Facilities & Construction - HVAC Lead

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre.

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position

Position Summary

The HVAC Lead is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and operating HVAC, refrigeration, and Building Management Systems throughout Sacred Heart University's facilities. Ensures campus mechanical systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting occupant comfort, energy management initiatives, and the University's commitment to providing an exceptional learning, living, and working environment.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and install commercial HVAC equipment and systems, including: chillers, boilers, Air Handling Units (AHUs), Rooftop Units (RTUs), Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, heat pumps, exhaust and supply fans, split systems, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems.
• Monitor, operate, and adjust HVAC system performance through the University’s Building Management System (BMS).
• Troubleshoot HVAC controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS), including sensors, actuators, valves, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and associated control devices.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical equipment to maximize system reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
• Respond to service calls, maintenance requests, and work orders in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with the commissioning, startup, testing, and performance verification of HVAC systems and building controls.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, equipment repairs, inspections, and testing.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and Facilities Management personnel regarding maintenance activities, repairs, and capital projects.
• Participate in after-hours emergency response and on-call rotation as required to support campus operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, University policies, licensing requirements, codes, and industry standards.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel, helpers, and apprentices as assigned.
• Safeguard University-owned tools, equipment, materials, and vehicles from loss, theft, misuse, or damage.
• Assist technicians in other trades and specialties as needed, provided all life safety requirements, licensing regulations, and applicable codes are maintained.
• Support the University’s commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient campus environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager in response to the needs of the University.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• High school diploma or completion of an accredited HVAC technical school program, trade school certificate, or equivalent vocational training preferred.
• Connecticut S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson License is highly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial, institutional, healthcare, or higher education HVAC experience.
• Strong understanding of HVAC mechanical systems, refrigeration cycles, and controls.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS/BAS) is highly preferred
• Ability to read and interpret: Mechanical Drawings, Control Schematics, Blueprints, Technical Manuals
• Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting related to HVAC equipment.
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification preferred.
• Proficiency with computers, mobile devices, and work order management systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, noise, vibration, dust, odors, and other conditions associated with mechanical and maintenance operations.
• Work may be performed in confined or restricted-access areas, including crawl spaces, tunnels, utility vaults, and mechanical rooms, and may require climbing ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and stairs.
• Performs physically demanding work involving prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting or moving equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance or mechanical lifting devices.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all applicable safety procedures.
• Participates in an on-call rotation and may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, severe weather events, or other emergency situations, including equipment failures, utility interruptions, and planned utility shutdowns.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51v, applicants selected for this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of both the background check and drug test.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $38.25 - $46.04 per hour

Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.