HVAC Operating Engineer

Uncommon Schools • Newark, NJ

52d • $43 - $50 • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking an experienced HVAC Operating Engineer with at least seven (7) years' relevant experience to join the charter network’s New Jersey Facilities team. This position offers the opportunity to work with a dedicated facilities group, deepen technical skills, and help ensure that Uncommon provides well-maintained, comfortable, and safe educational facilities for students and staff. The role involves performing all technical work necessary to inspect, maintain, repair, and modify HVAC systems in buildings constructed from the early 1900s through the early 2020s, with HVAC systems dating from 1966 to the recent past. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting minor HVAC projects and managing larger ones, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This role requires partnering with senior Facilities team members and outside consultants on the planning, coordination, and supervision of mechanical construction and repair activities, ensuring project timelines and quality control standards are met, mentoring junior staff, and handling all HVAC-related communication with stakeholders. Uncommon values candidates who are self-motivated, eager to take on and implement assignments, and have a strong commitment to customer service.

Requirements

• Significant journeyman-level HVAC experience along with the trade knowledge to effectively understand and perform all facets of the HVAC trade in accordance with the National Standard Plumbing Code and other applicable codes.
• Strong background in commercial heating projects large and small, including hot water boilers and gas furnaces.
• Ability to read as-built plans for all buildings in portfolio.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, submittals, cut sheets, layouts, technical manuals, schematic drawings, and other HVAC-related trade documents.
• Advanced knowledge of BMS systems and system operations.
• Ability to procure replacement parts as needed to make all necessary repairs.
• Ability to properly and safely use the tools of the trade and carry out all tasks expected of a Snr. HVAC Technician.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair refrigerant-driven cooling and heating equipment (heat pump systems).
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair water-driven heating and cooling equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair water or glycol pump systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and service chillers and cooling towers.
• Ability to change filters and belts and clean coils as needed to ensure proper functioning of units.
• Ability to troubleshoot and implement recommended repair/replacement of gas valves, economizer motors and dampers, compressors and contactors, dampers, chilled water and hot water pumps, glycol injection units.
• Ability to evacuate and top-off units with refrigerant.
• Bachelor’s Degree equivalent or seven plus (7+) years of experience in the HVAC field.
• Evidence of progressive responsibility and experience in HVAC field, with four plus (4+) years as head technician.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with key building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing).
• Familiarity with OSHA and other Life Safety codes, etc.
• Computer skills necessary to operate BMS system.
• Facility with Microsoft office suite.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and electronically with facilities staff, school staff, and vendors.
• Available to work nights and weekends when necessary.
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high level of responsibility and multiple priorities.
• Carry a current EPA card enabling technician to dispense of refrigerants.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle.
• Strong capacity to operate independently.

Nice To Haves

• New Jersey low pressure black seal boiler, HVAC or other certificate, training, or licenses a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of the National Standard HVAC Code and other applicable building codes and perform all facets of the HVAC trade in accordance with those codes and in a safe and effective manner.
• Diagnose problems with HVAC systems, evaluate solutions to remedy issues, and provide sound recommendations to supervisors.
• In emergency situations, take immediate steps to contain the problem and restore the system to sound working condition.
• In emergency situations, maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders to apprise them of steps being taken to address the issue.
• Troubleshoot and repair all HVAC type systems currently available in the market.
• Maintain records of corrective and preventive work assignments received through an automated work order system (currently SchoolDude, soon ZenDesk).
• Assist onsite Facilities Managers and General Maintenance Workers with work projects or special assignments.
• Respond to campus emergency calls after hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Regional staff will have the same holidays and sustainability days as school-based staff in their region, and flexible summer PTO
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
• New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed