Senior HVAC Technician

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks , reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference! Uncommon Schools is seeking a Senior HVAC Technician (Snr HVAC Tech) to join the charter network’s New Jersey Facilities team. This position provides an opportunity for an experienced HVAC technician with at least seven (7) years' relevant experience to work with a dedicated facilities group, deepen his/her technical skills, and help ensure that Uncommon provides well-maintained, comfortable, and safe educational facilities for our students and staff.   Uncommon’s portfolio in New Jersey comprises buildings constructed from the very early 1900s through the early 2020s, operating HVAC systems dating from 1966 to the recent past few years. As ambient comfort is essential to a productive learning and teaching environment, the impact of this individual’s attentiveness will be felt and deeply appreciated across the region. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Facilities Management Team, the Senior HVAC Technician will perform all technical work necessary to inspect, maintain, repair, and modify HVAC system in our buildings. With expertise in HVAC – and to a lesser extent in construction and plumbing – in multi-family, schools, and commercial buildings, the successful candidate will be responsible for conducting minor HVAC projects and managing larger ones and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. The Snr HVAC Tech will partner with senior Facilities team members and outside consultants on the planning, coordination, and supervision of mechanical construction and repair activities implemented by outside vendors, will ensure project timelines are met and ensure quality control standards are followed, mentor junior staff, and handle all HVAC-related communication with stakeholders. Uncommon values candidates who have the drive and ability to work hard, are highly self-motivated, are eager to take on and implement assignments and projects, and have a strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Safe, efficient, healthy, clean, comfortable, and reliable buildings are essential to Uncommon’s mission to deliver an excellent education to our students and a comfortable working environment to our dedicated staff. As a member of the NJ Facilities Team, the Senior HVAC Technician will  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 Required Technical Skills: 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  General Technical Skills 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 o