HVAC Technician

Job Title: HVAC-R Technician (EPA 608 Certified) Location: Highland Park, IL Company: Sunset Foods / Grand (7 Locations) Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000 annually (based on experience and certifications) About Us We are a well-established, upscale grocery chain with seven locations along Chicago’s North Shore. Our stores are known for exceptional quality, a commitment to sustainability, and providing a premium shopping experience. We are seeking a skilled HVAC-R Technician to join our team and ensure our store environments remain comfortable, efficient, and fully operational. Position Overview As our HVAC-R Technician, you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across all store locations. You’ll play a critical role in maintaining proper climate control for perishable goods and creating a pleasant experience for customers and staff alike. Requirements Here is a breakdown of the necessary background, training, and certifications required: Education and Core Knowledge Certification or degree program at a vocational school, technical college, or trade school.  Commercial Refrigeration Technician certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in HVAC/R Technology. Must understand: Refrigeration Theory and the Refrigeration Cycle: The core principles of how cooling is achieved (compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices). Electrical Systems: AC/DC circuitry, reading schematics, troubleshooting electrical components (motors, controls, relays, contactors). HVAC-R Fundamentals: Heat transfer, temperature, pressure, and the properties of refrigerants. Commercial System Controls: Understanding and troubleshooting complex electronic expansion valves (EEVs) and digital control systems used in supermarket racks. Required Skills Understanding of complex, centralized systems with multiple compressors piped in parallel (known as racks). Needs to know how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot these specific, high-capacity systems. Knowledge of newer, low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants like CO2 (carbon dioxide) and other refrigerants like R22, R404 and R507. Expertise in working with walk-in coolers, freezers, display cases, ice machines, and other specialized food service equipment. Creating and executing detailed checklists for routine maintenance, including cleaning condenser coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing defrost cycles, and inspecting door seals. Certifications and Licensing EPA Section 608 Certification and must have a Universal Technician Certification or at least a Type II or Type III certification to work on commercial refrigeration systems. In short, the ideal background is a certified Commercial Refrigeration Technician with training or experience specific to supermarket or large-scale food service equipment, especially with modern rack systems and evolving refrigerant technologies. Key Responsibilities Perform regular preventive maintenance and inspections on HVAC and refrigeration systems. Diagnose and repair issues with chillers, coolers, freezers, and rooftop units. Respond promptly to emergency service calls. Monitor system performance and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. Maintain detailed service records and coordinate with store directors for maintenance scheduling. Collaborate with outside contractors and vendors when needed. Qualifications Universal Technician Certificationor at least aType llorType lllcertification. EPA 608 Certification (required). 3+ years of commercial HVAC-R experience (supermarket or food retail experience). Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to work independently and manage multiple store assignments. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Benefits Competitive salary ($65,000 - $70,000 based on experience). Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance. 401(k) with company match. PTO Mileage reimbursement. Opportunities for professional development and certification support. How to Apply Interested candidates should e-mail a resume outlining relevant experience and certifications to: ssandberg@sunsetfoods.com Join a team that values excellence, reliability, and integrity — and help us maintain the comfort and quality our customers expect. Job Title: HVAC-R Technician (EPA 608 Certified) Location: Highland Park, IL Company: Sunset Foods / Grand (7 Locations) Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000 annually (based on experience and certifications) About Us We are a well-established, upscale grocery chain with seven locations along Chicago’s North Shore. Our stores are known for exceptional quality, a commitment to sustainability, and providing a premium shopping experience. We are seeking a skilled HVAC-R Technician to join our team and ensure our store environments remain comfortable, efficient, and fully operational. Position Overview As our HVAC-R Technician, you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across all store locations. You’ll play a critical role in maintaining proper climate control for perishable goods and creating a pleasant experience for customers and staff alike. Requirements Here is a breakdown of the necessary background, training, and certifications required: Education and Core Knowledge Certification or degree program at a vocational school, technical college, or trade school.  Commercial Refrigeration Technician certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in HVAC/R Technology. Must understand: Refrigeration Theory and the Refrigeration Cycle: The core principles of how cooling is achieved (compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices). Electrical Systems: AC/DC circuitry, reading schematics, troubleshooting electrical components (motors, controls, relays, contactors). HVAC-R Fundamentals: Heat transfer, temperature, pressure, and the properties of refrigerants. Commercial System Controls: Understanding and troubleshooting complex electronic expansion valves (EEVs) and digital control systems used in supermarket racks. Required Skills Understanding of complex, centralized systems with multiple compressors piped in parallel (known as racks). Needs to know how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot these specific, high-capacity systems. Knowledge of newer, low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants like CO2 (carbon dioxide) and other refrigerants like R22, R404 and R507. Expertise in working with walk-in coolers, freezers, display cases, ice machines, and other specialized food service equipment. Creating and executing detailed checklists for routine maintenance, including cleaning condenser coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing defrost cycles, and inspecting door seals. Certifications and Licensing EPA Section 608 Certification and must have a Universal Technician Certification or at least a Type II or Type III certification to work on commercial refrigeration systems. In short, the ideal background is a certified Commercial Refrigeration Technician with training or experience specific to supermarket or large-scale food service equipment, especially with modern rack systems and evolving refrigerant technologies. Key Responsibilities Perform regular preventive maintenance and inspections on HVAC and refrigeration systems. Diagnose and repair issues with chillers, coolers, freezers, and rooftop units. Respond promptly to emergency service calls. Monitor system performance and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. Maintain detailed service records and coordinate with store directors for maintenance scheduling. Collaborate with outside contractors and vendors when needed. Qualifications Universal Technician Certificationor at least aType llorType lllcertification. EPA 608 Certification (required). 3+ years of commercial HVAC-R experience (supermarket or food retail experience). Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to work independently and manage multiple store assignments. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Benefits Competitive salary ($65,000 - $70,000 based on experience). Health, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance. 401(k) with company match. PTO Mileage reimbursement. Opportunities for professional development and certification support. How to Apply Interested candidates should e-mail a resume outlining relevant experience and certifications to: ssandberg@sunsetfoods.com Join a team that values excellence, reliability, and integrity — and help us maintain the comfort and quality our customers expect. Salary/Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 per year recblid v8sir6tuosb4ipbv4p30qcyvefcs5h