Job Information
City of Norfolk, Virginia HVAC Technician (Operating Engineer II) in Norfolk, Virginia
HVAC Technician (Operating Engineer II)
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/norfolk/jobs/newprint/5309638)
Apply
HVAC Technician (Operating Engineer II)
Salary
$48,666.12 - $55,845.49 Annually
Location
Norfolk, VA
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
13993
Department
General Services
Opening Date
04/16/2026
Closing Date
4/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
The City of Norfolk’s Department of General Services, Facility Maintenance Department provides comprehensive building operations and maintenance services for all City of Norfolk properties, including office buildings, cultural facilities, recreational centers, and specialized environments such as the Zoo, Nauticus, and Scope Arena. The division ensures continuity of operations, occupant comfort, and the safe and efficient functioning of building systems across the city. Facility Maintenance deploys staff from Dana Street headquarters and relies on a web-based work order management system to receive, track, and close out all service requests.
The HVAC Technician is a hands-on role responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across various city-owned facilities. The incumbent will respond to service requests, complete assigned work orders, and perform preventative maintenance tasks to ensure equipment reliability and occupant comfort. The role requires basic knowledge of refrigeration cycles, mechanical aptitude, and working familiarity with lockout/tagout safety procedures.
In addition to technical work, this position plays an important customer service role by interacting directly with City personnel, tenants, and other facility users. The HVAC Technician is expected to “close the loop” on service requests by communicating clearly with the requester, ensuring that they are aware of progress, and confirming that work has been completed to satisfaction. This requires not only technical skill but also professionalism, responsiveness, and a willingness to represent Facility Maintenance positively in the field.
The HVAC Technician will also assist contractors by granting facility access, identifying equipment, and verifying completed work but will not oversee plant operations or building automation systems. The position requires flexibility to work across diverse facilities ranging from office buildings to cultural venues, adaptability to different work environments, and the ability to build positive working relationships with coworkers, contractors, and customers alike.
Essential Functions
Respond promptly to service requests, diagnose HVAC issues, and make appropriate repairs or recommendations for replacement of system components.
Perform preventative maintenance tasks on heating and cooling systems, including filter replacement, lubrication, inspection, and minor part replacement.
Apply basic knowledge of the refrigeration cycle and mechanical systems to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational problems.
Follow safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, while working on electrical and mechanical systems.
Accurately document work performed in the web-based work order management system, including time, materials used, and corrective actions taken.
Collaborate with other Facility Maintenance personnel and contractors by providing site access, identifying equipment locations, and verifying work completion.
Maintain tools, vehicles, and shop equipment in clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
Support the department’s goal of delivering reliable, customer-focused service across city buildings.
Education/Experience
Required:
- 2 years of hands-on experience performing HVAC service, maintenance, or repair work.
Preferred:
An associate’s degree or technical training in HVAC, mechanical systems, or a related trade.
Coursework or certification in refrigeration cycles, EPA refrigerant handling, and lockout/tagout safety procedures.
Additional Information & Requirements
Valid Driver’s License required. A DMV transcript dated within 30 days will be required if selected for hire.
Auto CAD LT experience preferred.
Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required.
Position is designated essential and will be required to report to work during City closures due to inclement weather and other emergencies.
Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.
Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
Retirement
If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant’s school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.
NOTE:
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.
02
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
03
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
Less than High School Diploma/GED
High School Diploma/GED
Some College/Vocational Courses/Apprenticeship Training
Associate Degree or higher
Vocational School Graduate
Apprenticeship Completed
04
Do you currently hold any HVAC-related certifications?
Yes, EPA Section 608 Universal
Yes, EPA Section 608 Type I or II
Yes, HVAC Journeyman or Master Certification
No certification at this time
05
How many years of hands-on HVAC repair or maintenance experience do you have?
Less than 2 years
2-3 years
3-4 years
4-5 years
5 years or more
06
Which of the following best describes your knowledge of refrigeration cycles?
I can explain the basic cycle (compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation).
I have applied refrigeration knowledge in troubleshooting equipment.
I have advanced training or certification specific to refrigeration.
I do not have knowledge of refrigeration cycles.
07
Have you worked with a web-based work order management system (e.g., Asset Essentials, FacilityDude, Maximo, etc.)?
Yes, frequently
Yes, occasionally
No, but I am comfortable learning
No, and I have limited computer skills
08
When completing service requests, how do you prefer to document your work?
Detailed notes in a digital system
Brief notes with time and parts listed
Paper logs and manual records
Other (please specify)
09
How familiar are you with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures?
I have formal training and use LOTO regularly
I have some experience applying LOTO procedures in the field
I am familiar with the concept but have not applied it directly
I am not familiar with LOTO
10
A customer reports that a conference room is too warm. Upon inspection, you find the air handler is running but not cooling. What is your first step?
Check thermostat settings
Inspect filters and airflow
Check refrigerant pressures or cycle
Notify supervisor immediately without troubleshooting
11
This role requires working in a variety of environments, including rooftops and mechanical rooms. Which statement best describes your comfort level?
Very comfortable in all types of environments
Comfortable with most environments
Somewhat comfortable but may have limitations
Not comfortable in varied work environments
12
How do you approach prioritizing multiple work orders in one day?
Address emergencies and safety concerns first, then proceed by priority
Work in the order received, regardless of urgency
Complete the fastest/easiest tasks first
Ask a supervisor to prioritize everything
13
Which of the following best describes your teamwork style?
I prefer to work independently but collaborate when needed.
I enjoy working closely with a team on every task.
I prefer to take direction from a supervisor before starting work.
I am flexible and adapt based on the team’s needs.
14
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
15
Do you have the legal right to work in the United States and, upon employment, can you provide documentation to verify this?
Yes
No
16
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
17
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?
Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee
18
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)
I am not a Veteran
I am a Veteran
I am a Disabled Veteran
Required Question
Employer
City of Norfolk
Apply
Please verify your email address Verify Email