HVAC Technician

Primary Purpose:

Maintains, repairs, and conducts preventive maintenance and installation of air conditioning, heating, ice makers and refrigeration equipment located in the Comal ISD facilities. These systems include air handlers and air distribution systems, which include air damper repair and maintenance, screw scroll and reciprocating air conditioning systems that provide cooling via direct expansion or chilled water circulation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning heat pump system and local controls, all walk-in and freestanding coolers and freezers, domestic refrigerators and freezers, heating and reheat systems, air and water balancing of HVAC systems, compressed air equipment, and indoor air quality equipment.

Education / Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year certificate from college or technical school is preferred.
• Possesses Refrigerant Recovery and Handling Certification - Universal or obtain within 180 calendar days of employment.
• Possesses a valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License with a driving record that meets the requirements of the District.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

• Average proficiency in the use of a computer and knowledge and ability to use and/or learn to use Maintenance Software. Moderate proficiency is required in the use of Internet Software.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Expert knowledge of the trade practices used in HVAC/Refrigeration repair and maintenance - knowledge must be coupled with well-rounded field experience to perform effective inspections, identify operations and perform diagnostics on essential appliances.
• Ability to analyze and to assess mechanical equipment problems and functions using sophisticated instruments, meters and devices.
• Operational knowledge of repairing or replacing compressors, motors, blower bearings, and all related mechanical systems affiliated with HVAC/R and refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read project plans for new or remodeled areas related to his/her position and recommend application practices.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
• Professional knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration equipment and the ability to diagnose and repair the equipment in a timely manner to maintain operation and to prevent costly repairs and down time.
• Familiar with residential and commercial applications of equipment.
• Moderate skills are required in communication (verbal and written), memorizing, coordinating, compiling, computing and instructing.
• Above average degree of analyzing, coordinating, compiling, computing and emotional control.
• Ability to calmly think and render sound decisions quickly during periods of extreme pressure or crisis is essential.
• Average degree of concentration, interpretative skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, reading and emotional control.
• Read and comprehend warning signs, caution labels and Material Safety Data Sheets to safely and correctly use chemical products.

Experience / Other Requirements:

• Minimum of two (2) years of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration field experience is required. Five (5) years preferred.
• Personal cell phone is required to handle district related business, including after hours, or when away from the office on district business.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Responsible for the effective operation of the District's air conditioning, heating, heat pumps, ventilation, refrigeration equipment and energy recovery equipment.
• Performs regularly scheduled preventive maintenance inspections, troubleshoots malfunctions, makes major repairs and recommends replacement of equipment.
• Performs work on various screw, reciprocating and scroll air conditioning and refrigeration units that provide cooling either by direct expansion, chill water circulation or centrifugal chillers.
• Maintains all walk-in and freestanding coolers, freezers, refrigerators and compressed air systems.
• Maintains electric, hot water and gas fired reheat and heating systems; maintains, cleans and services air handlers and filtration systems; removes and repairs water circulating pumps, adjusts electric and pneumatic control valves on central heating/cooling systems.
• Maintains and repairs of on-board HVAC/R electrical systems to include motor control, magnetic, contactors, relays, solenoids and transformers.
• Plans, installs, modifies, troubleshoots, and repairs a variety of complete systems as well as any part of these systems.
• Responsible for the safe and proper installation and operation of systems and equipment, and for compliance with the National Electric Code, EPA, working knowledge of UMC, State of Texas and San Antonio Environmental/Refrigeration laws.
• Completes installations, modifications, and repairs, and load tests systems, circuits, equipment and controls with little or no supervision during the process or after completion of the work.
• Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and performs preventive maintenance on refrigeration and heating systems; takes the necessary corrective action by utilizing tools of the trade.
• Responsible for keeping records of current equipment and maintaining good housekeeping and safety habits.
• Responsible for securing and maintaining all assigned hand tools, equipment and District vehicles in serviceable condition.
• Performs shop and industrial housekeeping practices that are in the areas associated with the systems being maintained.
• Responsible for independently assessing the work situation on site, determining the best method of accomplishment and taking the necessary corrective action while following accepted safety practices.
• Consults with HVAC/R Foreman as needed relative to interpretation of guidance, and extent of work authorized if work requires more than the number of hours allowed by the maintenance service order.
• Works with other trades for layout of new or replacement of existing equipment.
• Responsible for inspecting installations and repairs of equipment made by contractors and approve that work is completed or repaired.
• Recovers and disposes of refrigerant in accordance with Environment Protection Agency regulations.
• Assists other technicians with hands on training to further their knowledge and skills for the trade.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information.
• Frequently required to drive District vehicles in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Reports to work on time every day.
• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises and evaluates employees assigned in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Energy Control Management shops. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending for employment, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.