Lead HVAC Specialist

Lead HVAC Specialist

The purpose of this position is to perform skilled installation, repair, and maintenance of building automation systems including heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems in county buildings and properties, along with responsibility for supervising a work crew.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience (required at time of hire): High School diploma or equivalent required with minimum of six (6) years progressively increasing experience in refrigeration, HVAC, and electrical installation and maintenance work, including pneumatic and electrical control work; or equivalent of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience: Continuous training and education on various equipment and controls within the HVAC industry. Completion of safety training. Mechanical Contractors licenses for cooling 15 tons and over (H2), and boilers (H1). Fuel Piping Contractors license, preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Possession of certification as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for handling refrigerants. Mechanical H1 & H2 licenses for heating and cooling. Valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly, and over 100 lbs occasionally (with assistance). Capable of standing, walking, climbing ladders and stairs, crouching, kneeling, and working in tight or confined spaces. Comfortable working in indoor and outdoor environments, including extreme temperatures. Must handle tools and equipment safely, maintain balance, perform repetitive motions, and have visual and mental focus.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Lead the internal HVAC team and prioritize projects, tasks, repairs, and preventative maintenance
• Supervises or provides lead worker duties for an assigned crew.
• Purchases materials needed as necessary, obtains items from qualified contractors and vendors, or seeks bids or price quotes according to established policy and procedure.
• Maintains schedule for deferred and preventive maintenance on all HVAC equipment, along with the capital improvement plan.
• Install, replace, service, diagnose, and repair HVAC equipment in all county buildings.
• Install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot computerized controllers for the operation and energy efficiency of County.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of HVAC systems, equipment, and fixtures, including comprehensive knowledge of computerized control systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration theory, methods, and practices.
• Knowledge of approved electrical and HVAC methods, practices, code requirements, and safety standards, including those applicable to pipefitting and structural layout.
• Knowledge of the tools and equipment used in the installation and repair of electrical and HVAC systems, controls, machinery, and equipment in County buildings and facilities.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of electrical and HVAC work.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of equipment necessary to perform assigned work.
• Skill in the use and care of hand and power tools and equipment necessary to perform electrical and HVAC installation and repair tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematic drawings.
• Ability to read and calculate poundage requirements in relation to voltage.
• Ability to supervise, assist, and advise less-experienced technicians and semi-skilled to unskilled workers.
• Ability to perform manual labor under arduous conditions for extended periods of time as required by work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.