Grade 18 - Starting hourly rate: $26.46. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.
The Senior Industrial Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Technician applies extensive knowledge in the operation, repair, troubleshooting, and performance of industrial chilled water equipment, including mechanical, distribution, and chemical treatment systems. This role involves operating the centralized industrial chilled water system to ensure reliable thermal services for City, Governmental, and private facilities. The position also provides guidance to Industrial HVAC Technicians.
Essential Functions
- Oversees operations of the downtown and Port San Antonio chilled water systems, managing flows, pressures, and Delta T’s.
- Provides guidance to Industrial HVAC Technicians.
- Manages work order systems to ensure timely and appropriate task completion.
- Maintains, operates, and repairs mechanical and distribution systems and auxiliary equipment.
- Interprets mechanical, piping, and electrical drawings, blueprints, and diagrams.
- Applies principles of cooling, refrigerant cycles, heat transfer, test and balance, and fluid hydronics.
- Assists with maintaining and controlling chemical treatment systems for cooling tower water, working with contractors to test and adjust system feed rates.
- Operates aerial lifts, refrigerant recovery equipment, cranes, hoists, power tools, and other HVAC and chiller equipment.
- Trains and mentors other employees.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Decision Making
- Job assignments are scheduled by the manager/foreperson.
- Works under limited supervision with discretion and latitude; work is inspected upon completion.
- Maintains operational discretion to ensure thermal energy services are properly maintained during shifts.
- Provides guidance to HVAC technicians and makes operational decisions based on system needs.
Minimum Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Six years of experience in operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, installation, and inspection of industrial HVAC or district chilled water systems.
- Certified as a Universal Refrigerant Handling and Recovery Technician.
- Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality.
Preferred Qualifications
- HVAC trade school certification.
- Experience with Metasys, SCADA, Flex software, and Rockwell interfaces.
- Experience in building maintenance, hospitals, or property management.
- Experience working with mechanical contractors.
- Mentoring experience.
- Strong communication skills.
Job Dimensions
- Knowledge of industrial HVAC water chemical treatment and theory.
- Basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Proficiency with refrigerant recovery, power tools, multimeters, soldering/brazing, pipe threading, and cleaning equipment.
- Ability to guide HVAC technicians and use office and maintenance software.
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include lifting up to 80 pounds and working in various positions for extended periods. Work is primarily in an industrial plant with exposure to noise, heat, high voltage, and potential hazards. Respiratory protection may be required for certain tasks. Work hours may include nights, weekends, holidays, on-call, and rotating shifts.