Technician, HVAC

ABOUT US The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely . Job Posting End Date: Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site. DESCRIPTION Under the supervision of the Assistant Manager of Mechanical Engineering, the work of the HVAC Technician includes skilled manual and technical work at an experienced level . An employee in this class, with general technical, and administrative supervision from an assigned supervisor, trouble-shoots, repairs and maintains heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. Education: High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here . Experience: Four (4) years of experience in the care and maintenance of air-conditioning and heating equipment and control devices, including instruction in troubleshooting. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences . Completion of a registered apprenticeship program. Two (2) or more years’ experience at the Journeyman level. Current Journeyman or Journeyman Restricted HVACR License issued by the State of Maryland. LICENSURE Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Certification. Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record with 2 or less points on your record. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Performs complex work involving troubleshooting, investigation, and repair of HVAC equipment and controls. Performs preventive maintenance of HVAC equipment including cleaning, inspection, and routine servicing. Disassembles, replaces, and adjusts defective parts. Properly recharges air-conditioning systems. Diagnoses electrical, mechanical and electronic defects. Makes emergency repairs to equipment. Reads wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals. Documents work completed in the computerized work order management system. May need to work overtime and respond to emergency calls during inclement weather or other emergencies. Employee Safety The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator . The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list. Knowledge of the principles of air-conditioning maintenance methods. Knowledge of air compressors, pneumatic controls, electronic temperature controls, relay systems, thermostats, VAV systems, rooftop and other air-handling units, including gas-fired units, chillers, energy management systems, pumps (2 and 4-pipe systems). Knowledge of the principles of safety and electricity. Knowledge of standard parts, tools, and test equipment used in the trade and safe installation of new and replacement parts. Ability to operate the Building Automation System (BAS) to investigate and troubleshoot HVAC equipment. Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals and to implement that knowledge in actual performance. Ability to plan work and keep accurate records of work performed and materials used. Ability to diagnose electrical, mechanical and electronic defects. Ability to maintain , adjust and repair air-conditioning equipment. Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders, catwalks, and aerial lifts. Ability to communicate effectively with administrators and custodial staff and get along well with others. Ability to take emergency callouts . ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements. Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds. Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, stepladders and/or extension ladders. Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment. Ability to work in confined spaces. The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. Working Hours The duty day for a full-time position is 8 .5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch. This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be accepted . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely matches the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Compensation This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee bargaining unit . This position is Grade IX on the Audio Visual/ Grounds/ Maintenance/ Warehouse salary scale . Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is non-exempt . Retirement Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary . Benefits HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. Pre-Employment Requirements Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing . Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. For questions regarding this posting , pleas e contact Natasha Mahasa at . EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email . HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.