Foreman I - RefrigerantPosition OverviewAs a Foreman I - Refrigerant, you'll serve as a first-line leader in commercial HVAC refrigerant piping and equipment service/retrofitting, supervising a crew to execute safe, high-quality installations, repairs, and startups in buildings, hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, you'll coordinate daily on-site activities, provide guidance and training to your team, ensure EPA compliance and safety standards, and contribute to project success by meeting schedule, budget, and client expectations. Our people-first culture supports your leadership with hands-on training, mentorship, certifications, and clear advancement paths, empowering you to build a high-performing crew while delivering reliable, environmentally compliant refrigerant systems nationwide at any of our operating companies.
Duties and Responsibilities- Lead and supervise a refrigerant technician crew on daily tasks: fabrication, assembly, installation, repair, and startup of refrigerant piping systems and HVAC equipment (DX splits, rooftop units, chillers, condensers, evaporators, controls) per project specifications, codes, and standards.
- Provide daily guidance, training, and direction to crew members to ensure quality workmanship, EPA-compliant refrigerant handling, and professional development.
- Develop workable solutions with the superintendent to proactively address potential issues and prevent them from becoming problems.
- Review projects with the superintendent and/or project manager after equipment/subcontractors are procured; conduct physical site surveys and report conditions/recommendations in writing as required.
- Perform accurate takeoffs and material lists in a timely manner to support planning and procurement.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise on-site functions: crew scheduling, material control/staging, tool/equipment rentals, and daily progress tracking (including job completion percentages).
- Ensure all crew members comply with project procedures, safety requirements, company policies, EPA regulations, quality expectations, and contractual standards; conduct daily safety briefings, hazard assessments, and toolbox talks.
- Document incidents immediately, notify superintendent/project manager, recommend corrective actions, and implement them to maintain a safe work environment.
- Prepare and submit weekly reports (safety/toolbox, production, preconstruction, project-specific) and assure timely office processing.
- Conduct job-site inspections to verify adherence to standards, participate in system startups/commissioning as needed, and coordinate with subcontractors, engineers, owners, and vendors.
- Mentor and train crew members on refrigerant piping techniques, EPA compliance, safety practices, and best methods; promote team efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Maintain clear, professional communication with the superintendent, project team, clients, subcontractors, and vendors to support project success.
Supervisory ResponsibilitiesYes - Direct supervision and leadership of a refrigerant technician crew (technicians and helpers); responsible for daily task delegation, performance monitoring, safety/EPA compliance, on-the-job training/mentoring, and contributing to crew evaluations under the superintendent's guidance.
Requirements/Qualifications- Experience: 4+ years in commercial HVAC/refrigerant piping installation, repair, and maintenance; journeyman-level knowledge or ability to obtain relevant license/certification.
- Education: High school diploma or GED required; trade school, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent preferred.
- Certifications/Licenses: EPA Section 608 certification (Universal required); valid driver's license and clean driving record required; OSHA 10/30-hour certification encouraged (company support provided).
- Physical Demands: Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs, climb ladders/scaffolding/stairs, work in confined spaces or at heights, bend/kneel/crouch, reach overhead, and use tools/equipment for extended periods; frequent standing, walking, manual dexterity, and physical stamina required.
- Work Environment/Safety: Primarily field-based in commercial/industrial settings (indoor/outdoor, mechanical rooms, rooftops, varying weather); exposure to noise, dust, heights, refrigerants, electrical hazards, and confined-space risks; must strictly adhere to OSHA regulations, EPA protocols, conduct hazard identification, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, and steel-toed boots at all times-safety is our top priority and non-negotiable. This is a safety-sensitive position. Occasional regional travel within assigned market or on-call rotations may be required as business needs dictate.
Required Skills- Proficient refrigerant piping techniques (fabrication, assembly, installation, brazing copper, pressure testing, leak detection, charging).
- Blueprint reading, material takeoff/list preparation, and basic scheduling/planning.
- Crew leadership, task delegation, mentoring/training, and performance monitoring.
- Safety/EPA leadership, effective communication (written/verbal) with teams, superintendents, clients, and subcontractors.
- Problem-solving, multitasking, self-motivation, punctuality, and professional demeanor.
Pay Range: $35 - $45 per hour