Lead HVAC Technician
#C3023
Pay Level 14

Purpose of Classification:

Responsible for leading and coordinating HVAC Technician (‘s) work while providing hands-on participation regarding the installation, operation, and maintenance of the College’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and associated systems to provide environmental conditions consistent with efficient and effective operational requirements in accordance with the College’s mission, vision, and core values. 

Essential Functions:

Leads HVAC Technicians and related contractors in the performance and completion of HVAC mechanical and electrical systems work.

Ensures proper and adequate installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair, of HVAC related systems including steam boilers, chillers, refrigeration systems, pumps, air compressors, generators, blowers, fans, variable frequency drives, computerized maintenance control systems, and all other associated mechanical and electrical systems.

Leads, directs, participates in, and provides insight into the maintenance and improvements of HVAC and related system operations and computerized maintenance management systems that support work order management and preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs associated with HVAC mechanical and electrical systems and auxiliary equipment.

Programs controls and monitors all boilers, chillers, heat recovery, and multi-zone units, pumps, fans, refrigeration systems, and performs chemical testing on heating water in boilers/heat exchangers and water in cooling towers, chillers, and other plant systems. Programs and monitors occupied and unoccupied energy efficiency scheduling with HVAC, lighting, and other systems to optimize performance and savings.

Maintains the fire alarm, security, and master clock systems; responds to alarms, troubleshoots, and makes needed repairs; programs changes and adjustments.  Coordinates with service contractors associated with these systems as needed.

Leads a program that monitors, corrects and improves acceptable air quality in accordance with campus and industry standards with emphasis on energy savings programs.

Sets priorities of major equipment upgrades, energy conserving measures, equipment malfunctions or replacements in conjunction with the Trades Coordinator, Energy Analyst, and FMP Director.  Follows through with highest priority assignments to ensure work gets accomplished to 100% completion in a timely fashion.  Communicates status or work to all affected or that need to be informed. 

Develops service bid packages, acquires bids, and works with and coordinates service contractors to perform services to all related systems.  Responsible to ensure timely mechanical and functional services to meet annual regulatory requirements of fire protection sprinkler riser flow tests, all back-flow preventors, boiler contractors, kitchen hood exhaust and fire suppression systems, and fire alarm system inspections and testing.  Serves the primary contact person for sheet metal and refrigeration contractors, chemical water treatment contractors, air filter contractors, mechanical contractors, plumbing contractors, control system contractors, fire suppression contractors, fire alarm contractors, and for all facilities related utility service providers.

Leads the overall safety programs to develop, follow, provide training, and ensure the complete and full implementation of all Oregon OSHA and Lane Community College safety programs and procedures related to HVAC systems, utility systems, and associated electrical systems on campus.  Ensures that all HVAC Technicians have proper personal protective equipment available and understand how and when to use it.  Responsible to inform associated contractor and service provider employees regarding Lane Community College Safety program policies and procedures.  Ensures that all contractors and service provider employees follow all Oregon OSHA and Lane Community College safety policies and procedures.

Actively participates with facilities management trades team as a proactive solution oriented and interactive member to provide a pleasant, safe, healthy, effective, and responsive educational environment for students, staff, and faculty.

Provides a positive, pro-active, and timely customer oriented service.  Follows-through on all HVAC temperature and hot water work requests and trouble calls with a prioritized response that ensures completion ASAP and communication on progress to all FMP associated staff and the requestor.  Coordinates with the Trades Coordinator on a daily basis to work on and complete work orders assigned per the work order planning board in FMP.  Ensures that all HVAC Technicians are working on projects per the work order planning board priorities on each week.  Work orders are closed within 14 days after completion.  Responsible to make sure that all safety and emergency work orders are completed first as priority work orders. 

Trains specific FMP staff and other HVAC Technicians to perform temperature set point adjustments, respond to alarms, and how to reset systems to restore proper operation.  Responds in a timely fashion (within 1 hour) to off-hour emergency calls.

Models and ensures diversity and cultural competency (respect, inclusiveness, reflecting, valuing and welcoming of cultural differences) in all position responsibilities regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation, ability, nationality, age, language, origin, or employment status.  Ensures that all communication with peers, staff, faculty, and students on campus is respectful and courteous. 

Auxiliary Functions:

Work is performed within the applicable College and departmental policies, procedures, and priorities.

Provides back-up contact support to the Electricians for lighting, security, electrical outages or emergencies, and elevator alarms or urgently needed programming changes.

Does related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associates degree in HVAC Technology or related field or equivalent HVAC related trade Journeyman program. Ten years of experience at a journey person HVAC level is required.  At least two years of this experience should involve a leadership role in an HVAC trade related work team. A current Oregon drivers' license is required. A current State of Oregon Electrician license: Electrician, Limited Energy Technician, Class A (LEA), or higher level license is required.   

Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of and skill in: Understanding and being able to maintain system operations; generating and following computerized maintenance management systems that support work order management and preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs associated with chemical testing, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, air compressors, blowers, exhaust fan systems, building automation systems, and  computerized HVAC central plant and auxiliary equipment; all phases of mechanical and electrical as related to small to large HVAC systems of various types; training and monitoring performance of staff and service contractors; applying occupational safety precautions and practices; operating a variety of hand and power tools; in trade specific  software and hardware.  Follows LCC and Oregon OSHA safe electrical work practices following guidance from the LCC Lead Electrician.  Ensures that all HVAC Technicians and associated service contractors follow LCC safe electrical work practices.  Safe electrical work practices include lock-out/tag-out programs that isolate all electrical, mechanical, chemical, hydraulic, and physically stored sources of energy before working on equipment and systems.

Skill in: Planning work, assigning tasks, prioritizing work, setting work schedules, providing quality controls and conducting on-the-job training, as needed.

Ability to: provide positive and constructive feedback; plan work assignments and set priorities; actively participate in a progressive and interactive facilities management trades team;  program computerized control systems for HVAC and other associated facility mechanical systems; work on building remodeling projects; analyze and troubleshoot problems with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems related to heating, ventilating and cooling on the campus; develop specifications and obtain quotes for materials, equipment, and services; communicate effectively and respectfully, both orally and in writing, and work productively with others; develop and assist in the development of maintenance contracts for system controls and other plant equipment; understand, operate, and program digital building automation systems; troubleshoot plant equipment problems and resolve problems in an efficient and timely manner; clearly discern dials to monitor and adjust settings; develop blueprints, wiring diagrams, technical instructions and other directions; operate a forklift, boom and scissor lifts; work safely in operating equipment and/or performing duties to prevent injury to self and others.    

Physical Demands:

While performing the essential functions of these positions, the employee is required to transport ladders, power and hand tools and HVAC equipment, such as pumps and valves, stay in a stationary position for extended periods of time, to work at heights of over 50 feet and overhead, on ladders, and lift equipment, as well as working close to the floor; occasionally transports equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.  Required to drive safely and use the “buddy” system when performing difficult work tasks.  HVAC work requires concentrated mental and visual attention for sustained periods of time.

Working Conditions:

Working conditions include working at heights and overhead and exposure to inclement weather. At times, work includes tight conditions with limited access and spaces within mechanical equipment, crawl spaces, and around existing piping chases.  The Lead HVAC Technician must be available twenty-four hours a day for emergency response.

Tools and Equipment Used:

In performing the essential functions of the position, the following tools and equipment may be used: trucks and other motorized vehicles; ladders, scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, forklifts, and other mechanical lifting equipment; Fluke electrical meters, air flow diagnostic meters, meters for combustible and explosive gas; boilers, chillers, refrigeration systems, pumps, air compressors, generators, blowers, fans; variable frequency drives, computerized maintenance control systems, fire protection alarm systems, HVAC related alarm systems, and all other associated mechanical and electrical systems. All power and hand tools pertaining to HVAC work; laptop and desktop computers, various computer hardware and software, palm pilot, printer, fax machine, telephone, and other related tools and equipment.

Supervision:

Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Director of Facilities Management and Planning. Work is performed independently according to trade practices, College and departmental policies and applicable state and federal regulations. The Trades Coordinator, Lead HVAC Technician, Energy Analyst, and the Director work closely and in alignment with the planning team to set priorities of major equipment upgrades, energy conserving measures, equipment malfunctions or replacements. Work performance is reviewed for the proper, safe and efficient operation of the HVAC plant and related mechanical systems and timely completion of special projects assigned. Use of considerable judgment to plan and perform unusual and difficult work where only general methods are available, and in the making of broad decisions involving considerable initiative and ingenuity.

Positions in this classification coordinate and lead the work of HVAC Technicians, Maintenance Workers, hourly employees, and service contractors.   

11/08

Lane Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.