Plumber & HVAC Technician

Position:         Plumber & HVAC Technician

Department: Facilities Department
FLSA:               Non-Exempt, considered Essential Staff
Job Status:     Full Time, calendar year
Reports to:     Plumbing – HVAC Supervisor
Designation:  Staff
Travel:             N/A

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Hotchkiss School seeks a skilled and motivated Plumber & HVAC Technician to install, repair, and maintain plumbing and HVAC systems throughout the campus.

The Plumber & HVAC Technician performs journeyman-level plumbing and HVAC work, including servicing, repairs, and installations in compliance with building codes, safety standards, and best practices. The role also supports the operation and maintenance of the Central Heating and Cooling Plants, including steam, chilled water, and fuel systems.

This position requires reliability, flexibility, and the ability to independently manage a wide variety of responsibilities. It is a 40-hour per week, non-exempt role and may include mandatory overtime, night, and weekend work as part of the essential facilities support team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Preventative Maintenance: The core of this role involves diligently executing a scheduled preventative maintenance program for all plumbing and HVAC systems, in addition to projects and tasks as assigned. 

Emergency Response: The technician must be readily available and capable of responding to emergent plumbing and HVAC issues that arise during their shift. This requires quick diagnosis, immediate action, and often temporary repairs to mitigate damage or restore essential services.  A crucial aspect of this role is the ability to accurately assess the severity of a situation and determine when to escalate to senior technicians, management, or external contractors.  Examples of emergencies may include: floods and major leaks, power failures, no heat/no cooling, sewer backups, and drainage issues.

Plumbing

• Install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems and fixtures across campus facilities.
• Perform routine inspections and respond to emergency calls.

HVAC

• Maintain and service HVAC systems, air handlers, and terminal units.
• Troubleshoot and repair boilers (up to 300 HP), chillers (up to 250 tons), and ventilation systems.
• Participate in plant operations and manage energy distribution and fuel systems.
• Learn and operate Building Automation Systems, including ALCS and Honeywell controls.

Temperature Control

• Diagnose and maintain pneumatic and DDC temperature control systems.
• Engage in continuous learning of energy management systems and controls.

General Duties

• Work safely in accordance with OSHA and school policies.
• Document work activities and material usage.
• Respond to after-hours and emergency calls as essential personnel.
• Support all aspects of facilities operations as needed, including team-based projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; trade/technical training preferred.
• Current CT P-1 required.
• S-1 license preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, to enable the required ability to drive Hotchkiss work vehicles.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a commercial or institutional facilities environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings, follow blueprints, and use digital work order systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Technological literacy and familiarity with facilities management systems.
• Must be flexible with scheduling, such as during transitions in staffing or during school events.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Frequent manual labor including lifting (10–50 lbs), pushing/pulling (up to 150 lbs), and prolonged standing/walking.
• Work in various conditions, including confined spaces, rooftop heights, and seasonal weather extremes.
• Frequent bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching.
• Ability and willingness to be trained for High Lift operation (boom and scissor).
• Availability for emergency calls and rotating weekend/holiday shifts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

 The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.