Facilities Operations

Department

Facilities Operations

Duties & Responsibilities

VCU’s Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire a Commercial HVAC Technician for Facilities Operations.

The Commercial HVAC Technician

• Utilizes knowledge of the HVAC trade to perform preventive maintenance, repair and installation of building infrastructure ensuring efficient operation of Zone facilities
• Provides exemplary customer service to all faculty, staff and students supporting University’s mission of teaching, high-impact research and creative expression
• Identifies and documents system deficiencies using diagnostic tools and advises management of tasks requiring priority attention
• Provides quality workmanship and service to maximize system availability and minimize unscheduled downtime

Shift/Hours of Work

Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

Responsibilities Include (but Are Not Limited To)

Respond Independently to Service Work

• Independently assign, respond, and complete service work orders requiring diagnosis and repair of air handling units, fan coil units, roof top equipment, heat pumps, cooling towers, chillers, terminal boxes, air compressors, pumps, and other HVAC equipment using specialized knowledge of HVAC theory and practice
• Independently respond to service requests requiring diagnosis and repair of carpentry, electrical and plumbing systems

Preventive Maintenance

• Independently assign, perform, and complete regularly scheduled preventive maintenance to pumps, air handling units, roof top units, heat exchangers, motors, fans, cooling towers, chillers, electronic and pneumatic controls, drain piping, radiators and other HVAC equipment

Communication & Maintenance Records

• Advise supervision and or management by recommending equipment maintenance tasks and identifying equipment needing priority attention
• Communicate orally and in writing with building occupants and supervision regarding work schedules, system problems, estimated completion times and effects of system problems on occupant safety and comfort
• Maintain records of equipment service and repairs

Monitor Work Of Others

• Provide work site guidance and direction to other team members, assuring safe and orderly completion of service requests and projects
• Work with lesser skilled team members in the various techniques of the trades to increase their skill level and ability to work independently
• Use trade knowledge to monitor work of contractors to assure compliance with specifications, codes and drawings

Other Duties As Assigned

• Other duties as assigned
• Work/on-call during inclement weather and emergencies
• Assume on-call responsibility on a rotating basis
• Substitutes for the Superintendent, including time card approval and work site management

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent required
• Several years' experience in commercial/institutional HVAC and mechanical maintenance
• Ability to diagnose, repair, and service a wide variety of HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems, including cooling towers, chillers, VFD's, and large central air handling systems
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to supervisor, other employees and customers
• Knowledge of appropriate building codes
• Ability to read/interpret drawings, plans, specifications and scopes
• Ability to use a wide variety of hand tools and power equipment
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification required
• State of Virginia Journeyman HVAC License required or the ability to obtain within the first two years of employment
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in commercial/institutional HVAC and mechanical maintenance preferred
• HVAC courses I, II, Ill, code classes, basic and advanced training or equivalent combination of experience and trade/craft training

Salary Range

$60,000 - $75,000 + up to $5,000 Sign on Bonus

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite