HVAC Specialist

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The HVAC Specialist performs advanced, discipline-specific work to maintain and optimize Universal Orlando Facilities. The role diagnoses, repairs, maintains, and installs industrial, commercial, and non-commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems, including complex mechanical and control systems. Work includes precision calibration, system performance assessments, and compliance with applicable safety and operational standards. The specialist performs complex HVAC/R service across heating, air conditioning, ventilation, pumps, valves, piping, controls, and related equipment. The role uses PLC programming, electronic controls, and building management systems (BMS) for troubleshooting, programming, repairs, and system optimization. It also manages refrigeration systems, including walk-in freezers and coolers and PLC-controlled rack systems, and upgrades existing systems to integrate electronic controls. The position coordinates with third-party contractors and vendors, checks their work against industry standards and company expectations, modifies BMS set points and schedules, and maintains HVAC/R asset and preventive-maintenance information in Maximo. The specialist supports functional PM testing, prepares technical documentation for HVAC planners, and provides technical guidance and training to HVAC technicians and apprentices. The role also supports Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities and Utilities management through oversight and documentation of contractor activities.

Requirements

At least 6 years of equivalent commercial or industrial HVAC/R experience, including building automation systems, PLC systems, boilers, chilled water, DX equipment up to 40 tons, VAVs, and data-center HVAC systems.
Valid Florida Driver’s License for operating company vehicles.
EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification for handling refrigerants.
A Journeyman, Contractor, or Masters license in MEP trades issued by a municipality, city, county, or state, with at least 8,000 hours of relevant job experience.

Nice To Haves

Technical school education.
Associate degree (AA).
At least 1 year of experience in the theme park industry.

Responsibilities

Perform complex service, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, and overhaul work on HVAC/R systems and associated controls and accessories.
Troubleshoot, program, and repair PLC, electronic control, BMS, and BAS systems, and integrate or optimize controls to improve HVAC system performance and efficiency.
Maintain, repair, or replace mechanical and electronic components in walk-in freezers, walk-in coolers, and refrigeration rack systems.
Implement and maintain PLC-controlled refrigeration systems, including real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Upgrade and retrofit refrigeration systems to integrate electronic controls and improve reliability.
Coordinate with third-party contractors and vendors on HVAC/R infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and replacements, and ensure work meets applicable standards and expectations.
Program, modify, and optimize BMS set points and BAS schedules as requested by customers or management.
Maintain Maximo records so each HVAC/R asset has a preventive-maintenance job plan and schedule.
Use BMS systems to support full-functional preventive-maintenance testing.
Create detailed technical documentation to support parts procurement and equipment maintenance.
Provide mechanical, technical, and programming guidance to HVAC Tech II’s, Tech III’s, and HVAC apprentices.
Conduct training on best practices for maintaining modern, complex HVAC/R systems.
Follow Environmental, Health & Safety policies, procedures, training, and team-member involvement activities.
Interpret electrical schematics, BMS control functions, and electrical distribution networks; identify root causes and determine repairs.
Analyze system performance data to assess maintenance intervals and equipment-efficiency improvements.
Oversee and document contractor activities supporting Utilities management.
Perform other duties as assigned.