HVAC Technician

Commercial HVAC Installation Technician

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2–5 years of commercial HVAC installation experience preferred.
• Experience installing commercial HVAC equipment and systems.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC installation practices.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, HVAC plans, equipment schedules, and installation details.
• Ability to read and understand basic electrical diagrams and wiring schematics.
• Experience installing: Rooftop units (RTUs), Split systems, Package units, Air handlers, Condensing units, Heat pumps, Exhaust and supply fans, Pumps, VAV systems, Commercial ventilation systems.
• Experience with commercial refrigerant piping.
• Ability to install, braze, pressure-test, evacuate, and charge refrigeration systems.
• Ability to install and connect HVAC electrical components.
• Ability to properly install disconnects, wiring, controls, thermostats, sensors, and low-voltage components.
• Ability to install and connect ductwork and associated components.
• Ability to install hangers, supports, curbs, vibration isolation, and equipment bases.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, and other HVAC installation equipment.
• Understanding of proper equipment installation, leveling, alignment, and manufacturer requirements.
• Ability to perform equipment startup and verify proper operation.
• Ability to identify installation deficiencies and correct them before startup.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass company-required drug, background, and safety requirements.

Technical Skills

• Refrigerant piping installation.
• Copper brazing and soldering.
• Refrigerant recovery and evacuation.
• Nitrogen pressure testing and system dehydration.
• Refrigerant charging and system commissioning.
• Electrical wiring and termination.
• Low-voltage controls installation.
• Thermostat and sensor installation.
• VFD installation and basic setup.
• Basic controls troubleshooting.
• Ductwork installation and modification.
• Sheet-metal installation.
• Equipment curb and roof penetration installation.
• Condensate drain installation.
• Refrigerant piping insulation.
• Equipment startup and commissioning.
• Ability to verify airflow, temperatures, pressures, and basic operating conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA Section 608 Universal certification.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• HVAC trade school or technical training.
• Manufacturer-specific HVAC training.
• Experience with VRF/VRV systems.
• Experience with chilled-water systems.
• Experience with boilers and hydronic systems.
• Experience with commercial controls and building automation systems.
• Experience with VAV and variable-air-volume systems.
• Experience with large-tonnage equipment.
• Experience with startup and commissioning of commercial HVAC equipment.
• Welding experience.
• Sheet-metal fabrication experience.
• Rigging and crane/hoisting experience.
• Scissor lift, boom lift, and forklift certifications.

Safety Qualifications

• Understands and follows OSHA requirements and company safety procedures.
• Properly uses required PPE.
• Understands lockout/tagout (LOTO).
• Understands electrical safety procedures.
• Understands proper refrigerant handling and recovery procedures.
• Understands safe lifting and rigging practices.
• Able to safely work from ladders, lifts, rooftops, and elevated work areas.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area.
• Reports unsafe conditions and installation deficiencies immediately.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms.
• Ability to work on rooftops and in mechanical rooms.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, and noisy environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, climb, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Ability to work with tools and equipment throughout the workday.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and extended hours when required by the project schedule.
• Ability to travel to commercial job sites as required.

Job Performance Expectations

• Install equipment according to plans, specifications, manufacturer requirements, and company standards.
• Complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Maintain quality workmanship and professional installation standards.
• Minimize rework by properly installing systems the first time.
• Keep accurate records of materials, equipment, and work performed.
• Communicate installation issues to the Foreman or Project Manager.
• Coordinate effectively with electricians, plumbers, sheet-metal workers, controls technicians, and other trades.
• Protect customer property and completed construction.
• Maintain company tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude on customer and construction sites.
• Represent the company professionally with general contractors, customers, and other trades.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal Commercial HVAC Installation Technician is a highly skilled, safety-conscious installer who can take an HVAC installation from equipment delivery through piping, ductwork, electrical, controls, pressure testing, evacuation, startup, and commissioning with minimal supervision.

The technician should be mechanically strong, capable of reading plans and drawings, comfortable working with large commercial equipment, and committed to producing clean, code-compliant, professional installations with minimal rework.

Suggested Experience Levels

HVAC Installer I — Apprentice / Entry Level

• 0–2 years HVAC experience.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Basic hand and power tool skills.
• Willingness to learn commercial HVAC installation.
• HVAC school or trade training preferred.

HVAC Installer II — Experienced Installer

• 2–5+ years commercial HVAC installation experience.
• Able to perform most installation tasks independently.
• Can read HVAC drawings and equipment schedules.
• Proficient with refrigerant piping, brazing, ductwork, and equipment installation.
• EPA Universal certification preferred.

Senior HVAC Installer

• 5+ years commercial HVAC installation experience.
• Able to independently install and start up complex commercial HVAC systems.
• Strong refrigerant, electrical, controls, and mechanical skills.
• Able to identify and correct installation problems.
• Capable of mentoring less-experienced installers.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and coordination.

Lead HVAC Installer / Foreman

• 7+ years commercial HVAC experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commercial HVAC installation crews.
• Able to interpret plans, specifications, and project schedules.
• Responsible for quality, productivity, safety, and crew coordination.
• Coordinates work with the General Contractor and other trades.
• Performs or oversees startup and commissioning.
• Communicates project status and issues to the Project Manager.
• Maintains professional customer and contractor relationships.

About Smart Care

Smart Care is a national repair and service provider for commercial foodservice, refrigeration, and cold storage equipment. Our