HVAC Maintenance Technician - VA TVHS

Job Title: Commercial HVAC Maintenance Technician

Location: Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) – Nashville Campus 1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212

Position Type: Full-time | 24/7 environment, Sunday-Saturday, Includes federal holidays (actual and observed)

Pay Rate: $27.90 per hour + $5.09/hour H&W ('Health & Wellness' = company paid medical, dental and vision plans)

Start Date: ASAP

Overview:

The A/C Operator is responsible for maintaining critical facility operations at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Nashville Campus. The position supports continuous, 24/7 operation of the facility’s HVAC systems to ensure optimal environmental conditions for sensitive medical, research, and IT spaces.

The incumbent will assist VA operators, receive on-the-job training, and will be expected to operate independently once trained.

Key Responsibilities:

System Operations:

• Operate a multi-zone air conditioning plant that includes:
• Several centrifugal chillers (~3,000-ton capacity)
• Two reciprocating chillers (175 tons each)
• Four computer room A/C units (40-ton total capacity)
• Associated condenser water and chilled water systems
• Large air handling units providing heating, ventilation, humidification, and cooling to the medical center

Monitoring and Adjustments:

• Start, stop, and adjust all air conditioning equipment to maintain environmental standards in critical areas such as:
• Clinical and research labs
• Bone marrow transplant units
• Operating rooms
• MRI and data equipment rooms
• Communication systems and other specialized areas
• Conduct hourly inspections of all operating equipment and log findings, including compressor pressures, temperatures, voltages, amperages, and other operational data
• Respond promptly to alarms and make necessary adjustments to maintain required conditions

Maintenance and Housekeeping:

• Perform weekly and monthly preventive maintenance (PMs) in all fan rooms
• Maintain cleanliness in fan rooms, including trash removal and sweeping
• Document maintenance and operational information in the A/C Operations logbook located in the boiler plant

Emergency Response:

• Respond to emergent facility issues involving building systems such as:
• Plumbing, electrical, and medical gas systems
• Nurse call, vacuum, and medical air systems
• Other equipment critical to hospital operations

Shift Transition:

• Conduct a detailed handoff meeting with the incoming operator to review outstanding issues, maintenance activities, and ongoing system concerns

Qualifications:

Required:

• Universal Refrigerant Certification
• Demonstrated knowledge of HVAC standards, temperature monitoring, and maintenance practices
• Ability to safely operate, monitor, and maintain complex air conditioning and mechanical systems
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively to emergency situations

Preferred:

• Experience in a hospital, data center, or critical infrastructure environment
• Familiarity with VA facility systems and procedures

Certification Requirement:

• All A/C Operators must be fully certified and trained to operate systems

Work Environment:

This position operates throughout the TVHS Nashville campus, including mechanical rooms, fan rooms, and specialized clinical areas. Work involves exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and mechanical equipment.