Lead HVAC Technician

Lead HVAC Technician

The Lead HVAC Technician performs and leads the operation, maintenance, repair, installation, and inspection of commercial HVAC and related building systems. The position serves as the College's lead technical resource for HVAC systems, supervises assigned trades staff, and coordinates contracted HVAC services. As a member of the Facilities leadership team, the position participates in planning, budgeting, work prioritization, preventive maintenance strategy, equipment replacement planning, contractor management, and identification of long-term facility needs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate as a member of the Facilities leadership team in operational planning, priority setting, budgeting, and decision-making.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install commercial HVAC equipment and related building systems in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and manufacturer requirements.
• Inspect HVAC equipment and systems, identify deficiencies, and perform or coordinate corrective and preventive maintenance.
• Diagnose complex HVAC, mechanical, controls, and Building Automation System issues and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Develop, coordinate, and carry out preventive maintenance schedules and HVAC maintenance projects.
• Supervise assigned HVAC technicians and other trades staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, providing technical direction and training, monitoring performance, reviewing completed work, participating in performance management, and assisting staff with troubleshooting, safety practices, and equipment operation.
• Coordinate and oversee contracted HVAC work, monitor workmanship and performance, and verify completion in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Operate and maintain Building Automation Systems, including monitoring equipment operation, temperatures, alarms, schedules, and system controls.
• Complete and maintain accurate work orders, equipment records, preventive maintenance documentation, and other required records.
• Develop and manage the HVAC operating budget, including projecting equipment, maintenance, repair, and contract costs; monitoring expenditures; identifying budget variances; and recommending funding priorities.
• Develop and maintain HVAC equipment replacement plans by evaluating system condition, remaining useful life, repair history, operating costs, energy efficiency, and anticipated maintenance needs; recommend priorities for capital investment.
• Evaluate HVAC system performance and recommend operational improvements, energy-efficiency measures, and corrective actions based on equipment condition, reliability, and operating needs.
• Identify emerging facility risks and operational needs and recommend appropriate solutions to Facilities leadership.
• Respond independently to HVAC and building-system emergencies occurring outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Support College emergency operations as required.
• Develop and recommend Facilities procedures, standards, and operating practices related to HVAC operations, preventive maintenance, and building systems.
• Represent Facilities, as assigned, in meetings with contractors, vendors, consultants, College departments, and project teams regarding HVAC and related building systems.
• Travel between Germanna locations as necessary to support facilities operations.

Special Assignments - May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications - Thorough knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and the principles and practices associated with their operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation. Knowledge of chillers, boilers, heat pumps, air handlers, fan-coil units, pumps, valves, motors, starters, refrigeration systems, and related mechanical equipment. Knowledge of Building Automation Systems and direct digital controls. Knowledge of applicable HVAC codes, OSHA requirements, workplace safety practices, and industry standards. Ability to diagnose and resolve complex HVAC and building-system problems using appropriate diagnostic equipment, technical documentation, and sound judgment. Ability to think strategically, establish priorities, contribute to department-level planning and decision-making, and effectively communicate technical and operational recommendations to Facilities leadership Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, schematics, operating manuals, and technical specifications. Ability to lead, train, assign, and review the work of trades employees. Ability to coordinate and monitor the work of contractors. Ability to develop, monitor, and manage operating budgets and to evaluate maintenance, repair, replacement, and contract costs. Ability to establish priorities, manage multiple work assignments, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with employees, contractors, and College stakeholders. Ability to safely use tools and diagnostic equipment associated with the HVAC trade. Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and working in confined or cramped spaces and varying environmental conditions. Ability to demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational issues. Ability to establish and maintain respectful, collaborative working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and College stakeholders. Minimum Work Experience: Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial HVAC and mechanical systems. Experience operating and maintaining chillers, heat pumps, and air handlers. Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS)/Building Management Systems (BMS). Experience performing preventive maintenance and diagnosing complex HVAC and mechanical system problems.

Additional Considerations - EPA Section 608 Universal Certification. Journeyman HVAC license or other applicable HVAC trade license. Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, blueprints, and schematics. Experience supervising, leading, coordinating, or directing the work of others in a facilities, HVAC, or skilled trades environment. Experience overseeing contractors and vendor performance. Experience developing preventive maintenance programs and equipment replacement plans. Experience with multiple Building Automation System platforms, including Niagara or similar systems. Experience with budget development, cost estimating, expenditure monitoring, purchasing, or other financial responsibilities related to facilities operations.