Maintenance HVAC (Facilities)

The Role

Participates in corrective, demand, and preventive building maintenance, rejuvenation, and restoration work, primarily on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, devices, and appliances. Works primarily at Waterloo Region Housing sites, and as required at other corporate buildings, to meet requirements for a safe, reliable workplace. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works alone or with co-workers to perform HVAC and refrigeration maintenance tasks on building operating systems, including equipment, devices, and appliances.  
• Performs maintenance tasks on mechanical operating equipment associated with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling, heat pumps (ground and air source), and refrigeration systems (e.g., repairing/replacing components, including welding, changing filters, replacing electrical motors, servicing humidification systems, replacing bearings on blowers, replacing belts, lubricating moving parts, troubleshooting and solving gas train problems). Repairs and upgrades existing services. 
• Troubleshoots and assesses equipment and building material needs. Determines and procures parts and materials from vendors and stockroom per purchasing bylaws and procedures.
• Participates in discussions where relative trade experience enhances the evaluation of a situation; offers remedies/alternatives based on experience, trade practices, and code requirements.
• Cooperates with tenants and building occupants to perform and schedule work to minimize impact on activities / programs. Responds to client concerns and troubleshoots to identify cause of failures. Determines course of action and implements solutions.
• Works to ensure the safety and comfort of tenants, clients, co-workers, and the public. 
• Organizes and sets up own work sites, and schedules use of special equipment and materials.
• Initiates work and follows through to job completion, including site cleanup. Reports conditions for investigation/correction resulting from work carried out/observations. Prepares reports as required, tracks expenses, and completes paperwork.
• Participates in the development and implementation of a comprehensive HVAC and refrigeration preventive maintenance program for Region-owned and rented properties (e.g., natural gas, propane, and fuel oil heating systems, portable air conditioners, roof top split systems, hot/cold split wall systems, ceiling mount unit heaters, air and water refrigeration systems, control systems). 
• Inventories and identifies HVAC and refrigeration systems in existing facilities.
• Works closely with contractors on new HVAC and refrigeration installations and warranty work. 
• Works with other staff as required to perform maintenance, update programs (e.g., fire, safety), repair/replace systems (e.g., methane, carbon monoxide), and maintain building elements (e.g., caulking, roofing, doors, windows, screens, rain gutters, down spouts, hardware, locks, minor carpentry, louvers).
• Has contact with building inspectors, TSSA inspectors, and contractors regarding equipment repairs and replacement work. Contacts vendors and suppliers for technical support and information.
• Sets up, organizes, and completes work per trade expertise. Discusses methods and approaches to complete tasks outside of relevant expertise with management and/or consultants. Work is checked by clients, building inspectors, and TSSA inspectors.  
• Maintains Region-owned equipment, resources, vehicles, cell phone, two-way radio, and tools (valued at approximately $70,000) in good and safe working condition. Reports repair/replacement needs to management. Recommends purchases to management for specialized tools/equipment.  
• Coordinates/manages projects valued up to $30,000. Has a purchasing card ($2,000/transaction and $6,000/month).
• Coordinates and monitors the work of contractors to ensure work is completed per contracts, health and safety policies and legislation, and codes.  
• Provides backup during vacations and other absences.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a Grade 12 diploma.  
• Must have a Gas Technician II certificate. 
• Must have a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (313A) certificate. 
• Must have a community college certificate as a Class II Building Environmental Systems Operator or equivalent education and/or experience in the 6 components of the certification program. 
• Must have 3 years of continuous experience operating and maintaining building environmental systems as a Gas Technician II and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with corporate policies, procedures, and standards; industry standards (e.g., American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers); municipal by-laws; local utilities standards; TSSA requirements; LEED standards; and legislation and codes (e.g., fire, building, electrical, gas, plumbing, health and safety). 
• Ability to remain current and update status with trade/certification requirements as it relates to new buildings, materials, systems, and technologies.  
• Communication skills to exchange technical information with clients, tenants, other employees, the public, building occupants, suppliers, sub-trades and contractors when explaining job requirements and possible delays/conflicts on the job; receive technical guidance; and participate as an effective team member.  
• De-escalation skills to respond to questions/concerns and resolve issues/complaints regarding tenants, clients, and contractors with ability to recognize and defuse contentious situations.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with limited direction.
• Ability to handle simultaneous demands.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and electrical, mechanical, and architectural plans, drawings, and blueprints. Ability to read and apply technical manuals, reports, instructions, and safety data sheets. Ability to complete work orders, timesheets, and requisition forms.  
• Computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office, building control systems, and work order systems. 
• Must have a valid class G driver’s licence (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles.
• Ability to participate in a regular on-call rotation to respond to emergencies and urgent matters evenings and weekends.
• Must provide an acceptable criminal record and judicial matters check for bondability.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.