HVAC Controls Technician

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 57,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave and retirement plans

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a HVAC Controls Technician to maintain and operate building HVAC and building automation controls, with emphasis on pneumatic and direct digital control systems.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid NC driver’s license, and EPA Universal Refrigerant certification within the first year. It is a full-time, on-site position in Chapel Hill, NC with a 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; or demonstrable trade competencies.
• Ability to obtain EPA Universal Refrigerant certification within the first year of employment.
• Must possess a valid NC Driver's License prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate building HVAC and energy management controls; focus on building automation systems.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and replace control components for HVAC fans, pumps, and related equipment.
• Ensure indoor air quality and building conditions meet program needs while optimizing energy use.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department: Bldg Svcs-EMCS-Controls-245501

Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 10/29/2026

Application Deadline: 11/09/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title: Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd - Advanced

Salary Grade Equivalent: NC12 / GN10

Working Title: HVAC Controls Technician

Position Number: 00033483, 00033224

Vacancy ID: P021523

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $57,095 - $74,402

Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

About the University

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Organizational Unit Purpose

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 300 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, Life Safety Services, and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. The HVAC and Energy Management Controls systems shops are responsible for the maintenance of HVAC and building automation control systems. The shops' mission is to ensure that buildings are maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements, that building conditions are adequate for the program needs of the occupants, equipment, and research being conducted therein; and to ensure that space conditions are kept within the state and university energy policy guidelines, unless exemptions have been granted based on special needs in accordance with the policy guidelines.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $5,639 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,819.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $2,819.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This recruitment is for two (2) Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd position(s). By applying, you will be considered for both positions: 00033483, 00033224.

This position, which is assigned to the EMCS/HVAC Control Shop, ensures the proper maintenance and operation of building HVAC and associated systems with emphasis on Building Automation controls in the pneumatic and direct digital arena. It troubleshoots, repairs/replaces all related control components for HVAC fans, pumps and associated equipment with personal safety in mind and minimizing damage to equipment and property as a primary concern. Operates HVAC systems within their design standards in as much of an efficient manner as possible while maintaining indoor air quality and adequate building conditions for the program needs of the occupants, the equipment and research within that facility.

Must possess a valid NC Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one prior to start date. Ability to obtain EPA Universal Refrigerant certification within the first year of employment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Management Preferences

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to operate as an HVAC Controls/first responder technician in developing, coordinating and executing various HVAC maintenance strategies for new and existing buildings as well as construction strategies in renovation projects.
• Ability to operate building control devices within the design sequence of the systems for proper utilization and energy efficient operation and at times recommend software improvements to others.
• Understand the theory and have good working knowledge of pneumatic systems, direct digital control systems, electrical control systems, hydronic systems, air side systems, refrigeration and steam systems as well as load calculations, air distribution, indoor air quality, and energy.
• Ability to use air and water balance devices, design and repair pneumatic, electronic, and electro-mechanical controlled devices, sensors, flow and pressure regulators; and understand front end graphical user interfaces and how controls are implemented in buildings.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Must possess a valid NC Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one prior to start date. Ability to obtain EPA Universal Refrigerant certification within the first year of employment.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to climb ladders to roofs, ceilings or catwalks and crawl over walls to repair valves, dampers and associated operators, wiring, conduit and related equipment to HVAC units; crawl under buildings to trace out electrical problems; transport components possibly up a ladder and onto a roof or isolated area; and carry necessary tools and equipment to job site for use and installation.

Ability to report to work in support of mandatory University operations even when adverse weather or other emergency events, including a public health emergency, may require the University to close.

Ability to provide after hours and holiday call-back support for HVAC related outages and issues.

Possible BSL3 laboratory entry.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver's License, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

This recruitment is for two (2) Facility MaintTech-MechTrd positions. By applying, you will be considered for both positions: 00033483 & 00033224.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327864

Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.