Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00044

Department: Fire Department

Job classification: HVAC Technician

Posting type: Open

Categories: Facility Management

Summary

Under the direction of the Buildings Systems Engineer, the Maintenance Mechanic (HVAC Technician) will perform a variety of complex and technical work to maintain building systems for all Boston Fire Department buildings, including heating and cooling, and provide front-line troubleshooting of issues as they arise.

Examples of duties

• Acts as the senior on-site maintenance technician when assigned to buildings outside of Boston Fire Headquarters, responsible for tracking and reporting building issues through the work order system and to the Facilities Maintenance Management.
• Responds to work orders, troubleshoots issues with heating and cooling equipment along with other building systems issues such as power outages, elevator entrapments, leaks, fire alarm, sprinkler, or life-safety system issues, or property damage, and notifies other staff or vendors as necessary to resolve issues.
• Directs Maintenance Mechanics (Building Systems) in performing the above duties.
• Works with Facilities Maintenance Management staff, along with outside vendors and trades, to ensure the safe and smooth operation of all building systems and to maintain building integrity.
• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on HVAC and other systems; installs, relocates, tests, and expands existing systems; monitors, inspects, tests, and repairs pipes and boiler systems.
• Troubleshoots and repairs heating and cooling systems using the right tools and according to the manufacturer's repair manuals while complying with all safety regulations for repairing systems.
• Procures spare parts for replacement and completes necessary documentation.
• Studies plans, drawings, specifications, and work orders to determine work requirements and sequence of repair and/or installations.
• Keeps updated records of work performed, completion dates, parts used, and time allocated to work performed, utilizing the department-provided resources.
• Uses systems used to control HVAC devices like remote controls, handsets, and laptop computers. Follows standardized operating procedures and local and state guidelines relating to the safe operation of HVAC and other systems.
• Reads and understands engineering blueprints for the repair of HVAC and related appliances.
• Effectively operates cooling and air conditioning, including heat-exchanging compressors, thermostats, motor fans, ducting, and electrical controls.
• Works on electrical and compression devices. Effectively troubleshoots and diagnoses air conditioning appliances and detects technical defects, malfunctions, and other faults.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of electricity and mechanical processes of HVAC systems.
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of electro-mechanical systems.
• Demonstrates knowledge of mechanical functions like welding, soldering, fabrication, and brazing.
• Demonstrates good analytical thinking and communication skills.
• Works in small spaces requiring bending and/or crawling.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and maneuver a minimum 6-foot ladder.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Must have at least four (4) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paid experience as an HVAC Technician, Stationary Engineer, Operating Engineer, Steam Fireman, or in a related field, such as pipe fitter, steamfitter, plumber, electrician, sprinkler fitter, facilities manager, engineer, gas fitter, or refrigeration technician.
• Must have the ability to complete required responsibilities under minimal supervision or while working a shift alone.
• Must have and maintain a current Massachusetts driver's license.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Works in small spaces requiring bending and/or crawling.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and maneuver a minimum 6-foot ladder.
• Reads and understands engineering blueprints for the repair of HVAC and related appliances.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Mass. Licensed Refrigeration Technician ("HVAC")

PREFERRED ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Progress toward or possession of one or more of the following is preferred:

Mass. Licensed 2nd or 3rd Stationary or Operating Engineer

Mass. Steam Fireman

Mass. Licensed Pipe-fitter or Steamfitter

Mass. Licensed Plumber or Gasfitter

Mass. Licensed Sprinkler fitter

Boston Residency is required upon appointment

CORI & SORI check required

Pre-Employment Drug Test required

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/RA1-17A

Hours per week: 40

Please refer to the Salary Information section on the Boston Career Center site for more information on compensation. For each Salary Plan, salaries are listed by Grade and Step.