HVAC Supervisor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 300 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, Life Safety Services, and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling.

The Refrigeration shop is a unit of Building Services that installs, operates, maintains, and improves DX systems, environmental chambers, process chillers, water coolers, freezers, refrigerated air dryers, window air conditioners, refrigerated scientific and food service equipment, and boilers. These diverse systems serve a variety of facilities including classrooms, auditoriums, offices, kitchen/dining areas, parking decks, arenas/athletic venues, laboratories, clinics, surgery suites, clean rooms, data centers, museums/repositories, and vivariums. These customers depend on the Refrigeration shop to achieve UNC's many missions.

Functions as the Refrigeration Shop Supervisor with responsibility for maintaining, optimizing, and improving indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and occupant thermal comfort. Proper operation and maintenance of building HVAC and refrigeration systems, including complex refrigeration equipment supporting an extensive biotechnology/life sciences research and health care campus. Systems supported include DX units, variable refrigerant flow systems, gas heaters, environmental chambers, walk-in coolers and freezers, air dryers, ice machines, packaged units, CRAC units, dehumidification systems, refrigerated scientific equipment, ultra-low and cryogenic equipment, small chillers, and specialized equipment.

Extend the life of building equipment as much as possible, given limited funding for replacements. Concurrently, with limited maintenance resources, help direct and optimize those resources to the most critical needs. Communicate replacement priorities to management as evidence of impending failure and corresponding occupant impact develops, to avoid unscheduled down time, and when failures do occur minimize time by ensuring availability of parts, equipment, and well-trained professional staff needed to return UNC back safely and quickly to normal operations. For projects and construction, participate in defining the scope, reviewing plans, performing inspections, and commissioning. Perform hands-on work to land the project on time and schedule when in-house staff are used. Consider energy efficiency and water use to meet UNC's sustainability and energy reduction goals.

Exercise a high level of independent decision making and responsibility for compliance with university, town, state, and federal laws, ordinances, codes, and policies. Ensure that employee training is kept current and in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA) and other requirements. Evaluate opportunities for cross training and career development which enhance the shop's ability to effectively respond to changes in its mission and organizational needs.

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience in trade(s) areas assigned; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

A demonstrated commitment to customer service; a continuous quality improvement focus; sensitivity in working with groups; and responsive management and leadership skills including the ability to make sound decisions, provide timely direction to staff, and maintain an approachable demeanor with the ability to motivate staff and maintain positive morale.

Journey level knowledge of the areas supervised including boilers, DX systems, process chillers, water coolers, air dryers, environmental chambers, walk-in coolers, and refrigerated scientific and food service equipment. Excellent leadership and management skills.

Intermediate computer skills in use of Excel, AiM Computerized Maintenance Management System, Outlook, Word, and similar software. Written communication skills are necessary to complete HR paperwork such as position postings, selection packages, and performance reviews.

Proficiency in safe work practices (e.g., lockout/tagout, NFPA70E arc flash, Personal Protective Equipment, fall protection), codes and standards (e.g., NC Mechanical Code, NC Energy Conservation Code, National Electrical Code, UNC design standards), HVAC operations (e.g., laboratory fume hood systems, medical vacuum systems, screw air compressors, heat reclaim systems, variable frequency drives), and Facilities protocols (e.g., shut down procedures for systems and buildings, requirements for working in Joint Commission accredited healthcare facilities, CDC regulated laboratories, or AAALAC accredited vivariums).
Ability to work in healthcare facilities, which requires vaccines (currently varicella or chickenpox, influenza, and COVID-19), tuberculosis testing, and overall medical certification.
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions (e.g., public health) may require the University to close.

Position may be required to work in active BSL3 labs, which requires a baseline blood draw, a physical, and vaccines (currently flu and tetanus) as well as annual medical certification, and respirator fit testing. Entry into such labs requires escort from the Environment, Health & Safety department, respirator use, safety attire, and possibly shower in/out.

A valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Ability to obtain an EPA universal refrigerant certification within the first year of employment.

Ability to troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical systems.
Demonstrated ability to interpret electrical schematics and blueprints.
Experience in management.
EPA 608 certification.
*Ability to ensure accuracy in documentation.

Ability to move objects weighing up to 65 lbs., and large equipment with hand trucks or general material handling equipment. Ability to work from ladders for extended periods of time, work outside during adverse weather conditions, and wear a respirator and other required PPE such as safety shoes, eye protection, and arc flash safety gear.
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions, including but not limited to a public health emergency, may require the University to close.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.