Lead HVAC/R Service Technician

Lead HVAC/R Service Technician

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas
Job Type: Full-time
Starting Pay: $32.00 per hour
Overtime: Time-and-a-half after 40 hours worked in a workweek

About the Position

OnTime HVAC & Refrigeration, Inc. is seeking an experienced Lead HVAC/R Service Technician to join our growing team. This position includes a mix of residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, and commercial refrigeration work throughout Knoxville and the surrounding area.

We are looking for more than technical ability. The right person must be honest, dependable, accountable, and committed to doing quality work—even when no one is watching. This technician will work independently in the field, communicate directly with customers, and help train and mentor additional technicians as our team grows.

This is not a high-pressure sales position. Our technicians are expected to provide honest assessments, explain appropriate options, and recommend work based on the customer’s actual needs.

Our Company Values

Integrity

We are honest, ethical, and transparent in every interaction. We do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

What this means: Be truthful, earn trust, recommend only necessary and appropriate work, and always put the customer first.

Accountability

We take ownership of our work, our decisions, and our results. If something goes wrong, we make it right.

What this means: Follow through on commitments, document work accurately, communicate proactively, acknowledge mistakes, and never leave a job unfinished or a customer without an answer.

Leadership

We lead by example through professionalism, continuous improvement, and a commitment to serving our customers and supporting one another.

What this means: Take initiative, solve problems, maintain high standards, help your team succeed, and continually work to improve.

Primary Responsibilities

• Diagnose, service, repair, and maintain residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, and commercial refrigeration equipment
• Perform thorough system assessments and clearly explain findings to customers
• Prepare accurate estimates, primarily while on site
• Present repair, replacement, and maintenance recommendations based on the condition of the equipment and the customer’s needs
• Explain available membership options without using high-pressure sales tactics
• Obtain customer approval before performing additional work
• Collect and accurately document customer payments
• Maintain complete service records, including diagnostic findings, model and serial information, photographs, materials used, work completed, and recommended follow-up
• Communicate proactively with customers and the office regarding job status, delays, additional needs, and unresolved concerns
• Take ownership of assigned jobs and follow them through to completion
• Help train and mentor developing technicians
• Participate in weekly team meetings and continuing education
• Follow company safety, workmanship, documentation, and customer-service standards
• Maintain an organized company vehicle and properly care for company-provided equipment

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of relevant HVAC/R service experience required; five or more years preferred
• Experience independently diagnosing and repairing HVAC/R equipment
• Universal EPA Section 608 Certification required
• Completion of an accredited HVAC technical or trade program, or equivalent documented field training and experience
• Active Tennessee CMC or CMC-C contractor license preferred
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation
• Strong customer communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prepare estimates and explain repair recommendations clearly
• Ability and willingness to train and support developing technicians
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Must provide and maintain the tools needed to perform assigned HVAC/R work
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements associated with residential, commercial, and refrigeration service work

Schedule and On-Call Expectations

This is a full-time position. Regular appointments may be scheduled with arrival windows between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday work may be scheduled as needed.

This position will initially serve as the primary on-call technician for after-hours and weekend service calls until a rotating on-call schedule is established. The technician must remain reasonably available during on-call periods, respond promptly to dispatched calls, communicate expected arrival times, and keep the customer and company informed of delays.

After-hours and weekend hours count toward total weekly hours. Hours worked over 40 in a workweek are paid at 1.5 times the technician’s regular hourly rate.

Compensation and Reviews

• Starting pay of $32.00 per hour
• Two-week paid trial period at the regular $32.00 hourly rate
• Overtime paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate after 40 hours worked in a workweek
• Automatic 60-day technical performance review

The two-week trial period will primarily evaluate reliability, professionalism, communication, accountability, work ethic, and demonstrated alignment with the company’s core values. Technical ability will also be observed during this period.

The 60-day review will focus primarily on technical proficiency, diagnostic ability, workmanship, efficiency, documentation, customer communication, and readiness to train and support developing technicians.

Benefits and Company Support

• Company service vehicle
• Company-provided tablet
• Paid holidays
• Insurance benefits
• Continuing education
• Weekly training and team development
• Overtime opportunities

What We’re Looking For

We want a technician who takes pride in doing the job correctly, communicates honestly, follows through, and treats customers and coworkers with respect. If you are technically capable, dependable, willing to take ownership, and interested in helping build a strong service team, we encourage you to apply.

OnTime HVAC & Refrigeration, Inc. is a growing Knoxville-based company serving residential and commercial customers throughout Knoxville and the surrounding area. We provide HVAC and commercial refrigeration installation, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. Our work is guided by integrity, accountability, leadership, and a commitment to honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and dependable customer service.