Lead HVAC Maintenance Technician

Lead HVAC Maintenance Technician — University Edge & Dickinson Lofts Student Housing

Reports to: Community Manager Employment type: Full-time, on-site Compensation: based on experience

About the Community

University Edge & Dickinson Lofts is a student-focused community in the heart of Greenville, North Carolina — the "Emerald City" — serving East Carolina University's 27,000+ students. Located steps from ECU's campus at 550 Pitt-Greene Connector, the community features fully furnished studio, one-, two-, and four-bedroom floor plans, a private bathroom in every bedroom, a heated pool and sundeck, a clubhouse with fitness center and game room, and study space with a computer lab. Keeping a building this size comfortable, safe, and move-in ready takes a maintenance team that runs like clockwork — and we're looking for the technician who leads it.

The Role

As Lead HVAC Maintenance Technician, you're the technical backbone of the property. You diagnose and repair the community's heating and cooling systems, own the preventive-maintenance program, and set the pace and standard for the on-site maintenance team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is EPA-certified, comfortable troubleshooting HVAC end to end, and ready to keep a full building of student residents comfortable through peak cooling season, the summer turn, and coordinated August move-in.

What You'll Do

HVAC & Technical Leadership

• Diagnose, repair, and maintain HVAC systems across the community — split systems, heat pumps, PTAC units, mini-splits, condensers, air handlers, thermostats, and related controls.
• Handle refrigerant recovery, charging, and leak detection in full compliance with EPA regulations.
• Build and run the seasonal preventive-maintenance program: filter changes, coil cleanings, condensate lines, system inspections, and pre-summer readiness checks across every unit.
• Serve as the go-to technical resource for the team, mentoring and training technicians on HVAC diagnostics and repair best practices.

General Maintenance & Turn

• Complete and oversee general make-readies and the summer turn so the building is 100% move-in ready for August.
• Support broader maintenance needs as they arise — plumbing, electrical, appliance, and general repairs — and know when to bring in a licensed vendor.
• Keep common areas, mechanical rooms, the pool equipment area, and building systems in safe, working condition.

Work-Order & Team Management

• Prioritize, assign, and close out work orders in the property management system (e.g., Entrata, RealPage/OneSite, Yardi), keeping response times fast and residents satisfied.
• Help schedule the maintenance team's daily workflow and lead by example on quality and professionalism.
• Coordinate with the Community Manager on turn timelines, capital needs, and larger repairs.

Safety, Compliance & On-Call

• Follow all safety protocols, EPA/refrigerant handling requirements, and OSHA standards; keep MSDS/SDS and equipment logs current.
• Enter occupied units professionally and in line with Fair Housing and North Carolina landlord-tenant requirements.
• Participate in the on-call rotation and respond to after-hours HVAC and maintenance emergencies.

What You Bring

Required

• EPA Section 608 Certification (Universal preferred) — this is non-negotiable for the refrigerant work central to the role.
• 3+ years of hands-on HVAC maintenance experience, ideally in multifamily or student housing.
• Strong diagnostic and repair skills across residential HVAC systems, with the ability to read schematics and troubleshoot electrical and mechanical components.
• Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and appliance repair sufficient to lead general maintenance.
• Experience leading, training, or mentoring other technicians, or clear readiness to step into a lead role.
• Comfort with property management/work-order software and basic digital reporting.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on ladders and rooftops, and perform physical repair work in varied conditions.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for on-call response.

Preferred

• HVAC EPA Universal certification and/or NATE certification.
• Multifamily or student housing turn experience, including full-building make-readies against a deadline.
• Familiarity with pool-equipment maintenance and certification (CPO) or willingness to obtain.
• Familiarity with the Greenville / East Carolina University market.

Why University Edge & Dickinson Lofts

• A high-visibility, top-of-market community steps from ECU's campus in one of eastern North Carolina's fastest-growing college towns.
• A lead role with real ownership of the property's systems and the maintenance team, with regional support behind you.
• [Insert benefits: health/dental/vision, PTO, 401(k), housing discount, on-call/turn bonuses, tool allowance, certification reimbursement, professional development, etc.]

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief note about your HVAC background and any certifications you hold to [insert application link / email]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

KPM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.