HVAC Technician
Harris County
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
The Mission of the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County.
Under general supervision of the Facilities Manager, as an HVAC Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems, ensuring that they operate efficiently and meet quality standards. The HVAC Technician should have strong technical expertise in HVAC systems, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate with a team of technicians. The role involves collaborating with project managers, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepares, coordinates, documents and performs daily work assignments; troubleshoots and resolves issues to ensure completion of daily activities.
- Performs general repairs and maintains equipment and machinery by troubleshooting and diagnosing special service problems in accordance with instructions, blueprints, manuals and building codes.
- Estimates cost factors for labor and material and determines requirements and plan for fabricating, installing, testing start-up, and servicing HVAC equipment.
- Assists with inventories for HVAC materials, tools, vehicles and supplies.
- Investigates work orders submitted, determines resolution to resolve and complete work orders and documents status of work orders.
- Constructs new installations; adds to existing installations; and repairs.
- Collaborates with contractors, construction workers, electricians, pipe-fitters, steamfitters, and others when installing or repairing systems.
- Inspects all aspects of job sites for safety, compliance and conforming to Precinct 1, Local, County, State and Federal specifications/requirements.
- Inspects and tests HVAC systems for leaks and other problems.
- Plans projects and ensure manpower, materials and equipment needs are met.
- Communicates to Supervisor, field staff, constituents, contractors, stakeholders and other entities to ensure adherence to schedules, plans and specifications.
- Integrate environmentally sustainable practices into projects where applicable. Explore and recommend energy-efficient solutions to minimize environmental impact.
- Ensures operation by tracking preventative maintenance requirements, calling for repairs, assisting with maintaining equipment supplies and materials.
- Perform any additional tasks or responsibilities as assigned by management or as necessitated by the evolving needs of the organization.
- Other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected] . This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education
High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
Experience
Three (3) years of HVAC experience as an air conditioning mechanic or technician with hands-on experience in various aspects of mechanical installation and repair in commercial and/or industrial facilities.
Certifications/Licensures
- Must have a valid Class C driver's license (Texas by hire date) and maintain a good driving record
- TDLR HVAC Certification/License
- EPA 608 certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Proficient working knowledge of computers, office equipment and related software comprised of Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to become proficient in asset management & work management systems
- Skilled in the care and use of hand tools, power equipment used in maintenance engineering trades and display mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in a thorough and timely manner.
- Good understanding of electrical, ductwork, piping, and controls.
- Ability to work well with all levels of management, staff, as well as a diverse group of constituents.
- Must exhibit polite and professional communications via phone, in person and email
- Self-starter possessing good interpersonal skills and be a productive team member.
NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
What Most AC & HVAC Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
HVAC in Texas requires a state license at the company level, and technicians who handle refrigerant need EPA Section 608 certification. Many shops also want NATE certification for higher pay. You can start as an installer helper or entry technician and grow into diagnostics and system design. Pay is often hourly with strong overtime in summer, and service techs frequently earn commission or spiffs on repairs and system sales.
Seasonality drives this trade in Houston. Summer is brutal and busy, with long days, attic heat, and heavy on-call rotations when systems fail. Winter shifts toward heating checks, maintenance plans, and install backlog. New hires underestimate the physical toll of attic and rooftop work in extreme heat. You drive a stocked truck, carry gauges and recovery gear, and stay ready for after-hours emergencies. Steady demand and a shortage of skilled techs keep the field open to anyone who shows up and learns fast.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A service tech starts with a dispatch list and a truck loaded with common parts. You roll to no-cool calls, check the thermostat, measure refrigerant pressures, test the compressor and capacitor, and inspect the coil and blower. You explain the fault, quote the fix, and get approval before the repair.
Maintenance visits fill much of the shoulder seasons. You clean coils, change filters, flush drain lines, and check amperage so a system does not fail in the next heat wave. Install crews spend the day setting condensers and air handlers, running line sets and ductwork, and brazing connections. Customer trust matters because many repairs are invisible to the homeowner. You document readings, photograph the work, and close the ticket in the field. Expect heat, ladders, tight attics, and a lot of driving between calls, balanced by the satisfaction of restoring cool air on a hundred degree day.
What AC & HVAC Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (HVAC Mechanics and Installers).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $28.34/hr.
Becoming a Licensed HVAC Technician in Texas
HVAC contracting is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and the license is held at the company level by a certified technician. Anyone who handles refrigerant needs federal EPA Section 608 certification. Many employers also value NATE certification, which raises pay. You can start as an installer helper with no license, earn your EPA card early, and build toward the ACR technician and then contractor license through documented experience and exams. Summer overtime is common while you climb.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Install Helper / Entry Tech $47,029/yr
Assist installs and maintenance while earning EPA 608 certification.
- 2 Service Technician $58,947/yr
Diagnose and repair systems solo. NATE certification lifts pay.
- 3 Lead Tech / Comfort Advisor $73,902/yr
Handle complex diagnostics, system design, and replacement sales.
- 4 Install Foreman / Estimator $73,902/yr
Run install crews and bid residential and commercial systems.
- 5 HVAC Contractor $83,117/yr
Hold the state license and run your own heating and cooling company.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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