HVAC/R Service Technician

Houchens Food Group (HFG), established in 1917, is 100% employee-owned with over 12,000 employees operating in 15 states. HFG is seeking to hire a skilled HVAC/R Service Technician to support our network of supermarkets.

HFG is committed to operational excellence, innovation, energy efficiency, and supporting the communities we serve. This role plays an important part in maintaining comfortable store environments, reducing equipment downtime, and improving the energy efficiency of our facilities.

Position Summary

The HVAC/R Service Technician is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems across multiple locations, with a primary focus on HVAC equipment. This position supports equipment reliability, energy efficiency, customer comfort, product integrity, and store operations through timely service, preventive maintenance, and effective problem-solving.

The HVAC/R Service Technician works independently in the field while collaborating with supervisors, peers, store teams, contractors, and other internal departments. The position provides direct support to store operations for HVAC issues while also assisting with commercial refrigeration service needs.

Core Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair commercial HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including rooftop units, package units, split systems, heat pumps, air handlers, exhaust fans, walk-ins, display cases, condensing units, evaporators, and related components.
• Evaluate HVAC and refrigeration system performance using pressures, temperatures, superheat, subcooling, electrical readings, and other diagnostic information.
• Follow proper refrigerant practices and escalate complex issues when appropriate.
• Troubleshoot thermostats, sensors, control boards, and building control systems.
• Verify equipment schedules, setpoints, runtime, and proper system operation.
• Complete service work across assigned locations and participate in on-call duties and after-hours support.
• Prioritize service calls based on safety, operational impact, customer comfort, and product integrity.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with store personnel, supervisors, and internal teams.
• Document diagnoses, corrective actions, labor, materials, refrigerant usage, and equipment condition.
• Utilize company systems for work-order tracking, asset management, and compliance documentation.
• Maintain appropriate truck stock, manage parts usage, and report recurring equipment failures.
• Collaborate with other HVAC, refrigeration, and maintenance technicians.
• Share technical knowledge, communicate significant equipment concerns, and contribute to a professional, team-oriented work environment.
• Follow EPA, OSHA, manufacturer, and company safety requirements.
• Maintain proper refrigerant handling, recovery, leak reporting, and documentation practices.
• Maintain tools and test equipment in safe operating condition, report unsafe conditions, and promote a safety-first culture.
• Other job-related tasks as required.

Education / Experience

• 2–5 years of commercial HVAC/R service experience is mandatory.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• EPA Section 608 Type I and Type II or a Universal Certification required.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and ladder use, including access to rooftops and mechanical areas.
• Ability to work around operating mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration equipment in outdoor, hot, cold, refrigerated, and confined environments.
• Ability to safely lift and carry tools, equipment, and materials up to 100 lbs.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

Houchens Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Applicants may request accommodations based on religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.