HVAC-R Tech I - Central Valley, Central Coast, & Ventura County

Supporting Area: Central Valley, Central Coast, & Ventura County

Position Summary

Cotti Foods Maintenance is seeking a dependable HVAC-R Technician I to support HVAC and refrigeration equipment at Taco Bell and Wendy's restaurant locations. This developmental role focuses on preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, minor repairs, and occasional reactive work orders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on rooftop HVAC units, walk-in coolers/freezers, cold lines, sandwich lines, and related refrigeration equipment.
• Clean condenser and evaporator coils, replace filters, inspect drains, and verify proper equipment operation.
• Check temperatures, pressures, thermostats, motors, fans, capacitors, contactors, controls, and basic electrical components.
• Perform basic HVAC-R/electrical troubleshooting and minor repairs within the technician's training and skill level.
• Identify repairs requiring higher-level support, communicate findings, and assist senior technicians when needed.
• Complete reactive work orders as assigned and follow company, EPA, OSHA, and manufacturer safety requirements.

CMMS / Work Order Requirements

• Use the company CMMS to review, update, document, and close assigned work orders.
• Record the problem, diagnosis, repair, parts used, recommended follow-up, and required before-and-after photos.

EPA Certification

• EPA Section 608 certification appropriate for the equipment being serviced is required.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification is preferred.
• Follow all EPA refrigerant recovery, handling, charging, and disposal requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic commercial HVAC-R knowledge and basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use HVAC-R meters, gauges, temperature instruments, and standard diagnostic tools.
• Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current automobile insurance in accordance with applicable law and company policy.
• Ability to work independently, communicate professionally, and safely work on rooftops and ladders.
• Willingness to learn and continue developing HVAC-R troubleshooting and repair skills.

Tools, Transportation & Position Expectations

• Provide your own basic HVAC-R hand tools and service tools.
• Use a personal vehicle between assigned locations; mileage is reimbursed according to company policy.
• Complete preventive maintenance on schedule, maintain accurate CMMS documentation, and minimize repeat callbacks.
• Recognize when repairs require escalation and continue developing technical skills for advancement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50–75 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and climbing.
• Ability to safely climb and work on ladders and access and work on rooftops as required.
• Ability to work in confined or restricted spaces, including mechanical and equipment areas.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and other varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely work around HVAC-R equipment, refrigeration systems, electrical components, and restaurant equipment.
• Frequent and repetitive use of hands and arms when operating hand tools, power tools, gauges, meters, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment.

The HVAC-R Technician I position is a developmental HVAC-R role with opportunities for advancement as technical knowledge, troubleshooting ability, productivity, and repair skills increase.