Mechanic II, Preventive Maintenance

Howard County Public School System; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a semi-skilled HVAC maintenance worker responsible for preventive maintenance on HVAC equipment under general supervision, and for recording time and materials.

This role supports HVAC technicians, replaces belts and filters, inspects equipment, and maintains detailed work records. The job requires lifting 80–100 pounds and working at heights, with potential emergency response.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 2 years in general maintenance, including preventive maintenance.
• CFC certification preferred.
• Experience with HVAC preventive maintenance and educational environments preferred.
• Enrollment in vocational HVAC program considered beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Replace belts and filters; grease and lubricate equipment.
• Inspect equipment and report repairs or replacements needed.
• Maintain accurate records of work assignments and materials used.
• Clean sawdust collectors and related components as described.
• Assist HVAC technicians with pumps, exhaust fans, and air ducts.
• Assist with cleaning coils, adjusting motors and bearings, and servicing units.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

belt sizes

schematics reading

time records

safety practices

VAV systems

VFDs

maintenance planning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

DESCRIPTION

This position is a semi‑skilled worker in the maintenance of heating, venting and air‑conditioning (HVAC) equipment. An employee in this class performs scheduled preventive maintenance on installed equipment with general supervision from a lead worker, collects and records information needed for ordering supplies and materials, assists HVAC mechanics in various tasks, works independently on assigned duties, and keeps accurate records of time and materials used for each work assignment. Performance is evaluated on a regular basis. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the position is not exempt from overtime.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: At least two (2) years of experience in general maintenance, including preventive maintenance, repairs, or servicing of systems and equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CFC Certification.
• Experience in preventive maintenance, repair, or servicing of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and equipment.
• Experience working in an educational or institutional environment.
• Completion of or current enrollment in a vocational or technical program specializing in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

RELEVANT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Replace needed belts and filters; grease and lubricate equipment.
• Inspect equipment for needed repairs and replacement of expendable parts; notify supervisor when repairs are needed.
• Maintain accurate records of work assignments, including time and materials used.
• Cleans and maintains sawdust collectors (bags, belts, greasing motors and bearings).
• Remove and install new shafts, bearings, and squirrel cage units; install grease fittings for bearings and motors, clean out drains on condensate pans, vacuum and spray coils with cleaners, adjust motors and pulleys.
• Cleans cooling towers, installs new grommets, lubricates motors and bearings.
• Assist HVAC Technicians in removing, rebuilding and/or installing pumps and exhaust fans, cleaning air ducts and vents and changing motors.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment to minimize the frequency and severity of work‑related accidents. The employee must use safe practices and methods in operation and supply handling, correct any hazardous conditions within the building or grounds, and report them to the appropriate administrator. The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of belt sizes and filter dimensions.
• Knowledge of the principles of air‑conditioning and air‑conditioning maintenance methods.
• Ability to maintain air‑conditioning equipment.
• Working knowledge of air compressors, pneumatic controls, electronic temperature controls, relay systems, thermostats, VAV systems, VFDs, rooftop and other air‑handling units, including gas‑fired units, chillers, energy‑management systems, pumps (2 and 4‑pipe systems).
• Ability to listen to equipment in operation and determine malfunctions.
• Knowledge of the principles of safety and electricity.
• Knowledge of standard parts, tools, and test equipment used in the trade.
• Ability to read diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals and to implement that knowledge in actual performance.
• Ability to plan work and keep accurate records of work performed and materials used.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators and custodial staff and get along well with others.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of work assignments, including time and materials used.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance on HVAC equipment and systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot HVAC equipment, assisting the HVAC Technicians.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
• Ability to carry tools and handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, stepladders and/or extension ladders.
• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work overtime and respond to emergency calls.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders, catwalks, aerial lifts, and bucket trucks.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
• Ability to carry tools and handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment.

LICENSE

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

WORKING HOURS

The duty day for this position is 8.5 hours including a one hour/thirty‑minute duty‑free lunch. The position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement.

COMPENSATION

This is a 12‑month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VI on the Maintenance/Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience.

BENEFITS

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. Retirement membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is mandatory for all employees who meet eligibility and membership criteria. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, family medical history, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.