HVAC Technician

Job Description

Job Description

We Are Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

NRHA’s   Vision   and Mission

We are proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

As an award-winning public housing authority designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the NRHA VISION  is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our MISSION  is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.

Today, our dedicated team continues focusing on our vision and mission by providing exceptional service to residents, vendors, development partners, and community stakeholders through programs that support the development and sustainability of affordable housing and offering programs that support the goal of self-sufficiency for all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

Position Summary  

Installs, maintains, repairs, and inspects heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for public housing communities and authority managed properties. Services and maintains and/or replaces air handlers and condenser units, heat pumps and electric heating systems, geothermal systems and water source heat pumps, chillers and water-cooling towers. Installs commercial gas ranges located in public housing units as assigned. Installs window air conditioning units. Monitors direct digital control (DDC) systems for variable air volume (VAV) boxes, boiler systems, and chillers Maintains and repairs ice machines and water coolers.

Essential Functions  

Maintains, repairs, and inspects air conditioning systems for public housing communities and authority-managed properties: examines, maintains, and repairs rooftop air conditioning systems for public housing buildings; troubleshoots air conditioning system problems; and inspects finished work.

Services and maintains and/or replaces air handlers and condenser units, heat pumps and electric heating systems, geothermal systems and water source heat pumps, chillers and water-cooling towers, and gas furnaces and boilers. 

Maintains, repairs, and inspects heating systems of public housing communities and authority- managed properties: examines, maintains, and repairs heat pumps (including horizontal and vertical water source heat pumps), commercial oil furnaces, gas furnaces, and gas tanks; troubleshoots heating system problems; and inspects finished work.

Installs commercial gas ranges located in public housing units as assigned.

Installs window air conditioning units in public housing communities and authority-managed properties: repairs and replaces condenser fans, motor and wheel, compressors, switches, connectors, and controls.

Monitors direct digital control (DDC) systems for variable air volume (VAV) boxes, boiler systems, and chillers: operates personal computer to monitor systems.

Maintains and repairs ice machines and water coolers located in communities and authority- managed properties.

Assists lesser-skilled HVAC and other maintenance staff in the performance of work assignments.

Performs other related work as required.

Performance Standards  

• Installs, repairs, and maintains HVAC, refrigeration system.
• Installation: Set up new heating, cooling, and ventilation units, connect electrical wiring, and link fuel or water lines.
• Diagnostics & Troubleshooting: Inspect systems, use testing tools to find electrical or mechanical faults, and locate refrigerant leaks.
• Repair & Replacement: Fix broken parts, swap out worn components, and recharge refrigerants.
• Maintenance: Clean dirty coils, replace air filters, lubricate moving parts, and test overall system efficiency.
• Diagnoses issues accurately and completes timely repairs.
• Performs scheduled maintenance to ensure system efficiency.
• Interprets schematics and uses tools safely and effectively.
• Operates DDC systems and building controls as needed.
• Supports and guides junior staff; collaborates on assignments.
• Follows all safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Communicates professionally with residents and staff.
• Completes accurate records of work performed.

Minimum Qualifications  

High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). 

High school vocational or vocational/technical school education in HVAC and refrigeration system maintenance preferred.

Three to five years of operational and maintenance experience in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related systems.

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification as an HVAC Technician from an accredited program.

Special Requirements  

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check, pre-employment health check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Comprehensive knowledge to install, repair, and maintain heating and air conditioning units and systems: includes knowledge of heat circulating methods, pneumatics, and electrical operations.
• Operational knowledge of the methods of combustion and heat transfer.
• Considerable knowledge of standard power tools associated with heating and plumbing, including their use and care.
• Considerable knowledge of safety standards and procedures associated with repair and maintenance.
• General knowledge of NRHA policies and procedures related to maintenance of public housing living units.
• Knowledge and skill to perform routine maintenance and repairs on residential heating systems.
• Knowledge and skill to perform routine maintenance and repairs on air compressors and its refrigeration components.
• Operational knowledge of personal computers to operate standard office, electronic communications, and task-related software applications.
• Operational knowledge of standard office equipment, including but not limited to multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) and multiple line telephone systems.
• Skill in reading and interpreting blue prints, schematics, and mechanical diagrams.
• Human relations skills in effectively dealing with residents, peers, and community management; work also requires leadership and team membership skills to achieve a desired results and goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral forms.
• Ability to use technical manuals, manufacturer’s manuals, and special instructions to determine repair, service, or replacement needs.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of moderately complex operational work duties.
• Ability to exercise independent initiative in the performance of moderately complex operational work duties.

Physical Requirements  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, smell, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Job requires depth, color, and texture perception.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package . The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction. 

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.