Foreperson, HVAC

Job Title:


Foreperson, HVAC


Grade Level/Terms of Employment:


Grade 116.4/260 Days (12 months)


FLSA Status:


Exempt


Work Location:


Facility Services


Immediate Supervisor:


Director of Facilities

General Description:


The Foreperson, HVAC schedules projects, manages budgets, orders materials, and oversees the completion of mechanical and HVAC work performed by contractors and RPS staff. This role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are installed, maintained, and repaired safely and efficiently, in compliance with codes and standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports determination of project requirements and costs; prepares estimates, schedules work, and orders materials required for assigned HVAC projects.
• Manages and evaluates a team of HVAC technicians and apprentices; provides support, training, and performance feedback as applicable.
• Oversees work completed by both contractors and RPS staff related to mechanical systems, installations, and repairs.
• Performs HVAC repairs and assists the team with completion of related work orders (e.g., chillers, boilers, RTUs, and control systems).
• Monitors project budgets, tracks labor and material costs, and reports variances to supervisors.
• Ensures compliance with mechanical codes, EPA regulations, safety regulations, and organizational policies.
• Prepares and maintains records, spreadsheets, and reports as required.
• Coordinates with other trades, contractors, and vendors to ensure the timely completion of projects.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or its equivalent required; technical training preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience at a journeyman level in HVAC/Mechanical work; supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Current Master Mechanical License and a valid Virginia driver's license with a good driving record.
• Knowledge and skills in estimating time and materials, interpreting blueprints/mechanical drawings, and working from sketches, plans, and written instructions.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, local building/mechanical codes, and general HVAC guidelines and procedures.
• OSHA 10/30 certification and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety training (Yearly through RPS/Talent Modules) are explicitly required.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and required safety precautions; ability to interpret and work from instructions, guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Bilingual/proficiency in Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft and Google Office Suite

Physical Demands:

Very Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves frequent standing, walking, reaching, handling, grasping, and repetitive motion, as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing. The position requires frequent use of hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment, and the ability to feel and manipulate objects with precision. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging information, and hearing is necessary to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and detect equipment sounds. Visual acuity is required for inspecting small parts, identifying defects, reading gauges and instruments, and observing work surroundings with accuracy and depth perception.


Work Environment:

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions. The employee may be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, fumes, oils, and other atmospheric conditions associated with maintenance and repair tasks. The position may require the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, and safety eyewear, when handling hazardous or airborne materials. Work may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts and other job-related hazards, which are mitigated through adherence to established safety procedures. Tasks are performed under regular supervision and may require physical effort over extended periods and responsiveness to change.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at:

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume', transcript and license if applicable.


Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.


Start Date: Based on School Board approval


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Richmond Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).