HVAC Mechanic or Senior HVAC Mechanic

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

10h•$50,960 - $74,880•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia Facilities Management team is hiring an HVAC Mechanic or Senior HVAC Mechanic for its Housing Zone. The position supports approximately 180 buildings and 3.1 million square feet of residential and program space, including historic houses, modern residence halls, and student support facilities. The role contributes to reliable maintenance of residential facilities and has a direct impact on the daily experience of UVA students. Both levels perform journey-level installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across the Housing portfolio. HVAC Mechanics independently maintain, diagnose, and repair varied equipment, perform preventive maintenance, respond to service requests, and support reliable building operations. Senior HVAC Mechanics perform advanced work on complex systems with minimal supervision, provide technical leadership and mentorship, help establish preventive maintenance schedules, coordinate complex assignments, and troubleshoot recurring or difficult problems. The positions work as part of a collaborative, multi-trade maintenance team, with opportunities to develop skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general building systems. The position is full-time, local work with no travel or seasonal layoffs. The successful candidate must complete required background checks before starting.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For the HVAC Mechanic level, at least four years of experience in the HVAC trade.
For the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, at least seven years of experience in the HVAC trade.
Valid Journeyman or Master HVAC license.
Valid driver's license.
For the HVAC Mechanic level, demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot, install, maintain, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems and equipment.
For the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, demonstrated advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities, experience with complex HVAC systems, and ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to other trades staff.
Ability to meet the required background-check conditions before the start date.

Nice To Haves

EPA Section 608 Universal Certification.
Experience maintaining HVAC systems in commercial, institutional, multifamily residential, or higher-education facilities.
Experience with variable refrigerant flow (VRF), heat pump, packaged, and central HVAC systems.
Experience with building automation systems (BAS), direct digital controls (DDC), and HVAC control troubleshooting.
Experience developing or supporting preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems.
Experience mentoring or training other skilled trades staff.
Experience working collaboratively with other building trades.

Responsibilities

Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC systems and equipment, including heat pumps, packaged units, central heating and cooling systems, ventilation equipment, refrigeration systems, and associated mechanical components.
Perform preventive maintenance and inspections to identify potential problems, improve system efficiency and reliability, and reduce unplanned equipment failures.
Diagnose and repair heating, cooling, ventilation, temperature, and humidity control issues in occupied residential buildings while minimizing disruption to residents and building operations.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control components associated with HVAC equipment, including motors, compressors, pumps, valves, thermostats, and control devices.
Respond to maintenance work orders, service requests, and emergency HVAC issues in a timely and professional manner.
Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment documentation, and technical specifications.
Identify and estimate materials, equipment, and labor requirements for assigned work.
Maintain accurate documentation of labor, materials, preventive maintenance records, and work order updates in UVA's AIM maintenance management system.
Communicate with residents, customers, supervisors, and other trades about work progress, scheduling, and service interruptions.
Perform work in accordance with applicable mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration codes, OSHA regulations, University safety requirements, and proper personal protective equipment use.
Serve as a primary resource for HVAC-related issues in the assigned Housing area and participate in cross-training to strengthen the team's capabilities across multiple building trades.
Participate in emergency response, snow and ice removal, and standby or callback rotations as assigned.
Perform other duties necessary to support Housing Zone operations.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, independently diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and install complex HVAC and refrigeration systems.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, diagnose recurring or difficult equipment failures, identify root causes, and recommend long-term corrective actions.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, establish and support preventive maintenance schedules and procedures to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and service life.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, prioritize emergency service requests to maintain critical HVAC operations and prevent damage to University property.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, estimate labor, materials, equipment, and time for complex maintenance repairs and small projects.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to HVAC Mechanics, assistants, apprentices, and other maintenance staff.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, review completed work for quality, safety, and compliance with applicable codes and University standards.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, coordinate with other skilled trades, supervisors, and contractors on work involving multiple building systems.
At the Senior HVAC Mechanic level, support improvements to maintenance practices, equipment performance, and operational efficiency throughout the Housing portfolio.

Benefits

Health, dental, retirement, and educational benefits for the employee and/or family.
Access to trade credentialing, continuing education, and advancement through UVA training and apprenticeship pathways.
22 days of paid time off, increasing with service.
13 or more paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off.
Parental and Community Service Leave.
Health plan options to meet healthcare and financial needs.
Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System.
Tuition and professional development benefits.
Employee wellness program with activities to earn up to $500 per year.
Potential $2,500 sign-on bonus for employees new to the University, subject to current University policy and approval.