Hvac R Apprentice Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
CLASSIFIED/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Date Posted:
8/12/2026
Location:
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Richland County School District One, South Carolina
Classification Description
Classification Title: HVAC Mechanic
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $42,797.57-$63,476.74
General Statement of Job
Under occasional supervision, performs the maintenance and repair of heating and air conditioning/refrigeration in District schools in accordance with applicable codes, specifications, schedules and standards. Programs and repairs HVAC energy management systems. Reports to the Crew Leader or Manager of Maintenance Services.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

• Diagnoses HVAC malfunctions, and supervises and performs HVAC preventive maintenance and repairs. Duties include but are not limited to, repairing malfunctions, replacing defective parts, programing systems, adjusting thermostats, cleaning equipment, recovering refrigerant as required by the EPA, etc.
• Performs duties in accordance with applicable codes, specifications, standards and schedules.
• Estimates materials and labor for job assignments; obtains prices for and orders supplies required for projects.
• Provides instruction and guidance to technicians and apprentices.
• Responds as needed to after-hours emergency calls seven days per week as required.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports, including work orders, diagrams, specifications, accident reports, warehouse requests, daily reports, etc.
• Operates and maintains a variety of equipment, such as a two-way radio, vehicle, HVAC equipment, ice machines, computer controls, hand tools, diagnostic tools, refrigerant recovery systems, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, District administrators and staff, students, engineers, contractors, and sales representatives.
• Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Additional Duties:

• Changes filters and cleans coils; resets breakers and unstops drain lines. Fuels and maintains vehicles.
• Provides assistance to other trades employees as required.
• Works with engineers as requested to design new HVAC installations.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training
Requires a minimum high school diploma supplemented by five years of experience in HVAC repair, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid state driver's license and be certified as a Universal Technician as required by the EPA.
Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including a two-way radio, vehicle, hand and power tools, etc. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work; work involves driving, walking or standing for periods of time, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, climbing, etc., and performing manual tasks. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 100 pounds.
Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications:
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.
Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of codes, policies and procedures, equipment manuals, specifications, diagrams, etc. Requires the ability to prepare daily reports, logs, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with clarity, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems, and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, and to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.
Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures. and to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds.
Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time.
Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.
Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using special machinery and to operate motor vehicles.
Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination:
Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.
Physical Communications:
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Performance Evaluation Criteria
Job Knowledge:
Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Maintenance Services Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the HVAC Mechanic. Is knowledgeable in the codes, laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Has knowledge of and skill in HVAC installation, maintenance and repair methods and practices. Is able to perform duties with extreme attention to detail and safety. Has the ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret building codes, specifications, blueprints and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare daily reports, logs, etc. with accuracy. Has a comprehensive knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, co-workers and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade. Has skills in the care and use of required tools and equipment. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade. Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.
Quantity of Work:
Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.
Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance:
Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.).. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.
Relationships:
Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.
Coordination of Work:
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
Safety:
Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.