Facilities & Construction - HVAC Lead

Position Summary

The HVAC Lead is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and operating HVAC, refrigeration, and Building Management Systems throughout Sacred Heart University's facilities. Ensures campus mechanical systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting occupant comfort, energy management initiatives, and the University's commitment to providing an exceptional learning, living, and working environment.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and install commercial HVAC equipment and systems, including: chillers, boilers, Air Handling Units (AHUs), Rooftop Units (RTUs), Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, heat pumps, exhaust and supply fans, split systems, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems.
• Monitor, operate, and adjust HVAC system performance through the University’s Building Management System (BMS).
• Troubleshoot HVAC controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS), including sensors, actuators, valves, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and associated control devices.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical equipment to maximize system reliability, efficiency, and lifespan.
• Respond to service calls, maintenance requests, and work orders in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with the commissioning, startup, testing, and performance verification of HVAC systems and building controls.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, work orders, equipment repairs, inspections, and testing.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and Facilities Management personnel regarding maintenance activities, repairs, and capital projects.
• Participate in after-hours emergency response and on-call rotation as required to support campus operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, University policies, licensing requirements, codes, and industry standards.
• Train and mentor maintenance personnel, helpers, and apprentices as assigned.
• Safeguard University-owned tools, equipment, materials, and vehicles from loss, theft, misuse, or damage.
• Assist technicians in other trades and specialties as needed, provided all life safety requirements, licensing regulations, and applicable codes are maintained.
• Support the University’s commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient campus environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager in response to the needs of the University.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• High school diploma or completion of an accredited HVAC technical school program, trade school certificate, or equivalent vocational training preferred.
• Connecticut S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyperson License is highly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial, institutional, healthcare, or higher education HVAC experience.
• Strong understanding of HVAC mechanical systems, refrigeration cycles, and controls.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS/BAS) is highly preferred
• Ability to read and interpret: Mechanical Drawings, Control Schematics, Blueprints, Technical Manuals 
• Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting related to HVAC equipment.
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification preferred.
• Proficiency with computers, mobile devices, and work order management systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, noise, vibration, dust, odors, and other conditions associated with mechanical and maintenance operations.
• Work may be performed in confined or restricted-access areas, including crawl spaces, tunnels, utility vaults, and mechanical rooms, and may require climbing ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and stairs.
• Performs physically demanding work involving prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting or moving equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance or mechanical lifting devices.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all applicable safety procedures.
• Participates in an on-call rotation and may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, severe weather events, or other emergency situations, including equipment failures, utility interruptions, and planned utility shutdowns.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51v, applicants selected for this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of both the background check and drug test.

Compensation & Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $38.25 - $46.04 per hour

Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.