Trades Specialist/HVAC

direction of the Assistant Director of Maintenance, the incumbent supports HVAC operations throughout WVSOM-owned and operated facilities and may assist with other building trades activities as needed. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability of campus infrastructure and ensuring continuity of operations. As a member of the Institutional Facilities team, this position requires participation in an on-call rotation and the ability to respond promptly to emergency situations involving HVAC systems, critical building infrastructure, utility disruptions, and campus snow removal activities, including outside normal business hours. This position may be filled at either the Trades Specialist I or Trades Specialist II level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, certifications, experience, and demonstrated technical proficiency.

This is a full-time, non-classified position; it is non-exempt from FLSA regulations concerning overtime. Minimum base salary is commensurate with designation (Level I or II), education, and experience with full state benefits. Not all activities of this position occur within the confines of an 7:00-3:30 schedule and may require evenings and weekends as needed. The weekly schedule for this position will be established between the supervisor and the employee and approved given the needs of the department and the institution. This position has been designated as Essential. This means that when WVSOM is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at WVSOM. As a professional within the Institutional Facilities department, this position plays a critical role in ensuring WVSOM’s facilities remain safe, accessible, and operational. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent must maintain on-call availability and be prepared to provide timely response to emergency situations involving HVAC systems, essential building trades, utility disruptions, and campus snow removal to minimize operational impacts and safety risks.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.

Minimum Education: High School or GED

Skills Required

Education and Licensure

• The position requires a high school diploma. Technical training in HVAC technology, refrigeration, industrial maintenance, building systems, or a related field is preferred.
• The position also requires a valid driver’s license and EPA Section 608 Universal Certification. Certification can be received within one year if not already obtained.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, laboratory, or institutional facilities.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC).
• Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Associate degree or technical certification in HVAC Technology or a related field.

Skills Required

• Knowledge of HVAC principles, methods, tools, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems, controls, and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of BAS/DDC systems and building automation technologies.
• Knowledge of applicable building, mechanical, electrical, and safety codes.
• Ability to diagnose equipment malfunctions and perform appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Ability to operate diagnostic and testing equipment.
• Ability to use computer systems and maintenance management software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Medical Monitoring

This position requires the incumbent to participate in the Medical Monitoring program.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Duties and Responsibilities

HVAC Systems Maintenance and Repair

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install HVAC equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC systems, air handling units, boilers, chillers, pumps, motors, cooling towers, exhaust systems, package units, split systems, and associated equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and electronic HVAC system components.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems.
• Ensure proper operation of temperature controls, sensors, actuators, dampers, and related system components.
• Perform equipment startups, shutdowns, testing, balancing, and commissioning activities.
• Maintain refrigerant handling practices in accordance with EPA requirements.
• Respond to service requests and work orders in a timely manner.
• Document maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, and equipment histories utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Facilities and Trades Support

• Assist with maintenance, repair, and installation projects involving mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and general building systems as needed.
• Support campus renovation, construction, and facility improvement projects.
• Coordinate work with contractors, vendors, consultants, and other Facilities personnel.
• Assist in evaluating equipment conditions and recommending repair or replacement strategies.
• Maintain inventory of parts, tools, and equipment necessary for assigned duties.
• Operate equipment, vehicles, tools, and machinery safely and efficiently.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all applicable safety regulations, institutional policies, and departmental procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in departmental safety training and emergency preparedness activities.
• Maintain required certifications and licenses.

Emergency Response

• Respond to after-hours calls, weather-related events, utility outages, and building emergencies.
• Participate in campus snow and ice removal operations.
• Assist with emergency repairs necessary to protect life safety, property, and institutional operations.
• Report to work during emergency situations when required.
• Perform related duties as assigned or requested.

Additional Characteristics and Experience

Trades Specialist I

• Under general supervision, performs routine to moderately complex HVAC maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation activities. Develops proficiency in institutional mechanical systems and building automation technology while gaining experience with advanced diagnostics and system optimization.
• Works independently on routine assignments.
• Assists with complex repairs and capital improvement projects.
• Demonstrates developing proficiency in HVAC controls and building automation systems.
• May serve as a resource to less experienced employees regarding routine maintenance activities.
• Up to 1 year of HVAC, maintenance, construction, mechanical, industrial, or related trade experience; or
• Successful completion of a vocational, technical, apprenticeship, or post-secondary HVAC training program.

Trades Specialist II

• Under limited supervision, performs advanced and highly skilled HVAC maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, installation, and system optimization. Serves as a technical resource within the Facilities Department and routinely performs complex assignments requiring advanced knowledge of HVAC systems, controls, and institutional infrastructure.
• Independently diagnoses and resolves complex HVAC and controls issues.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting of BAS/DDC systems.
• Assists with maintenance planning, equipment lifecycle management, and capital projects.
• Recommends system improvements, initiatives, and equipment replacement strategies.
• Provides technical guidance and knowledge sharing to Facilities staff as appropriate.
• Serves as a subject matter resource for HVAC-related systems and projects.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in commercial, industrial, institutional, healthcare, or higher education HVAC maintenance and repair.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing HVAC equipment and controls.

Special Instructions

WVSOM requires official transcripts of your highest degree earned and/or the degree in which qualifies you for the position. WVSOM requires these transcripts prior to an offer of employment, and we do recommend you send those to WVSOM once you have been selected for an interview. A transcript is official if it bears the authorizing signature and the official seal of the issuing institution and is sent directly by the school or college to the Office of Human Resources. Should your college or university provide this information electronically, we would ask that you submit that to Sherri Miller – HR Coordinator at smiller@osteo.wvsom.edu.