Lead Plumber - HVAC

Department:  Facilities DepartmentFLSA:                Non-Exempt, considered Essential StaffJob Status:      Full Time, calendar year (Weekday and Weekend hours with some overtime)Reports to:     Plumbing – HVAC SupervisorDesignation:  Staff (Senior Technical Lead)Travel:             N/A

SUMMARY

The Lead Plumber/HVAC serves as the senior field technician and oversees plumbing, HVAC, and central plant operations. This role provides day-to-day technical leadership, coordinates field operations, supports preventive maintenance initiatives, and leads emergency response efforts to ensure safe and reliable campus operations.

Working closely with the Plumbing–HVAC Supervisor, the Lead prioritizes work assignments, supports project execution, and serves as the primary technical resource for complex system diagnostics and repairs. The position also includes direct, hands-on training and mentorship of apprentices and technicians, reinforcing high standards of craftsmanship, safety, and professionalism.

This role carries significant operational leadership responsibilities, including shared on-call coverage. As essential staff, the Lead Plumber/HVAC plays a critical role in maintaining system performance, regulatory compliance, and the long-term reliability of campus infrastructure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Field Operations Leadership

• Provide daily oversight and coordination of HVAC and plumbing field operations.
• Prioritize and assign work in collaboration with the Plumbing–HVAC Supervisor.
• Collaborates with the Supervisor for complex diagnostics, repairs, and system failures.
• Maintain clear communication with Facilities leadership regarding system conditions and operational risks.

Shared On-Call Coverage & Emergency Leadership

• Participate in a shared on-call rotation.
• Assess the severity of incidents and determine escalation pathways.
• Direct field response to emergencies, including floods, major leaks, power failures, no heat/no cooling, sewer backups, drainage failures, and plant disruptions.

Preventive Maintenance & Diagnostics Leadership

• Lead execution of the preventive maintenance program for plumbing, HVAC, and plant systems.
• Support with the diagnostics of boilers (up to 300 HP), chillers (up to 250 tons), pumps, steam systems, chilled water distribution, automated building management systems, and fuel systems.
• Identify recurring system issues and recommend long-term corrective strategies.
• Support operational efficiency and energy management initiatives.

Project Execution Support

• Provide field leadership for small-to mid-sized repair and capital projects.
• Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ensure installations meet performance expectations and industry standards.
• Coordinate workflow to minimize disruption to campus operations.

Central Plant & Controls Leadership

• Support the operation and optimization of Central Heating and Cooling Plants.
• Lead troubleshooting of pneumatic and DDC temperature control systems.
• Utilize and support Building Automation Systems (ALCS, Honeywell).
• Promote continuous improvement in energy management systems.
• Manage systems as required by the Demand Response Program with Eversource.

Training & Mentorship

• Provide direct, hands-on training and supervision of an Apprentice and Technicians.
• Model best practices in craftsmanship, safety, and professionalism.
• Support Apprentice development toward state licensure.
• Reinforce a culture of accountability and technical excellence within the team.

General Duties

• Document work activity and material usage in digital work order systems.
• Support cross-functional Facilities initiatives as needed.
• Maintain essential staff availability for emergencies and school events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; trade/technical training preferred.
• Required S-2 Unlimited Heating, Piping & Cooling Journeyperson License.
• Required P-2 Unlimited Plumbing Journeyperson License.
• Preferred EPA Section 608 Certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of commercial or institutional facilities experience.
• Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic capability.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to guide and support team members in daily operations.
• Technological literacy with facilities management and automation systems.
• Flexibility in scheduling to meet operational demands.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

• Frequent manual labor, including lifting (10–50 lbs), pushing/pulling (up to 150 lbs).
• Work in confined spaces, rooftop environments, and seasonal weather extremes.
• Frequent bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching.
• Availability for emergency calls and rotating weekend/holiday shifts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

 The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.