JOB DESCRIPTION
Maintenance/Certified HVAC Technician
General Summary of Duties:
The Maintenance/Certified HVAC Technician is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of hospital buildings, grounds, mechanical systems, HVAC equipment, and associated infrastructure. This position supports the continuous operation of the Critical Access Hospital (CAH), Rural Health Clinic (RHC), and other facility-owned or operated properties as assigned.
The technician performs preventive maintenance, routine inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and emergency maintenance activities to help ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and functional environment for patients, visitors, medical staff, and employees.
Responsibilities include maintaining HVAC and refrigeration systems, electrical and plumbing components, building systems, equipment, and grounds; supporting life-safety and emergency preparedness activities; maintaining accurate maintenance records; and coordinating with outside vendors, contractors, and service providers as needed.
Because CCMH operates a healthcare facility where interruptions in essential services may affect patient care, the technician must recognize the importance of maintaining critical systems, responding promptly to urgent maintenance needs, following established safety and infection prevention practices, and complying with applicable facility policies, codes, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer recommendations.
Core Processes and Activities
The following describes the primary responsibilities of the Maintenance/Certified HVAC Technician. Duties are not all-inclusive and may be modified or expanded based on operational needs, facility requirements, employee competencies, and applicable laws and regulations.
General Maintenance Responsibilities
Perform the following functions as assigned by the supervisor:
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, inspections, testing, and repairs on facility equipment, building systems, and infrastructure in accordance with established maintenance schedules, manufacturer recommendations, and applicable requirements.
- Identify, troubleshoot, repair, or coordinate the repair of electrical equipment, lighting, outlets, switches, and other electrical components within the employee's qualifications and authorized scope of work.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair plumbing fixtures, piping, valves, drains, and other plumbing components as appropriate.
- Complete daily work assignments, maintenance requests, and corrective repairs promptly, documenting work performed, findings, parts used, and any follow-up actions required.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain building structures, doors, windows, hardware, walls, ceilings, flooring, and other facility components.
- Maintain and repair equipment, machinery, and mechanical systems as assigned.
- Conduct routine inspections of buildings, utility areas, equipment rooms, and grounds to identify unsafe conditions, deficiencies, damage, or potential equipment failures.
- Maintain facility grounds, including mowing, trimming, landscaping, snow and ice removal, debris removal, painting, window cleaning, and other seasonal or exterior maintenance activities as assigned.
- Maintain maintenance shops, storage areas, mechanical rooms, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
- Maintain an appropriate inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, replacement parts, and equipment; report shortages and assist with ordering as directed.
- Use tools, equipment, ladders, lifts, and other devices safely and only as trained and authorized.
- Identify conditions that may affect patient care, staff safety, facility operations, or regulatory compliance and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
- Respond to maintenance emergencies and urgent service requests according to established procedures and assigned responsibilities.
- Coordinate repairs or shutdowns that could affect patient care, critical utilities, clinical services, or other hospital operations with the appropriate supervisor and affected departments before work begins, whenever circumstances permit.
- Protect patients, visitors, employees, medical equipment, and facility property during maintenance activities.
- Follow infection prevention, environmental cleaning, dust control, and construction or renovation precautions applicable to the work being performed in a healthcare environment.
HVAC and Refrigeration Duties and Responsibilities:
- Become familiar with the location, operation, and function of HVAC equipment and related systems serving the hospital, RHC, and other assigned buildings.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and service HVAC and refrigeration equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, applicable codes, established maintenance procedures, and employee qualifications.
- Inspect and maintain HVAC components, including motors, belts, bearings, fans, filters, coils, valves, dampers, pumps, compressors, lubricants, and related mechanical components.
- Monitor HVAC system operation, including temperatures, pressures, alarms, system status, and other operating conditions, and investigate abnormal conditions promptly.
- Develop and maintain working knowledge of building automation and equipment management controls to monitor system status, start and stop equipment, identify alarms, and make authorized adjustments.
- Conduct routine daily rounds of mechanical rooms and designated equipment areas to identify leaks, unusual noises, vibration, odors, temperature variations, alarms, or other indicators of equipment malfunction.
- Maintain mechanical rooms and equipment areas in a clean, orderly, and safe conditions.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance and necessary repairs on chillers, boilers, air handlers, ventilation systems, exhaust systems, pumps, and other heating and cooling equipment within the employee's training and authorization.
- Service, install, repair, and replace HVAC components as needed, including diagnosing system failures and determining appropriate corrective action.
- Perform seasonal changeover activities, including preparing cooling equipment for winter conditions and preparing heating systems for seasonal operation, while ensuring equipment is properly maintained and ready for use.
- Monitor HVAC performance in patient care areas and other designated spaces where temperature, humidity, ventilation, or pressure relationships are important to patient safety, equipment function, or facility operations.
- Promptly report HVAC conditions that may affect patient care, required environmental conditions, ventilation performance, or continuity of hospital operations.
- Support the maintenance and verification of designated temperature-monitoring systems and environmental controls in coordination with affected departments.
- Maintain familiarity with the relationship between HVAC systems, critical utilities, emergency power, and other building systems.
- Maintain accurate records of HVAC inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, refrigerant handling, equipment deficiencies, and follow-up activities.
- Ensure refrigerants are handled, recovered, recycled, and documented in accordance with applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements and the employee's certification.
- Coordinate with outside HVAC contractors, engineers, consultants, and equipment representatives for service, repairs, inspections, and projects.
- Assist with HVAC system evaluations, equipment replacement, renovation projects, and other facility improvement activities as assigned.
- Follow established procedures for equipment shutdowns, lockout/tagout, system isolation, and restoration of service.
- Communicate anticipated HVAC outages or interruptions to the supervisor and affected departments and assist with contingency arrangements when necessary.
Life-Safety Systems and Regulatory Readiness:
- Become familiar with the location and basic operation of fire alarm panels, sprinkler system components, emergency exits, fire doors, and other designated life-safety systems.
- Perform assigned visual inspections and routine maintenance checks of fire alarm and sprinkler system components in accordance with facility procedures, employee training, and applicable requirements.
- Coordinate required testing, inspection, repair, and maintenance of fire alarm, sprinkler, and other specialized life-safety systems with qualified personnel or licensed contractors when required.
- Promptly report fire alarm trouble signals, system impairments, sprinkler deficiencies, blocked exits, damaged fire doors, or other life-safety concerns to the supervisor and appropriate personnel.
- Follow established procedures for reporting, documenting, and managing temporary impairments of fire protection or other essential building systems, including required notifications and interim safety measures.
- Assist with maintaining the facility in a state of readiness for surveys, inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews conducted by applicable state agencies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other authorized organizations.
- Maintain accurate and accessible maintenance documentation, including preventive maintenance schedules, inspection records, service reports, corrective actions, and equipment information.
- Assist in identifying and correcting deficiencies identified through internal inspections, external surveys, risk assessments, or maintenance activities.
- Support emergency preparedness and response activities related to building systems, HVAC failures, utility interruptions, severe weather, and other facility emergencies.
- Participate in assigned emergency drills, training, and response activities as required.
- Understand and follow facility policies related to fire safety, emergency management, hazardous materials, utility management, and workplace safety.
All inspections, testing, and maintenance of regulated systems must be performed within the employee's training, authorization, and applicable legal requirements. The technician is not expected to perform specialized testing or certification functions outside the scope of their qualifications.
Preventive Maintenance, Documentation, and Equipment Management:
- Follow the facility's preventive maintenance program and complete assigned work within established time frames.
- Document maintenance activities accurately and promptly in the designated work order or maintenance management system.
- Maintain records of equipment inspections, repairs, testing, service calls, deficiencies, parts replacement, and corrective actions.
- Identify recurring equipment problems and recommend corrective measures to improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.
- Report equipment failures, deferred maintenance, unsafe conditions, and unresolved deficiencies to the supervisor.
- Assist in maintaining equipment inventories, operating manuals, warranties, service agreements, and other applicable maintenance records.
- Verify that completed work is functioning properly and that affected areas and systems are returned to a safe operating condition.
- Communicate incomplete work, unresolved issues, and equipment requiring additional service to the supervisor or appropriate department.
- Assist with evaluating equipment condition, repair-versus-replacement needs, and maintenance priorities.
Safety, Infection Prevention, and Environmental Responsibilities:
- Follow all CCMH policies and procedures, applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, electrical safety practices, and other relevant safety standards.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow established procedures for hazardous materials, chemicals, electrical hazards, elevated work, and mechanical equipment.
- Follow lockout/tagout procedures and other energy-control requirements before servicing equipment when applicable.
- Complete required training before performing confined-space entry, elevated work, or other activities requiring specialized authorization.
- Follow healthcare infection prevention practices, including hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment, work-area containment, and precautions to minimize dust, debris, noise, and disruption in patient care areas.
- Maintain a safe work environment for patients, visitors, employees, contractors, and other individuals in or around the facility.
- Immediately report injuries, near misses, hazardous conditions, spills, equipment failures, and other incidents in accordance with facility procedures.
- Follow established procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of maintenance materials and regulated substances.
- Protect confidential information and respect patient privacy when working in patient care areas or other occupied clinical spaces.
Communication, Teamwork, and Operational Support:
- Maintain effective communication with the Facilities/Maintenance Supervisor, administration, clinical departments, environmental services, and other affected personnel.
- Respond professionally and promptly to maintenance requests, service calls, and reported safety concerns.
- Establish work priorities based on urgency, potential patient-care impact, safety risks, regulatory requirements, and operational needs.
- Coordinate maintenance activities with affected departments to minimize disruptions to patient care and normal business operations.
- Work collaboratively with outside contractors, vendors, consultants, and service providers.
- Provide timely updates regarding work status, equipment outages, repair delays, and issues requiring management attention.
- Maintain professional, courteous, respectful, and trustworthy behavior when interacting with patients, families, visitors, employees, and medical staff.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, performance improvement activities, and other assigned duties.
- Perform other duties within the scope of training, qualifications, and position responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
The following qualifications represent the minimum requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered where permitted by applicable laws, regulations, and certification requirements.
Required Qualifications:
- Current HVAC certification or other applicable HVAC credential required by CCMH for the position.
- Current EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification for servicing regulated refrigerant-containing equipment.
- Valid, unencumbered Missouri driver's license and an acceptable driving record consistent with facility policy and applicable requirements.
- Minimum of two years of experience in HVAC service, facility maintenance, or a combination of related technical experience.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration systems and general building maintenance.
- Ability to perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot equipment problems, and complete routine repairs safely and effectively.
- Ability to complete required facility orientation, safety training, and position-specific competency assessments.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to:
- Troubleshoot, disassemble, repair, and reassemble machinery, equipment, and mechanical components.
- Identify defective components and determine appropriate repair or replacement actions.
- Read and interpret equipment manuals, blueprints, schematics, diagrams, work orders, and parts catalogs.
- Use common hand tools, power tools, ladders, lifting equipment, and other maintenance equipment safely.
- Use precision measuring instruments, electrical meters, and electronic testing devices appropriate to the work performed.
- Perform routine electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, refrigeration, and general building maintenance within the employee's qualifications and authorization.
- Understand basic building automation controls and HVAC operating principles.
- Recognize equipment malfunctions, abnormal operating conditions, and potential safety hazards.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and follow established preventive maintenance procedures.
- Communicate technical information and equipment concerns clearly to supervisors and other departments.
- Work independently when appropriate while recognizing when assistance, additional authorization, or specialized service is necessary.
Organizational and Decision-Making Skills:
- Prioritize assignments based on urgency, patient safety, potential operational disruption, and established maintenance priorities.
- Demonstrate effective organizational skills, time management, follow-through, and attention to detail.
- Work independently while maintaining communication with the supervisor and affected departments.
- Exercise sound judgment and recognize when an issue requires escalation or outside technical support.
- Remain calm, professional, and safety-focused during urgent situations or unexpected equipment failures.
- Demonstrate reliability, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Safety and Regulatory Knowledge:
- Demonstrate an understanding of safe work practices, hazard recognition, and applicable facility safety procedures.
- Follow OSHA requirements and facility policies related to electrical safety, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and energy control.
- Complete required training for confined-space entry and other specialized work before performing such activities.
- Understand the importance of maintaining essential building systems and promptly reporting conditions that may affect patient care, life safety, or regulatory compliance.
- Follow applicable codes, manufacturer recommendations, and facility procedures when performing maintenance and repairs.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions
Physical Requirements:
The position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including the following activities as applicable to assigned duties:
- Walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, turning, pushing, and pulling.
- Lifting and carrying materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and obtaining assistance or using appropriate lifting devices for heavier or awkward items.
- Safely climbing ladders and working from elevated locations when properly trained and equipped.
- Working in mechanical rooms, utility areas, crawl spaces, and other restricted or confined areas as authorized and trained.
- Using hand tools, power tools, testing instruments, and other equipment requiring manual dexterity and coordination.
- Performing tasks that require adequate vision, hearing, communication, and the ability to recognize potential hazards.
- Driving a facility vehicle or personal vehicle for work-related purposes when authorized and meeting applicable licensing and driving requirements.
Confined-space entry, work at heights, and other activities requiring specialized training or authorization may be performed only after all applicable training, evaluations, permits, and safety procedures have been completed.
Customer Service and Professional Conduct
- Communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally with patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, vendors, and contractors.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect patient privacy.
- Demonstrate sound judgment and trustworthy behavior in patient care areas and other sensitive environments.
- Recognize that maintenance activities occur in an active healthcare setting and must be performed in a manner that supports patient safety, comfort, dignity, and continuity of care.
- Maintain a positive, cooperative, service-oriented approach to assigned responsibilities.
Environmental Conditions
The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings with exposure to varying temperatures, weather conditions, noise, dust, mechanical equipment, cleaning products, and other conditions associated with facility maintenance.
The position may require work in hot, cold, humid, damp, elevated, or confined environments, subject to appropriate training and safety precautions. The technician may also be required to respond to urgent maintenance needs, equipment failures, utility interruptions, severe weather, or other emergencies outside normal working hours, consistent with facility staffing requirements and applicable employment policies.
Customer Service Requirements
- Provide responsive, ethical, thorough, and dependable service with a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.
- Respond to maintenance requests promptly and communicate expected completion times or delays.
- Coordinate service needs with accuracy, timeliness, and consideration for patient care and departmental operations.
- Demonstrate competence, professionalism, and attention to detail in all assignments.
- Maintain consistent follow-through and communicate unresolved problems or outstanding work.
- Treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
- Support CCMH's commitment to providing safe, reliable, patient-centered healthcare services.
Essential Functions and Other Duties
The responsibilities listed in this job description describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Maintenance/Certified HVAC Technician. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, or qualifications associated with the position.
Employees may be assigned additional duties that are reasonably related to the position, consistent with their training and qualifications, and permitted by applicable laws and regulations. CCMH reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities in response to operational needs, changes in technology, facility requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Nothing in this job description authorizes an employee to perform work beyond their credentials, training, assigned authority, or applicable legal requirements.
Employment with Cedar County Memorial Hospital is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening, as applicable to the position. Background checks may include verification of employment, education, professional credentials, criminal history, and other job-related information. Drug screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and hospital policies.
Cedar County Memorial Hospital reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment based on information obtained through these screening processes, consistent with applicable law. Candidates will be provided any required notices and opportunities to respond to information obtained during the screening process.