HVAC technician

Position: Building HVAC Technician

About IDEA

IDEA Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. serves approximately 330 students in grades 9–12 in the historic Deanwood neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C. Our mission is to prepare students with academic, social, leadership, and occupational skills for post-secondary opportunities and to be responsible citizens who contribute to the community.

IDEA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Overview

The Building HVAC Technician maintains, troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, and services the school's heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems.

The technician must have hands-on experience working with commercial rooftop HVAC units, specifically Daikin, AAON, and Trane units. The ideal candidate will be able to independently identify equipment problems, perform repairs, replace components, complete preventive maintenance, and help keep the school's heating and cooling systems operating safely and efficiently.

The technician will be responsible for maintaining HVAC equipment throughout the school building, responding to service requests, documenting completed work, and recommending repairs or replacements when equipment is damaged, outdated, or no longer operating efficiently.

Primary Responsibilities

• HVAC/R Maintenance and Repair
• Diagnose, maintain, and repair Daikin, AAON, and Trane rooftop units and related HVAC/R equipment.
• Troubleshoot HVAC systems, controls, electrical components, refrigeration systems, airflow, and condensate drainage.
• Perform refrigerant-related work in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Evaluate equipment failures and recommend cost-effective repairs or replacements.
• Preventive Maintenance
• Perform routine and seasonal inspections and maintenance.
• Maintain equipment inventories, service histories, and maintenance schedules.
• Identify potential failures and recommend corrective actions to reduce downtime, energy waste, and repair costs.
• Building Operations
• Respond to HVAC service requests and investigate temperature, ventilation, and equipment issues.
• Prioritize urgent repairs to maintain safe, comfortable indoor conditions.
• Coordinate with school administrators, maintenance staff, and outside contractors.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and service reports.
• Review technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Report equipment conditions, repair costs, and replacement recommendations to support budgeting and capital planning.
• Safety and Compliance
• Follow applicable DC licensing requirements, building codes, environmental regulations, and EPA refrigerant-handling requirements.
• Comply with lockout/tagout, electrical safety, fall protection, and rooftop safety procedures.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and maintain a safe work area.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (additional relevant certifications or training in security is a plus).
• Five years of commercial or institutional HVAC/R maintenance and repair experience, including rooftop units.
• Hands-on experience with Daikin, AAON, and Trane rooftop systems, including older units and legacy controls.
• Appropriate DC HVAC/R license, where required, and current EPA Section 608 certification.
• Knowledge of refrigeration, electrical controls, motors, compressors, airflow, and preventive maintenance.
• Ability to read technical manuals and wiring diagrams, use diagnostic tools safely, and evaluate repair-versus-replacement options.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and fall protection.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize service requests, maintain equipment records, and coordinate with administrators and contractors.
• Experience with preventive maintenance schedules, work-order systems, inventory management, budgeting, and capital planning.

Compensation:

The hourly wage range for this position is $31-$41 per hour Benefits: health, dental,vision and life insurance

This is a 12-month role

FLSA: full time, non-exempt

Tentative Schedule 6:30 - 3PM, 30 minute lunch break

Pay: $31.56 - $41.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person