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HVAC Technician

The Florida Aquarium
Tampa, United States Posted: February 24, 2026


The HVAC Technician position supports the efficient operation, including preventive and corrective maintenance programs, of The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) facility HVAC and automation systems.

Essential Position Functions
  • Maintains and performs preventative maintenance on all HVAC and automation systems. 
  • Assists Lead HVAC Technician with installing and repairing single and three-phase HVAC components as well as automation.
  • Monitors automation software and, upon notification, responds appropriately.
  • Must possess a working knowledge of all voltages of electricity 24vac and dcv, 120v, 480v and 277v.
  • Proficient in brazing, soldering, and bending of all types of piping.
  • Must understand sequence of operation of chillers, cooling tower and pumps of open and closed loop systems.
  • Have an understanding of ductwork, CFM calculation, fabrication and install.
  • Troubleshoots fans, blowers, heat pumps, chillers, sensors, components etc. and recommends replacement, modifications and/or repair.
  • Installs necessary circuitry where needed for all exhibits and associated equipment.
  • Reclaims refrigerant and pull vacuums on systems and recharge back to proper subcooling or superheat.
  • Monitors and checks filters for backwash needs.
  • Replaces compressors and associated parts.
  • Performs maintenance on fan coils and large air handler filters, bearings, cleaning, etc.
  • Performs emergency repairs on equipment as needed.
  • Ability to be cross trained to operate, troubleshoot, and repair exhibit Life Support Systems.
  • Ability to MIG, TIG, and stick weld various types of metals i.e. aluminum and stainless steel preferred but not required.
  • Obtain certifications to use company equipment including but not limited to, scissor lift, articulating boom lift, forklift, electric pallet jack, and telehandler.
  • Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies.
  • May be required to participate in the hurricane ride out team in the event of an impending hurricane.
  • Must follow all PPE and safety requirements.
  • Recommends ideas for promoting a safe work place.
  • Anticipates problems or issues and responds accordingly.
  • Maintains positive attitude in adverse situations.
  • Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers.
  • Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned or required.
  • Education Requirements and Technical Skills
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • EPA refrigeration certification required.
  • Three (3) to five (5+) years’ experience installing and maintaining commercial/industrial HVAC systems.
  • Automation systems experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of CMMS Asset Essentials Dude Solutions or other CMMS platform.
  • Valid Driver’s license with clear driving record required.
  • Must be proficient with an iPad (or similar) or laptop. 
Competencies
  • Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities. 
  • Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood. Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions. 
  • Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
  • Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
  • Teamwork — supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
  • Work Standards — Applies high performance standards to all work-related activities.
  • Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
  • Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
  • Quality — upholding standards beyond what is required; inspiring staff to maintain and initiate high standards of excellence in their work efforts.
Typical Physical Requirements
  • Standing (4-8 hours per day)
  • Walking (4-8 hours per day)
  • Bending/Stooping — Frequently
  • Squatting — Frequently
  • Climbing stairs — Frequently
  • Climbing heights (8’) — Occasionally
  • Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
  • Crouching — Frequently
  • Kneeling — Frequently
  • Carrying (up to 50 lbs.) – Frequently
  • Lifting (up to 50 lbs.) – Frequently 
  • Carrying (up to 80 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • Lifting (up to 80 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • Working near moving machinery — Frequently
  • Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
  • Exposure to dust, fumes and gases
  • Typing on a computer keyboard
  • Operating machinery
  • Ability to travel (car) as needed — locally and/or nationally
  • Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
  • Flexibility in working holidays
  • Available for on-call emergencies
Perks
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement Savings, EAP and more!
Salary
  • Starting at $24/hr

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