HVAC Technician Senior

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking an HVAC Technician Senior to perform skilled maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical systems at CATS facilities, stations, maintenance buildings, and other assigned operational sites. This role ensures systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently, supporting employee work environments, equipment rooms, and passenger-facing facilities. The HVAC Technician Senior diagnoses more complex, intermittent, and difficult-to-isolate mechanical, electrical, and control problems; interprets electrical and control diagrams; uses building automation system information; and verifies the effectiveness of repairs. The role provides technical assistance to coworkers as needed and exercises judgment in identifying conditions requiring specialty or contractor support. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and five (5) years of experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience maintaining rooftop units, split systems, air handlers, heat pumps, exhaust systems, and related equipment.
Demonstrated experience independently diagnosing and repairing more complex HVAC problems, including electrical and control-related issues.
Experience interpreting electrical schematics and control diagrams and using gauges, meters, and HVAC diagnostic equipment.
Ability to perform work in accordance with established safety procedures and standard trade practices.

Nice To Haves

Technical diploma, associate degree, apprenticeship completion, or other formal training in HVAC or a related trade.
EPA refrigerant certification, including Universal certification, or other relevant HVAC trade certification.
Experience using BAS for monitoring and troubleshooting and working with computerized maintenance management systems.
Experience in public transit, transportation facilities, or other complex multi-site operating environments.

Responsibilities

Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain air handlers, rooftop units, split systems, heat pumps, exhaust systems, and related equipment and components.
Diagnose heating, cooling, airflow, ventilation, and equipment performance issues, including complex or intermittent problems involving mechanical components, electrical circuits, sensors, and controls.
Observe equipment operation, take diagnostic measurements, and inspect components to isolate causes of malfunction and determine appropriate repairs.
Dismantle equipment as needed to inspect, repair, replace, or adjust defective components; service thermostats, relays, contactors, sensors, motors, belts, pulleys, and other parts within assigned scope.
Test equipment after repairs, verify proper system operation, and identify unresolved or recurring conditions requiring further attention.
Perform filter changes, belt inspections, lubrication, coil cleaning, drain line maintenance, and other preventive maintenance tasks efficiently and consistently.
Inspect systems for wear, damage, abnormal operation, and developing problems; recommend corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce repeat service calls.
Read electrical schematics, wiring and control diagrams, maintenance manuals, and equipment specifications to support troubleshooting and repair.
Use building automation systems (BAS) to review HVAC alarms, operating conditions, schedules, and available trend information; make authorized adjustments within established procedures.
Support safe system startup and shutdown and identify issues requiring specialized controls, programming, or contractor assistance.
Respond to service calls, temperature complaints, indoor air quality concerns, ventilation issues, and other assigned work requests; prioritize activities based on safety, service impact, and operational need.
Complete assignments with dependable follow-through and sound judgment about repair approaches, work sequencing, and the need for additional support.
Coordinate with supervisors, other trades staff, contractors, and facility personnel during repairs, inspections, planned outages, and special projects.
Provide technical assistance to coworkers on troubleshooting methods, equipment operation, and repair practices as needed.
Perform related general facility repairs, including minor plumbing, door hardware, and electrical component work, within training, authorization, and applicable trade requirements.
Complete CMMS work orders and other required records, including diagnostic findings, repairs, test results, labor, and parts used.
Maintain tools, diagnostic equipment, and consumables; identify repair parts and supply needs and keep work areas organized and clean.
Assist with review of contractor HVAC work and verify service quality and equipment operation as directed.
Follow applicable OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, ladder and rooftop safety practices, and agency safety rules.
Use required PPE, tools, gauges, meters, and diagnostic equipment safely; recognize hazards and report unsafe conditions.
Perform refrigerant handling only within certification limits and in accordance with applicable requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.