HVAC Foreman

METCO Engineering Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

METCO Engineering Inc. in Houston seeks an HVAC Foreman to lead on-site installation, maintenance, and startups, directing a crew of 3–12 technicians to complete work safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Read blueprints, oversee ductwork, piping, RTUs, chillers, and related systems; ensure compliance with codes and LEED/ energy mandates. Coordinate with other trades and conduct startups and commissioning as required.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise, coordinate, and assign tasks to HVAC technicians, installers, apprentices, and laborers.
• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, and direction to crew members.
• Monitor crew productivity, workmanship, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks / safety meetings and job site hazard assessments.
• Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, and mechanical schedules.
• Oversee layout, fabrication, installation, and connection of ductwork, piping, refrigeration lines, air handling units, rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, boilers, VAV boxes, fans, pumps, controls, and related accessories.
• Lead installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, medical facilities, schools, industrial facilities, and multi-family projects common in the Houston market.
• Perform or direct system startups, testing, balancing (air and water), commissioning activities, and owner training as required.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control issues on existing HVAC systems (DX, chilled water, package units, split systems, VRF).
• Direct preventive maintenance, seasonal startups/shutdowns, filter changes, belt adjustments, coil cleaning, refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging (EPA 608), and minor repairs.
• Enforce OSHA regulations, safety policies, and site-specific requirements.
• Ensure compliance with mechanical codes and LEED/ energy code mandates.
• Conduct quality inspections and correct deficiencies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site.
• Serve as primary on-site contact for general contractor, engineers, inspectors, and other trades.
• Coordinate HVAC work with other trades to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Attend coordination and progress meetings; report daily progress and material needs to Project Manager.
• Verify receipt and condition of materials; manage tools and company vehicles.
• Request materials and equipment to maintain schedule.
• Complete daily time sheets, work logs, safety reports, and inspection checklists.
• Maintain as-built drawings / red-lines for turnover to client.

Job description

Scope of Work / Primary Responsibilities

The HVAC Foreman shall serve as the on-site supervisory leader for HVAC installation, modification, maintenance, repair, and startup activities. The Foreman is responsible for directing and coordinating the daily activities of an assigned crew (typically 3–12 technicians, apprentices, and helpers) to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, to the specified quality level, and in full compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and project specifications.

Key duties and scope include, but are not limited to:

• Directly supervise, coordinate, and assign tasks to HVAC technicians, installers, apprentices, and laborers.
• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, and direction to crew members.
• Monitor crew productivity, workmanship, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks / safety meetings and job site hazard assessments.

2. Project Execution & Technical Oversight

• Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, and mechanical schedules.
• Oversee layout, fabrication, installation, and connection of ductwork, piping, refrigeration lines, air handling units, rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, boilers, VAV boxes, fans, pumps, controls, and related accessories.
• Lead installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, medical facilities, schools, industrial facilities, and multi-family projects common in the Houston market.
• Perform or direct system startups, testing, balancing (air and water), commissioning activities, and owner training as required.

3. Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control issues on existing HVAC systems (including but not limited to DX systems, chilled water systems, package units, split systems, and variable refrigerant flow systems).
• Direct preventive maintenance, seasonal startups/shutdowns, filter changes, belt adjustments, coil cleaning, refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging (in accordance with EPA Section 608 regulations), and minor repairs.

4. Safety, Compliance & Quality Control

• Enforce strict adherence to OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and site‑specific safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with City of Houston Mechanical Code, International Mechanical Code (as adopted), ASHRAE standards, NFPA requirements, and any project‑specific LEED/ energy code mandates.
• Conduct quality inspections of work in progress and completed installations; correct deficiencies immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site (including proper material storage and waste removal).

5. Coordination & Communication

• Serve as primary on‑site point of contact for general contractor, construction manager, owner representatives, engineers, inspectors, and other trades.
• Coordinate HVAC work with other trades (plumbing, electrical, drywall, roofing, etc.) to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Attend coordination meetings, progress meetings, and punch‑list walkthroughs.
• Report daily progress, manpower utilization, material needs, delays, and change order opportunities to Project Manager / Superintendent.

6. Material & Tool Management

• Verify receipt and condition of delivered materials and equipment; report shortages or damages.
• Manage tools, equipment, and company vehicles assigned to the crew.
• Request materials, tools, and equipment in advance to maintain schedule.
• Complete daily time sheets, work logs, safety reports, and inspection checklists.
• Maintain as‑built drawings / red‑lines for turnover to client.
• Assist with warranty documentation and follow‑up service coordination.

Typical Project Environment (Houston‑Specific Considerations)

• Work frequently occurs in hot, humid outdoor conditions (rooftop installations common) and confined indoor spaces.
• Exposure to commercial retrofit work in occupied buildings (hospitals, offices, schools) requiring coordination around business hours and infection control protocols when applicable.
• Familiarity with high‑volume RTU replacements, VRF systems, and energy recovery systems prevalent in the Houston market.