Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empowers all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes.
We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community.
Position Overview
The HVAC Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and supporting Riverdale Country School’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanical systems. This position plays an important role in ensuring that campus buildings remain safe, comfortable, energy-efficient, and operational for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The HVAC Technician performs preventive and corrective maintenance on HVAC and related mechanical systems, responds to service requests, maintains equipment records, and helps ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements and codes. The position works collaboratively with the Facilities team and may also assist with general building maintenance and campus operations as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of HVAC and related mechanical equipment campus-wide, including controls, pumps, filters, valves, sensors, and motors.
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Monitor systems to identify performance concerns before equipment failure; maintain accurate service logs and equipment histories and complete work orders through the School's CMMS.
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Plan, prioritize, and schedule work to minimize disruption to school activities; order necessary parts and maintain inventory.
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Maintain mechanical rooms and work areas in a safe and orderly condition; follow applicable codes, safety requirements, and refrigerant handling procedures.
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Coordinate with Facilities colleagues, contractors, and vendors for specialized service; escalate equipment concerns and major repairs to the appropriate supervisor.
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Respond to HVAC and Facilities emergencies and work occasional evenings, weekends, or events as required.
Qualifications and Requirements
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High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Minimum of five years of professional experience with commercial HVAC systems; current EPA Section 608 Universal Technician Certification required.
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Demonstrated knowledge of commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and mechanical systems; experience with Mitsubishi VRF, Carrier, and Trane systems preferred.
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Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams; proficiency with CMMS, Google Workspace, and related workplace technology.
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Valid driver's license; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
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Dependable, responsive, and safety-conscious, with a commitment to maintaining a welcoming campus environment.
Physical Requirements
Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing; ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., work safely from ladders, and operate hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions, including in mechanical rooms.
To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the
Careers page of Riverdale’s website.
Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School
Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:
Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.
Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).
Sabbatical: Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.
Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.
Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.
Vacation: Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.
