HVAC Foreman

Primary Purpose: 

Supervises the Building Environmental Systems Section which includes both the Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) and the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) shops.  Provides EMCS & HVAC managerial expertise necessary to assure that all equipment is operating at maximum efficiency, and that equipment operation is programmed in such a way as to minimize consumption and still fulfill user needs. Provides management and oversight of the operations, preventive maintenance, and mechanical repairs to all building HVAC and related systems including all walk-in and freestanding coolers and refrigerators, the performance of water analysis and treatment of chiller plant systems, the testing and balancing of HVAC systems and maintenance of three District swimming pools. 

Education / Certification: 

1. HS Diploma / GED is required. 
2. One year certificate from college or technical school is preferred. 
3. Valid Texas Driver’s License with driving record that meets the requirements of the District. 
4. Must possess (or attain within 180 days of employment) a Texas State Master's License for the installation, maintenance and repair of Class A HVAC and refrigeration systems, and the required licensing for the management and handling of ozone depleting refrigerants. 
5. Class "A" Environmental, Class "B" Refrigeration or Class "A" combination State Certification.   

Special Knowledge / Skills: 

1. Possess the ability and communication skills necessary to express thoughts, philosophies and technical matters clearly both verbally and in writing to a variety of recipients. 
2. Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems. 
3. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 
4. Possesses a high degree of diplomacy and tact, coupled with the ability to calmly think and render sound decisions quickly during periods of extreme pressure or crisis. 
5. Possess exceptional managerial and leadership qualities and be highly skilled in planning effective utilization of resources to satisfy a constantly changing workload with frequent shifts in priorities. 
6. Possesses knowledge, familiarity, and past experience with complex facility (building) systems including mechanical, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, automated energy management control systems, with greater weight to experience in maintenance over construction, is required for the incumbent to serve as an authority in this position. 
7. Possesses professional understanding of thermal dynamics, computer theory, control philosophies applicable to HVAC and a thorough knowledge of the design, operation, and maintenance of complex computerized EMCS systems. 
8. Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers and have the ability to develop algorithms and control logic for the automation and optimization of various systems. Included are all heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, interior lighting, electrical equipment, steam production and distribution systems, and water production and distribution systems. 
9. Knowledge must be sufficient to allow the incumbent to determine if the equipment, fixtures, or systems are operating properly in the most economical manner and if not, how to design and specify required modifications or replacements.  
10. Must be thoroughly familiar with ACL, DOS based and binary language. 
11. Possesses a thorough knowledge of Johnson Control Metasys, Andover 256/Infinity, and Automated Logic Controls. 
12. Skilled in the use of personal computers, use of on-line inter and intra network data systems, use of later generation Windows driven word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, and possess a professional understanding of CADD and the many features therein. 
13. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  

Experience / Other Requirements: 

1. Minimum of ten (10) Experience with complex facility (building) systems including mechanical, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, automated energy management control systems, with greater weight to experience in maintenance over construction, is required. 
2. Personal cell phone is required to handle district related business, including after hours, or when away from the office on district business. 

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Responsible for the effective operation of the Comal Independent School District computerized EMCS. 
2. Develops, implements and modifies applications of EMCS software programs used in maximizing equipment operation, attaining comfortable temperature and humidity controls and optimizing energy consumption. 
3. Utilizes the full capability of EMCS to refine equipment control parameters for specific buildings and individual spaces within buildings so that each system responds to the unique conditions of the space being serviced. 
4. Maintains the master plan for Districtwide application of EMCS and expansion to new applications as technology advances. 
5. Applies knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and the EMCS capabilities to refine and adapt control algorithms and develop innovative applications of computer control to maximize energy savings. 
6. Develops schedules that provide the greatest efficiency in use of energy and establish the minimum operating time and temperature tolerance for acceptable service. 
7. Responsible for the installation, reliable operation and effective maintenance of all HVAC and EMCS hardware and associated installed equipment owned by Comal ISD.  
8. Performs review of equipment maintenance and service logs to determine operational effectiveness of installed equipment.  
9. Performs feasibility and cost analysis for upgrade, life extension or replacement of antiquated systems taking into consideration long term support issues such as refrigerant restrictions established by the EPA and elevated repair costs on equipment nearing life cycle end.  
10. Ensures all equipment is operated and maintained pursuant to the manufacture's procedure or industry standards (whichever is deemed most effective and efficient based on analysis).  
11. Establishes strict internal controls and written procedures that provide for the prudent use, maintenance and protection of all EMCS and HVAC equipment, expendable materials, tools and facilities. 
12. Directly responsible for the management, reclamation, control and efforts to reduce the use of all ozone depleting substances in EMCS and HVAC systems. 
13. Develops formal preventive maintenance (PM) programs for EMCS and HVAC systems, implements recurring maintenance schedules, provides oversight to assure that completed maintenance meets minimum standards for quality and follows up on delinquent actions. 
14. Establishes detailed maintenance instructions, checklists and performance standards (time and quality of work) for all maintenance services specific to each system being maintained. 
15. Prepares budget forecasts for PM programs and requests additional funds to support new PM requirements. 
16. Performs analysis of system operation and failure trends to identify equipment needing to be included in the PM program and determine scheduled PM intervals. 
17. Remains abreast of technology associated with facility maintenance and operations to forecast the obsolescence of equipment and maintenance practices. 
18. Reviews, independently or as part of a group, plans and specifications for the construction of new facilities and the renovation, maintenance, and repair of existing facilities. 
19. Reviews plans to ensure that new EMCS and HVAC systems are maintainable, reliable and compatible with installed Comal ISD systems and that the design is in compliance with Comal ISD energy management goals, required environmental statutes and industry standards. 
20. Performs joint scheduled facility inspections to evaluate systems and infrastructure for maintenance requirements, repairs and programmed replacement. 
21. Manages the flow of work through the EMCS and HVAC shops. 
22. Assigns work to be performed, indicating methods to be used and explaining the more difficult technical requirements of the task to be performed on the basis of individual qualifications. 
23. Trains the Facility Technician to recognize the various degrees of job complexity to determine time estimates based on industry standards and which jobs can be directly assigned to the craftsmen verses that work which requires field investigation and planning. 
24. Reviews new work orders, performs site visits to determine resources (time, material and skills) needed and prepares written estimates or plans to accomplish the work or project. 
25. Works with the Facility Technician and Facility Analyst to methodically program necessary resources and the availability of support from other shops needed to accomplish multiple shop or complex work orders. 
26. Determines work shifts and schedules that best support the maintenance objective and minimize impact to the customer mission. 
27. Performs frequent visits to various work sites to ensure that crew sizes are adequate, work methods are consistent with good engineering and safety practices, workers have proper tools and equipment to do the assigned work, work is progressing satisfactorily, and all workers are properly controlled, supervised and accounted for. 
28. Conducts supervisory meetings, identifies work limitations, areas of concern and substandard or marginal performance; monitors work schedules, justifies, authorizes and administers the overtime program; formulates, reviews, and analyzes management indicators and takes corrective action to reverse unfavorable trends. 
29. Routine visits with all campus administrators to ensure that the interests, priorities and needs of the customers are being met with a high degree of satisfaction. 
30. Provides alternative support and interim relief expediently during repair actions to ensure that the educational environment and functional ability of the customer is not impaired due to facility or equipment failures. 
31. Instills customer awareness in the Building Environmental Systems Branch and ensures that all customer inquiries, concerns and requests are handled promptly and respectfully to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. 
32. Promotes direct customer interaction with the Work Controller to resolve routine maintenance concerns and issues at the local and lowest level possible. 
33. Instills an individual sense of responsibility, corporate obligation and motivates subordinates to operate as an effective team. 
34. Instructs subordinates in difficult work operations, reviews work in progress, upon completion and changes work plans, work assignments or methods as necessary to reduce or control costs while accomplishing the work as efficiently as possible. 
35. Assures materials and/or equipment are ordered and delivered to work sites so as to not delay work. 
36. Effectively coordinates work with other units that are involved. 
37. Develops and enforces minimum standards for performance and quality. 
38. Establishes written organizational goals, formal policies and technical procedures for the prudent management and utilization of assigned resources. 
39. Ensures that appropriate production reports and administrative records are maintained. 
40. Ensures that safety and security practices are strictly enforced. 
41. Prepares written pre-planned temporary Building Environmental System service alternatives and acquire stand-by resources that would be needed to meet an array of contingencies due to act of God, vandalism, and or critical equipment failures that adversely impact the instructional mission of a campus. 
42. Ensures that the contingency equipment and plans are maintained in a state of readiness, and that all personnel are instructed on the purpose, availability and proper use of the contingency plans and resources. 
43. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records. 
44. Other duties as assigned.                                           

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Supervises and evaluates employees assigned in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Energy Control Management shops. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending for employment, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, performance evaluations, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Equipment Used: 

Open Tech Systems, Johnson Control Metasys, Andover256/Infinity, Automated Logic, District Vehicles. 

Working Conditions: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

1. Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
2. Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally life and/or move more than 100 pounds.  
3. Frequent climbing or balancing. 
4. Talking, hearing, near vision, far vision, peripheral vision, color discrimination, depth perception, corrected vision to 20/20. 
5. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of radiation; and vibration.  
6. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and the risk of electrical shock.  
7. May be required to work in a confined space. 
8. Frequent exposure to high noise levels. 
9. May be necessary to wear protective clothing, headgear, respiratory and/or hearing protection. Personal protective equipment is required to be worn when performing tasks that might subject an employee to injury. 
10. Average degree of communication (verbal and written), understanding verbal instructions. 
11. The employee may be subject to and required to perform under extreme pressure, fatigue and mental stress.   
12. Moderate skills are required in memorizing and reading.  
13. Above average degree of analyzing, coordinating, compiling, computing and emotional control.   
14. May be required to work outside of normal duty hours and/or weekends or holidays in order to handle emergencies if they arise. 
15. The employee is required to frequently drive District vehicles in the performance of assigned tasks.  The individual must pass a pre-employment physical examination to include alcohol and drug testing. The employee may be required to submit to drug and alcohol screening at any time throughout employment without prior notification.