What are the responsibilities and job description for the Air Quality Technician position at Virginia Tech?
Work type: Staff
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Facilities Operations
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades
Job Description
Reporting to the Air Quality Supervisor, the Air Quality Technician performs specialized intensive cleaning and decontamination of mechanical/electrical equipment and rooms, ducts and air distribution devices to improve and maintain air quality in campus buildings. As a member of the Air Quality Decontamination Team, individual will be part of a front line of defense against potential spread of infectious diseases. The Air Quality Decontamination Team member will be ready to respond to a potential exposure incident 24 hours per day seven days a week. Team member will be trained in specialized Personal Protective Equipment to include N95 mask and will go through fitting for appropriate mask. Team member will be trained and will utilize specialized disinfecting equipment. Members of the Air Quality Decontamination Team must take Respiratory Protection Training and Respiratory Protection Medical Service through VT EHSS annually. Performs carpentry, sheet metal, insulation and painting tasks in the course of the cleaning/treatment process. Makes repairs to air handling units, ductwork, turning vanes, install new filter racks, and replaces fans and motors in fan coil units and performs routine filter changes and service on building equipment. Stops, starts, disassembles and reassembles mechanical and electrical equipment in preparation for and during cleaning operations. Maintains and repairs all tools and safety equipment. Use/wearing of a respirator will be required. Responds to emergency callbacks after normal business hours as required.
Required Qualifications
- Industrial cleaning knowledge and/or mechanical/HVAC experience.
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Required to operate a motor vehicle daily
- Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 60 pounds or more; ability to maneuver materials up and down stairs; ability to climb and work from elevated workstations such as ladders and scaffolds; ability to work for long periods of time standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling; ability to communicate effectively, have good teamwork skills, and be able to understand, comprehend and follow directions in the workplace.
- Must be able to work in non-permit required confined spaces.
- Must be able to properly wear a respirator.
- Must wear appropriate PPE
- Must wear provided uniforms
- Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
- May be required to work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.
- Use/wearing of a respirator will be required.
- This is a designated emergency personnel position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience cleaning and decontaminating mechanical/ electrical equipment and rooms.
- Experience decontaminating public surfaces.
- Previous carpentry, sheet metal, insulation or painting experience.
- HVAC experience such as repairing air handling units, ductwork, turning vanes, installing new filter racks, replacing fans and motors in fan coil units or performing routine filter changes and service on building equipment.
- Experience in following safety procedures and using safety equipment.
- Previous experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or computerized work order system.
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$36,000-$45,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
December 9, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opsHR-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: November 25, 2025
Applications close:
Salary : $36,000 - $45,000
