Maintenance Specialist, HVAC at Simi Valley Unified School District, CA

About the Department

To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies for the duration of the list, up to one year. The immediate vacancy is a 12-month, full-time (8 hours/day, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm) position located in the Maintenance and Operations Department at the District Office in Simi Valley.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 14, 2025.  Late applications will not be accepted.
 
TESTING PROCESS: 
A) Multiple Choice Test = 40% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled: The week of October 20, 2025
B) Structured Interview = 60% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled: The week of October 27, 2025

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the multiple choice test. Those with the highest scores on the multiple choice test will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.


Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Purpose Statement

The Maintenance Specialist, HVAC performs advanced-skilled work in the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC/R), and related control systems. The position maintains efficient operation of the District’s environmental control systems, including HVAC, energy management, and interior/exterior lighting, while providing technical guidance and training to other staff.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Maintenance Specialist, HVAC is a senior-level position in the maintenance series requiring journey level skills and advanced technical expertise in HVAC/R systems, mechanical and industrial electrical systems, low-voltage electronics, and computer-aided energy management controls. This role is distinguished by its responsibility for system diagnostics, advanced repairs, programming and optimization of energy management systems, and training other staff. Advancement to this classification is based on District need and demonstrated ability to perform all aspects of HVAC system management at an expert level.

Position Duties

Essential Functions

HVAC Systems Diagnostics, Repair, and Maintenance

• Maintains, inspects, and repairs air handlers, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, condensers, refrigeration systems, pumps, and variable frequency drives.
• Diagnoses and repairs malfunctions in HVAC/R equipment, including pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic components.
• Tests, adjusts, and calibrates boiler and air conditioning machinery, electrical and pneumatic controls, and other system components.
• Performs water testing and chemical treatments for boilers, condensers, and cooling towers.
• Responds to urgent reports of HVAC, refrigeration, elevator, or electrical system malfunctions, and performs emergency diagnostics and repairs.
• Operates and maintains specialized equipment, including co-generation, heat reclamation, thermal energy storage, and air compressor systems.
• May maintain stock levels of repair equipment and supplies, requisition items and verify deliveries.

Preventive Maintenance and Installation

• Performs preventive maintenance on HVAC systems, including high-voltage switch gear, walk-in freezers, and cafeteria equipment related to HVAC.
• Inspects and maintains ductwork, airflow systems, condensers, and refrigeration equipment to meet building requirements.
• Removes and dispose of old equipment and refrigerants in compliance with applicable laws and safety standards.
• Contributes to designs and participates in purchases for District-wide electrical and HVAC-related systems.
• Leverages technology to plan and schedule preventive maintenance and system operations, optimizing energy efficiency while effectively addressing facility needs.

Energy Management and Control Systems

• Programs, monitors, and maintains building energy management systems using digital equipment controllers, data communication cabling, and computer-aided controls.
• Writes program utility blocks in global control modules to control application-specific devices.
• Analyzes energy conservation opportunities and adjusts energy management systems to optimize performance while ensuring comfort and safety.
• Calculates load factors for cooling, heating, and air distribution systems to ensure adequate system capacity.

Electrical and Mechanical Support

• Performs electrical repair and maintenance, including installation and repair of motors, heaters, transformers, switchgear, and other electrical apparatus.
• Troubleshoots and repairs motor controllers, pumps, and related mechanical and electrical components.
• Reads, interprets, and maintains blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.

Training, Collaboration, and Compliance

• Trains, instructs, and guides Maintenance Technicians and Specialists in HVAC operations and safety practices.
• Provides technical expertise for facility designs, remodels, and evaluation of HVAC and energy management systems.
• Ensures compliance with OSHA, indoor air quality standards, and federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
• Recommends standards and specifications for equipment, materials, and workmanship.
• Accesses, retrieves, and update work orders through the automated work order system; record time, materials, and work performed.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure secondary containers are properly labeled.
• Maintain current knowledge of safety practices, regulations, and technical advancements in HVAC and energy management.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in Energy Management, Industrial Technology, or related field and two years of directly related experience

      OR

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a four-year formal apprenticeship in HVAC Service/Controls, Industrial Electrical, or Energy Management Controls.
• Additional directly related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Valid California driver’s license.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Universal Technician Certification (must be obtained prior to completion of the six-month probationary period).

Other Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills to:

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain HVAC/R systems and industrial electrical equipment.
• Program, monitor, and troubleshoot computerized energy management systems.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Estimate materials, costs, and labor requirements for projects.
• Operate tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialized instruments safely and effectively.
• Train, mentor, and guide other maintenance staff.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and logs of work performed.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and system failures.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, techniques, tools, and materials used in HVAC/R systems.
• Operation of microprocessor-based, digital, and pneumatic control systems.
• Energy management systems and conservation practices, including remote access programming.
• Electrical and mechanical systems related to HVAC operations.
• OSHA safety practices, hazardous material handling, and safe work procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Mathematics sufficient for load calculations, measurements, and cost estimates.
• Computer applications for accessing work orders and maintaining service records.

Ability to:

• Perform journey-level HVAC diagnostics, repairs, and installations.
• Independently plan, schedule, and carry out preventive maintenance programs.
• Work cooperatively with staff, contractors, and outside agencies.
• Maintain harmonious working relationships while meeting deadlines and production requirements.
• Promptly respond to emergencies and urgent service calls.
• Adapt to new technologies, codes, and industry best practices.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions.
• Exposure to dust, chemicals, refrigerants, electrical hazards, and noise.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods, climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
• Requires lifting, pushing, and pulling light to heavy weights (regularly 50 pounds)
• Requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to use tools and diagnostic equipment.
• Requires near and far visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, and auditory ability to detect equipment malfunctions.
• May require after-hours, on-call, or emergency response.