ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia County is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, with pockets of quiet and peaceful springs. Columbia County is the home of Florida’s Springlands, with multiple natural springs, lakes, rivers, and nine beautiful state parks. In 2022, the US Census Bureau QuickFacts estimated Columbia County has a population of 72,000 residents. Columbia County is a southeast sports destination and hosts multiple tournaments and camps. Columbia County requires a diverse and dedicated workforce to provide services for Columbia County residents to live and work and for the visitors who experience our piece of the Florida playground. Consider applying for a position with us today.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is skilled technical work involving the installation and maintenance of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and maintenance of all control systems to ensure that the county consumes energy efficiently. This person is also responsible for performing HVAC mechanic work where needed. This position reports to the Director of Maintenance.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Experience: High school or G.E.D. plus six (6) years of experience using energy management systems and ten (10) years of experience as an HVAC mechanic.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES/MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Valid EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Certification

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License is required.

SALARY: $21.33 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 05/27/2025

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available online at www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp. Successful applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, physical agility, criminal history background check, driver’s license check, and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

POSITION: HVAC ENERGY SPECIALIST LOCATION: FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

PAY GRADE: 124 EXEMPTION STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

SCHEDULE: TRADITIONAL FULL-TIME, 40 HOURS PER WEEK, MONDAY - FRIDAY, OCCASIONAL OVERTIME

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of installation, service, and repairs of all types of air conditioning units/chillers and heating systems and related components

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of operating and maintaining computer-based energy management systems with direct digital controls

• Skill in the use of computers and digital test equipment

• Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams, specifications, and blueprints

• Ability to install, test, and calibrate temperature control devices, communication modems, global and terminal unit controllers

• Ability to calculate quantities and material estimates

• Ability to effectively communicate with county personnel and suppliers (strong verbal and written communication skills)

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out written and oral instructions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements a County Energy Management Plan

• Continually reviews the technical features of buildings, HVAC, lighting, and other energy-consuming systems to ensure optimal efficiency

• Investigates facility problems (physical plant) and construction products related to energy usage

• Identifies, prepares, and recommends energy reduction opportunities

• Develops periodic reports on the status of the Energy Management program

• Maintains as-built drawings for past, present, and future maintenance and construction projects.

• Installs, services, and repairs air conditioning units/chillers

• Mounts compressors and condensing units on the platform floor, using hand tools and following blueprints and  engineering specifications

• Installs evaporator units in chassis or air-duct system, using hand tools

• Cuts and bends tubing to correct length and shape, using cutting and bending equipment and tools

• Cuts and threads pipes using machine-threading or hand-threading equipment

• Joins tubing or pipes to various refrigerating units using sleeves, couplings, or unions and solders, joints, using a torch, forming a complete circuit for refrigerant

• Installs expansion and discharge valves in the circuit

• Connects motors, compressors, temperature controls, humidity controls, and circulating ventilation fans to control panels and connects control panels to a power source

• Installs air and water filters in completed installation

• Tests completed the system

• Repairs installed units by examining visually for defective parts, or determines the cause of the malfunction by performing tests

• Dismantles whole or part of the machine as indicated by the type of malfunction, and repairs or replaces defective components

• Keeps all condensate pans, drain piping, and drains clean in units, and overflow type pans clean

• Changes all filters on a timely basis; installs and repairs refrigeration equipment

• Operates vehicles in a safe and lawful manner

• Use, maintains, and keeps all tools, equipment, and vehicles clean

• Services, installations, and repairs of water heaters, boilers, wall-fired furnaces, pipes, traps, fittings, connections, and related equipment

• Maintains and repairs a variety of heating and hot water equipment throughout the county system; maintains heating systems and connects gauges

• Maintains condensate return pumps

• Replace safety valves, checks for leaks on boilers; covers steam lines with pipe installation

• Unites sections of steam pipe using acetylene welding equipment and pipe wrenches

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• Checks and diagnoses all boiler safety controls

• Installs and repairs duct board or metal duct systems; installs and repairs duct and piping systems

• Always keep work areas clean and safe

• Required to work during a local declared state of emergency

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related work as assigned.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEMANDS

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Adequate vision and hearing (with or without correction) to perform essential functions. Ability to bend, stretch, climb, stoop, crawl, and reach overhead. Manual dexterity is needed to use tools.

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work will be performed indoors and outdoors under varying conditions. Tasks performed indoors will expose workers to various chemicals and noxious fumes, confined areas, and frequent and loud noises. Tasks performed outdoors will expose workers to insects, heights, and extreme weather conditions.