Lead HVAC and Refrigeration Technician

Company: Poway Unified School District
Location: Poway
Posted on: March 20, 2026

Job Description:

Selection Procedure Applications will be screened, and those candidates whose backgrounds best match the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in a competitive examination process, which may include any combination of the following: Training & Experience evaluation (T&E), job-related performance exercise, and technical/oral appraisal interview. Examination procedures are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Director of the Personnel Commission. PUSD Classification Salary Range: $34.68 - $44.39 per hour Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $34.68 per hour (step 1) - $40.22 per hour (step 4) Candidates who pass all of the examination processes are ranked on an eligibility list according to their score(s). Selection for the position will be made from among the top three (3) ranks of candidates. The eligibility list will be used for hiring purposes in other vacancies in the same, or equivalent, job classification and will be active for six (6) months (Merit Rule 50.100.1). The Current vacancy is 8 hours per day, 12 months per year, located at the Facilities, Maintenance, & Operations (FMO) Department. PURPOSE STATEMENT: The job of Lead HVAC & Refrigeration Technician is done for the purposes of providing journey-level skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning, heating; installing, managing, and repairing chilled water systems, chillers, boilers; reviewing work requests; assigning and leading the work of other technicians; conducting scheduled maintenance and repair surveys; inspecting completed work; ensuring completion of projects in accordance with trade standards; providing information on the operation of HVAC systems; and supporting other skilled trades in completing work assignments. This job reports to the Maintenance Supervisor. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Analyzes blueprints, schematics, and drawings for existing and proposed HVAC systems for the purpose of identifying the location of new and existing systems and determining the efficient installation of additional equipment/systems. Confers with immediate supervisor and assists with the coordination of day-to-day activities (e.g. periodic lubrication; filter cleaning; changing belts, repairing system leaks, checking water tower components, trouble/issues phone call response, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the proper and efficient maintenance and repair of District HVAC. Coordinates with administration and other trades for the purpose of completing projects/work orders efficiently. Coordinates personnel regarding procedures and/or status of work orders (e.g. establishing work schedules, reviewing processes to be undertaken, etc.) for the purpose of providing direction and information for decision-making, taking appropriate action, and/or complying with health and safety regulations. Diagnoses causes of problems and/or failures in heating/air conditioning (e.g. blowers, filters, the flow of condenser water, water treatment system, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and pumps, etc.) for the purpose of identifying equipment and/or systems repair and replacement needs. Installs electrical HVAC system components (e.g. alarms, switches, timers, service disconnects, relay, controllers, variable frequency drive (VFD), etc.) for the purpose of providing enhanced and/or upgraded capabilities. Estimates materials and/or equipment needed to initiate/complete work projects for the purpose of ensuring timely implementation and completion of projects. Fabricates equipment parts (e.g drain pans, repiping, reducting, etc.) for the purpose of meeting specialty needs and/or replacing discontinued or unavailable parts. Implements assigned programs and/or projects (e.g. inspection schedules, preventive maintenance programs, new District projects, work orders, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring optimal HVAC operation and conformance to established guidelines. Informs personnel regarding procedures and/or status of work orders for the purpose of providing information for making decisions, taking appropriate action, and/or complying with health and building regulations. Inspects completed work (e.g. heating units, building exhaust fans, ventilation units, repair of gas heaters and boilers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the quality of work standards are met and identifying preventive maintenance requirements. Installs heating/air conditioning equipment and systems (e.g. boilers, chilled water systems, etc.) for the purpose of providing enhanced and/or upgraded HVAC capabilities. Maintains a variety of files and records (e.g. time sheets, inventory, work orders, labor/material estimates, equipment repair manuals, service records, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date references and audit trail. Manages operation and performance records (e.g. periodic lubrication schedules, heating and cooling performance, diagnosis of electrical systems, testing of refrigerant and condensation systems, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring timely review and assessment. Monitors contract work (e.g. coordination of contractor work schedules and performance, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring contract terms are fulfilled and work standards are met. Oversees and coordinates assigned personnel regarding procedures, the status of work orders, and the day-to-day activities and operations (e.g. establishing work schedules, reviewing processes to be undertaken, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that assignments are completed in a safe, proper, and timely manner, maximizing the efficiency of the workforce. Participates in meetings, workshops, and training (e.g. new employee training, 3rd party contractor meeting, maintenance department meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying, gathering information, offering recommendations required to complete HVAC and training personnel. Procures equipment and supplies (e.g. overseeing inventory requirements, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining the availability of required items in order to complete jobs efficiently. Responds to emergency situations during and after hours for the purpose of resolving immediate operational and safety concerns. Tests and repairs heating and air conditioning systems and components; swimming pool equipment (e.g. braze or solder tubing; charge systems with refrigerant gas; condensers, valves and coils, piping, boilers, air handlers, motors, etc.) for the purpose of providing solutions for HVAC system operation for a safe and comfortable work/learning environment. OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of District's HVAC and general maintenance. EXPERIENCE: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required. EDUCATION: No specific education is required. EQUIVALENCY: Any combination equivalent to three (3) years of journey-level experience in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration field, including one (1) year with the responsibility to lead/supervise the work of others. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices and procedures; analyzing data; diagnosing equipment malfunctions; estimating required resources; inspecting buildings and/or grounds; inspecting equipment; operating job-related equipment; preparing working drawings; reading blueprints and schematics; DDC programming and monitoring; and operating trade software. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: function and operation of heating, cooling; Direct Digital Controls (DDC); materials, tools, and methods used for repair; electrical and air conditioning terms and materials; principles of direction and training; indoor air monitoring equipment and interpretation of resulting data; standards for design and construction; air conditioning and heating codes; electrical and air conditioning systems, circuitry, terms, and materials; hazards and safety precautions; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; and school safety and security practices. ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a wide variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a wide variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant . click apply for full job details

Keywords: Poway Unified School District, Vista , Lead HVAC and Refrigeration Technician, Construction , Poway, California