HVAC Lead

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Job Summary

Under minimum supervision, the HVAC Lead acts as a lead technician to a team of HVAC maintenance technicians and HVAC technician assistants and Utility Service Mechanics. The Lead will consult with HVAC technicians, assign and review work, and develop shop best practices. Support the shop supervisor with work management and timekeeping duties when needed. Perform maintenance, calibration, and installation on all campus HVAC equipment and related systems required to ensure proper operation and reliable system performance.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.
Essential Job Duties

• Utilize Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) software to create, process, and complete planned and corrective maintenance work orders.
• Enhance customer satisfaction by establishing regular communications regarding maintenance and repair activities for affected discipline(s).
• Work closely with the Facilities Planning shop to ensure shop work is planned and scheduled in accordance with Facilities Management established business processes.
• Work closely with the Facilities Management Controls shop and Building System Operators to maximize system troubleshooting efficiency.
• Assure compliance with applicable building codes and Caltech Design Guidelines.Manage Caltech resources for optimum productivity.
• Enhance the performance of licensed heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.
• Respond to trouble calls, emergency conditions and analyze routine work requests for timely execution and completion.
• Enforce adherence to campus fire and life safety procedures, including confined space, lock-out & tag-out, use of PPE, and so forth.
• Perform and maintain up-to-date records for all safety inspections, tests, maintenance, and repairs.
• Maintain technical proficiency with new equipment technologies, regulatory requirements, and engineering advances in improved operational performance.
• Assist and oversee third party contractors and vendors awarded campus work.
• Provide accurate written and oral reports.
• Provide regular support to the supervisor and shop leadership in the absence of the supervisor.
• Perform day-to-day shop leadership responsibilities in the absence of the supervisor, examples include reviewing and approving of timecards, scheduling shop technician work orders and attending scheduling meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• 8 years of HVAC experience OR 5 years of HVAC experience and 5 years of leadership experience
• Knowledge of building codes, regulatory requirements, licensing and inspections.
• Expertise with all test instruments and tools of the trade.
• Ability to correctly and skillfully operate the various standard tools and equipment of the HVAC trade, e.g., test lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, torches, refrigerant reclamation, etc.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical language in mechanical drawings and diagrams.
• Ability to modify and/or adapt designs, procedures, or methods to make necessary alterations and modifications.
• Communicate professionally with the members of the Caltech community in all situations. Must maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Software proficiency in MS Word, Excel, MS Project, and Outlook.Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
• Skill in estimating material and labor requirements to accomplish task.
• Ability to work various shifts as well as overtime and weekends.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of employment and be able to maintain it throughout the course of employment.Strong English oral and written communication skills
• are required. Use correct punctuation, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence structure. Follow written instructions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be in good health with the physical strength and agility to lift up to 50 pounds daily, bend in all directions, climb stairs and ladders, squeeze with arms and hands, operate machinery using hands, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Ability to distinguish between colors and work in confined spaces.

Preferred Qualifications

• AS Degree in an appropriate construction or maintenance related to technical or engineering field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent on-the-job training and experience.
• Proficiency with Asset Works, AiM, and Kronos or similar preventive maintenance and timekeeping software is a plus.
• Strong teamwork, project management and problem resolution skills.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$44.25 - $51.75 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.


As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.