Director, HVAC Systems

Breaking Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Breaking Ground in New York City seeks a Director, HVAC Systems to lead the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC across its portfolio. This field‑oriented role requires hands‑on oversight and technical leadership for on-site teams, ensuring safe, efficient operation and regulatory compliance.

You will supervise preventive maintenance, energy‑efficiency initiatives, and capital projects, and manage contractors from planning through completion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of field HVAC maintenance, service, installation or operations experience.
• Ability to explain and train staff on preventive maintenance and troubleshooting HVAC issues.
• FDNY certs and fitness certificates are required as listed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC systems across Breaking Ground’s portfolio.
• Lead preventive maintenance programs and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Manage HVAC projects from planning through completion and evaluate contractors.
• Ensure compliance with local codes and safety regulations.
• Train and mentor maintenance staff and provide technical support.

Skills

HVAC maintenance

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

BMS experience

Communication skills

Education

FDNY accredited HVAC Trade School Certificate

Q-01 FDNY Certificate of Fitness

EPA-608 Universal certification

OSHA 40 Hour SST

F60 Certificate of Fitness

G60 Certificate of Fitness

Tools

BMS

Job description

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with wraparound services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, Facilities Operations, theDirector, HVAC Systems oversees the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems across Breaking Ground’s portfolio. The Director provides technical leadership and operational support to on-site maintenance teams while ensuring that all heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Director oversees preventive maintenance programs, vendor performance, major repair and replacement projects, energy efficiency initiatives, and HVAC-related capital planning for various Asset Management Units.

This is a field-oriented position, with approximately 75% of time spent at properties and project sites throughout New York City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inspect Breaking Ground’s facilities for deficiencies and perform or coordinate the remediation of such deficiencies
• Develop and implement HVAC maintenance standards across the portfolio
• Visit building sites to monitor and adjust HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable environment to ensure proper and optimal performance
• Perform and document regular maintenance checks on existing HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance and efficiency
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs
• Monitor and document preventative maintenance activities and address deficiencies
• Ensure compliance with local building codes and safety regulations related to HVAC installation and maintenance
• Train, mentor, and provide technical support to buildings’ maintenance staff regarding HVAC systems, equipment, and operational procedures
• Manage HVAC maintenance projects from planning through completion
• Select, manage, and evaluate HVAC contractors and service providers
• Review scopes of work, proposals, and contracts for system repairs and upgrades; provide documented recommendations and action plans
• Support Facilities Operations department with non-HVAC maintenance issues as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive hands‑on, field‑oriented, HVAC maintenance, service, installation, or operations experience
• Ability to explain and train staff to perform simple, preventive maintenance and trouble shoot common HVAC issues
• FDNY accredited HVAC Trade School Certificate required
• Q-01 FDNY Certificate of Fitness required
• EPA-608 Universal certification required
• OSHA 40 Hour SST (Site Safety Training) certification required
• F60 Certificate of Fitness (Fire Guard for Torch Operations) required
• G60 Certificate of Fitness (To use torch and flammable gases) required
• Proficient in reading schematics and work plans
• Ability to read blueprints, diagrams, shop drawings, schematics, and sequence of operations
• Experience using a Building Management System (BMS) strongly preferred
• Ability to consistently manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams; experienced using work order system
• Valid NY or NJ driver’s license with a good driving record, as defined by Breaking Ground, is a condition of employment
• Reliable and self‑motivated
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills