Lead HVAC Technician

Job Type: Full-Time; Non Exempt
Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, very limited on-call hours
Pay Rate: Negotiable, based on experience
Location: Taneytown, MD 21787

Who You Are: 

As the Lead HVAC Technician, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our cultivation, processing, and retail environments running at peak performance. You’ll oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of specialized HVAC systems, ensuring precise temperature, humidity, and air quality levels—key factors in plant growth, product storage, and regulatory compliance. 

Beyond keeping systems running smoothly, you'll manage preventive maintenance schedules, and optimize system efficiency. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), you’ll help maintain a controlled and reliable environment that supports both quality and compliance.  

What You’ll Do: 

• Install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems – Oversee climate control equipment, including air handlers, dehumidifiers, CO₂ systems, and ventilation units tailored for cannabis cultivation and processing. 
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues – Identify and resolve temperature, humidity, and airflow discrepancies to ensure optimal plant growth, product storage, and facility conditions. 
• Perform preventive maintenance – Conduct regular inspections, calibrate automated systems, and optimize climate control for efficiency, compliance, and long-term reliability. 
• Ensure regulatory compliance – Adhere to OSHA, EPA, and cannabis industry standards for HVAC operation, refrigerant handling, and workplace safety. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally – Work with cultivation, processing, and retail teams to maintain ideal environmental conditions for product quality. 
• Manage vendor relationships – Coordinate with contractors and suppliers for system upgrades, repairs, and inspections. 
• Document and report performance – Maintain logs of system performance, maintenance activities, and compliance records to ensure operational transparency. 
• Drive efficiency and cost savings – Partner with facility managers to implement HVAC solutions that reduce energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining climate consistency. 

What You’ll Bring: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• EPA 608 Universal certification (required) 
• 10+ years of hands-on HVAC experience in installation, repair, and maintenance within commercial or industrial settings 
• Expertise in HVAC systems, including air conditioning, dehumidification, and CO₂ enrichment for controlled environments 
• Strong understanding of environmental controls, including VPD (vapor pressure deficit) management for indoor cultivation 
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, equipment manuals, and technical procedures 
• Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to diagnose HVAC inefficiencies and implement effective solutions 
• Knowledge of industry regulations, with the ability to analyze and apply governmental HVAC standards 
• Tech-savvy approach, with experience using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software for work orders, data tracking, and inventory management 

Even Better If… 

• You have an HVAC/R Technician Certification (that’s a plus!) 
• You've worked on AAON units, 70-ton unit
• You’ve worked in climate-controlled environments like agriculture, food processing, or the cannabis industry 
• You’re familiar with cannabis industry regulations related to air quality and climate control 
• You know your way around Building Management Systems (BMS) and how they integrate with HVAC systems 
• You have experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)—installing, troubleshooting, and programming them 
• You’re comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite to stay organized and keep track of reports and documentation 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Outdoor environmental conditions may be hot, cold, rain, snow or other natural weather phenomena.