Facilities & Construction - HVAC Journeyman

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

Perform skilled journeyman-level work in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) trade in support of the maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, installation, alteration, and preventive maintenance of University buildings, facilities, and mechanical systems.

Independently diagnose and resolve HVAC-related issues; maintain and service HVAC equipment and associated controls; support the operation of building management and energy management systems; and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable codes, regulations, manufacturer specifications, and University standards.

Collaborate with Facilities & Construction staff, other skilled trades, contractors, and University departments to support reliable building operations, occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and timely completion of maintenance and capital projects.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform skilled journeyman-level HVAC work across University facilities, including the inspection, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and alteration of HVAC equipment, systems, and related components.
• Complete assigned work orders accurately, safely, efficiently, and within established priorities and timelines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and control-related issues within the employee’s training, licensing, and authorization.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance in accordance with established procedures, manufacturer recommendations, applicable codes, and University standards.
• Inspect HVAC equipment, systems, and campus facilities to identify required repairs, maintenance needs, safety concerns, and potential equipment failures.
• Use appropriate diagnostic tools, testing equipment, technical documentation, and sound judgment to evaluate system performance and identify the cause of equipment or system problems.
• Install, replace, adjust, and maintain HVAC equipment, components, controls, and related systems as assigned.
• Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot automated building management and energy management systems and controls.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, equipment manuals, diagrams, and technical instructions.
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, licensing requirements, safety standards, manufacturer specifications, and University policies.
• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and professional credentials applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate work order documentation, including work performed, materials used, equipment conditions, identified issues, and recommended follow-up.
• Identify and communicate material, equipment, and service needs to the Manager, Maintenance & Trades.
• Assist with estimating materials, preparing requisition information, and coordinating the procurement of equipment or services as requested.
• Recommend equipment repairs, replacements, and system improvements based on equipment condition, operational requirements, lifecycle considerations, energy conservation, and cost effectiveness.
• Participate in the planning, coordination, and completion of in-house capital projects, renovations, equipment installations, and HVAC system upgrades.
• Coordinate work with other skilled trades, Facilities & Construction personnel, contractors, and University departments to support safe, efficient, and timely completion of assignments.
• Assist with the coordination and review of contracted HVAC services, including providing technical information and verifying work as requested.
• Provide technical guidance, instruction, and training to HVAC technicians, helpers, apprentices, or other employees as directed. Such responsibilities do not constitute formal supervisory authority unless specifically assigned.
• Use University tools, equipment, materials, and resources appropriately, and safeguard them from damage, loss, misuse, or theft.
• Assist other trades and Campus Operations personnel as needed, provided that applicable safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements are maintained.
• Respond to after-hours emergency calls and urgent Campus Operations requests as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, safety training, and advancements in HVAC technology, equipment, and controls.
• Assist with snow removal and other operational needs as assigned.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned by management in response to the needs of the University

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a recognized HVAC/R apprenticeship, technical training program, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Current Connecticut journeyman-level HVAC, refrigeration, or related trade license appropriate to the position and assigned duties required. Current S-2 license is required, if applicable to the work performed.
• Minimum of three years of journeyman-level HVAC experience in a commercial, institutional, or similar environment required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and operation of commercial HVAC systems and related equipment required.
• Working knowledge of refrigeration systems, electrical components, motors, pumps, controls, air-handling equipment, boilers, chillers, rooftop units, and related mechanical systems required or preferred based on assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to independently diagnose HVAC system and equipment problems using appropriate tools, testing equipment, schematics, manuals, and technical documentation required.
• Knowledge of building management systems (BMS) and energy management controls preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, equipment manuals, diagrams, and technical instructions required.
• Knowledge of applicable HVAC codes, licensing requirements, safety standards, environmental regulations, and University policies required.
• Ability to use computerized work order systems, email, and other technology necessary to document and complete work required.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, exercise sound technical judgment, and communicate work status, issues, and recommended follow-up required.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other skilled trades, supervisors, contractors, vendors, and University departments required.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, instruction, and training to HVAC technicians, helpers, apprentices, or other employees as directed required.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and customer service skills required.
• Commitment to maintaining required licenses and certifications and participating in ongoing professional and technical development required.
• A current, valid Connecticut driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Work involves frequent exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, heat, cold, potentially hazardous chemicals, mechanical and electrical conditions, and working at heights or in confined and cramped areas.
• Regular use of hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, ladders, lifts, and machinery is required.
• The position requires the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds, as well as the physical ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work in various building and mechanical environments.
• May be required to work flexible hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, or respond to after-hours emergencies and urgent Campus Operations requests.
• May assist with snow removal and other operational needs as assigned.

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 $34.34 - $42.19 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.