HVAC MECHANIC II

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The HVAC Mechanic II is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment throughout Arlington Public Schools (APS) facilities by completing full-performance, journey-level installation, operation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair tasks. The employee troubleshoots components and subsystems, performs routine and moderately complex maintenance, and applies standard trade practices to resolve equipment issues accurately and efficiently. The mechanic uses diagnostic tools, interprets basic schematics, and carries out repairs in accordance with industry standards. The position also supports senior-level technicians by assisting with more advanced repairs and diagnostics on commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC systems, while performing digital controls programming, BAS/EMS reprogramming, complex refrigeration repairs, and/or system-wide performance analyses. The incumbent ensures the consistent delivery of comfortable, safe, and properly conditioned learning and working environments across APS buildings. Accurate performance of duties helps maintain system reliability, reduce equipment downtime, extend asset life, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental requirements. The incumbent supports school staff, students, and facility operations by maintaining stable building conditions and promptly addressing HVAC-related concerns, while establishing uninterrupted instruction, operational continuity, and effective facility management.

Requirements

Knowledge of HVAC theories, principles, standard practices, and the operating characteristics of commercial and residential equipment at the journey level.
Knowledge of basic pneumatic and analog (non-DDC) control systems, EPA and OSHA/VOSHA requirements, APS safety procedures, and basic BAS/EMS operator functions.
Skill in using trade tools, troubleshooting components and subsystems, and performing standard to moderately complex repairs.
Skill in recovering, evacuating, and charging refrigerant systems in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Skill in reading and interpreting basic schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
Skill in using CMMS software to document work, track materials, and close out work orders.
Ability to work independently on routine and moderately complex tasks, recognize when issues require escalation to the HVAC Mechanic III, and communicate clearly with customers and coworkers.
Ability to work safely in mechanical rooms, rooftops, confined spaces, and other environments, and to learn new equipment and technologies as introduced.
Education: High school diploma or GED required.
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC-R systems is required. A minimum of one (1) year as a journey-level HVAC mechanic, with commercial/industrial refrigeration experience required.
CFC-Universal certification or EPA Section 608 Universal Certification is required.
A State driver's license is required.

Nice To Haves

A Journey License in HVAC or Certification in BAS/EMS platforms or advanced HVAC technologies (preferred; examples: NIACC, Tridium/Niagara) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Installs, maintains, and repairs HVAC equipment such as air handlers, unit ventilators, pumps, motors, fans, valves, pneumatic/analog controls, terminal units, and HVAC accessories.
Troubleshoots components and subsystems to identify faults such as failed motors, faulty switches, clogged coils, failed belts, and refrigerant leaks.
Performs routine preventive maintenance including filter changes, lubrication, coil cleaning, belt replacement, tightening electrical connections, and condensate system cleaning.
Assists HVAC Mechanic III staff with maintenance and repair of chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and large commercial systems by gathering readings, preparing tools, and carrying out directed tasks, and identifies when conditions require system-wide diagnostics.
Performs routine hydronic maintenance, including bleeding air, replacing gaskets, checking valve operation, and assisting with basic hydronic balancing procedures.
Recovers refrigerant, repairs minor leaks, evacuates equipment, and recharges units in accordance with EPA requirements, maintaining required documentation.
Performs brazing and soldering on piping for routine repairs and reports control failures or unusual operating trends to the HVAC Mechanic III or supervisor.
Uses the BAS/EMS interface at the operator level to start and stop equipment, view point status, acknowledge alarms, and make basic comfort adjustments within established limits.
Reads and interprets basic schematics, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer manuals, and uses test instruments such as multimeters, ammeters, airflow meters, and manifold gauges.
Cuts, threads, and installs piping; installs ductwork and diffusers; and assembles mounting hardware and structural supports.
Investigates heating or cooling complaints by checking room conditions, taking equipment readings, verifying component operation, and reporting issues that exceed journey-level scope.
Communicates with school-based staff in a courteous, responsive, and customer-service-oriented manner.
Completes scheduled preventive maintenance tasks following APS procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
Identifies worn or failing components and reports them for corrective work orders, providing observations to support HVAC Mechanic III recommendations for system optimization or preventive maintenance improvements.
Completes work orders accurately, documenting labor, parts used, refrigerant recovery/charging, and system conditions.
Maintains stock, requests needed materials, and performs basic shop-keeping duties and vehicle inspections.
Handles refrigerants, chemicals, and fuel products safely and follows all applicable safety procedures, including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, and confined-space protocols.
Ensures work sites are safe, clean, and properly restored after tasks, and may provide informal guidance to lower-level personnel.
Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and purpose of the position.