HVAC Operator in Charge ($7,500 Sign on Bonus | Rotating Shift)

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia; On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Pension / Retirement plans

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking an HVAC Operator in Charge at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The role ensures safe, efficient operation of HVAC equipment, monitors system readings, responds to alarms, troubleshoots, restarts equipment, and performs routine maintenance shifts.

The position requires extensive HVAC experience, ability to work independently, analyze data, and coordinate with supervisors.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in the repair and maintenance of HVAC systems and equipment.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, take action, or direct the actions of others to maintain or restore service.
• Ability to analyze data and information, including interpreting schematics, diagrams, and manuals to troubleshoot and isolate system malfunctions.

Responsibilities

• Receives and investigates after-hours trouble calls and takes appropriate actions.
• Records readings of meters and gauges on boilers, chillers, and control panels.
• Restarts boilers and chillers after power outages.
• Trains new employees and performs rounds to ensure HVAC equipment operates properly.

Job description

Compensation Grade: T20 Salary Range: $37.46-$48.69 Opening Date: October 16, 2026 Closing Date: October 31, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an HVAC Operator in Charge, you will ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of HVAC equipment by making technical and practical decisions during the shift. You will monitor system readings, respond to trouble calls and alarms, troubleshoot and restart equipment, make routine rounds, and perform minor repairs. Coordinates the resolution of utility system issues, advise supervisors of major malfunctions, support maintenance. Performs related functions. Serves in the Air conditioning Division in the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or the Utilities Division in the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and investigates all after-business-hours trouble calls and takes appropriate actions.
• Records reading of meters and gauges on high-pressure boilers, chillers, thermo ice-storage machines (IAD), and control panels.
• Adjusts controls as needed.
• Advises the supervisor when major malfunctions occur or when safety controls are not operating properly.
• Advises Interior Electrician (IAD) or Electrical OIC (DCA) of power-related issues and alarms affecting equipment.
• Restarts boilers and chillers following power outages.
• Responds to miscellaneous alarm panels for electrical and water distribution systems.
• Trains new employees.
• Makes rounds of various machine rooms to ensure that the HVAC equipment is operating properly and makes minor repairs or adjustments.
• Responds to trouble calls and troubleshoots malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Assists HVAC Mechanics in preventive maintenance and repair of HVAC equipment.
• Applies the theories, principles, requirements, and standards of the trade and uses the full range of tools of the trade.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in the repair and maintenance of HVAC systems and equipment.
• Full performance (journey level) knowledge of and skill in operating, testing, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing a range of HVAC equipment and systems.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, take action, or direct the actions of others to maintain or restore service.
• Ability to analyze data and information, including interpreting and applying schematics, diagrams, and manuals to troubleshoot and isolate system malfunctions.
• Skill in using tools, technical manuals, schematics, blueprints, manufacturer’s materials, and other equipment and guides in journey-level HVAC work.
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures to do so.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed as a Journey-level HVAC Mechanic.
• Universal Certification (Section 608) to service HVAC/refrigeration equipment from the Environmental Protection Agency.

EDUCATION

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

• A state driver’s license in good standing.
• Universal Certification (Section 608) to service HVAC/refrigeration equipment from the Environmental Protection Agency within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
• Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 75 pounds).
• May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position.
• May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and HVAC systems, such as fumes, hazardous chemicals and other materials, noise from jet aircraft, high-pressure boilers and HVAC units, burns or scalds, falls, and danger of moving equipment.
• Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth.

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We do! We’re the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and we’re looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help us continue our tradition of outstanding service to travelers in the Washington Metropolitan area. We offer an array of benefits programs, including vacation, retirement, and health benefits. Whether you are traveling the world or plotting your career path, your journey begins with us.

Our Core Values are: MUTUAL RESPECT INTEGRITY PRIDE COLLABORATION