Heating and Ventilating Inspector (6235) - Facilities - SFO (163106)

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/process/

Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:

• Application Opening: May 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this announcement may close at any time after 5:00 PM (Pacific Time) on May 20, 2026
• Compensation: $160,390 Annually
• Recruitment ID: RTF0163105-01156825/ PBT-6235-163106

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a world-class, award-winning airport that served more than 54 million guests in Fiscal Year 2025. SFO offers non-stop flights to 60+ international cities on over 40 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport also connects non-stop with 80+ U.S. cities on 10 domestic airlines.

As an enterprise department of the City & County of San Francisco, SFO has a workforce of approximately 1,900 City employees. In Fiscal Year 2021, SFO generated more than 28,000 direct jobs and $6.1B in business activity.

SFO is more than an airport— we are a dynamic organization where employees collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to support global travel, economic development, and public service. We are recognized as a leader in safety, environmental sustainability, and forward-thinking infrastructure, and continue to be at the forefront of transforming the travel experience.

Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values shape our culture and operations as we continue to build a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Our mission is to deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first.

Learn more about careers at SFO at flysfo.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Threads.

Under direction, the Heating and Ventilating Inspector is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of SFO’s complex heating, ventilation, and industrial exhaust systems by inspecting equipment for compliance with applicable codes, laws, and ordinances. This position is responsible for explaining and interpreting regulations related to warm air heating units, mechanical ventilation systems, air-conditioning duct systems, and industrial exhaust systems; interacting regularly with the public, department personnel, and outside organizations regarding code compliance; and preparing and submitting details reports of inspection activities.  

 

• Reviews, plans, specifications, and construction documents for complex HVAC, mechanical, industrial exhaust, smoke control, and related systems to ensure compliance with federal and state codes, the California Mechanical Code, city ordinances, and Airport standards.
• Conducts field inspections of installed HVAC, mechanical ventilation, air‑conditioning, ductwork, and industrial exhaust systems to verify compliance with approved plans, shop drawings, codes, installation standards, and Airport Tenant Improvement Guide requirements.
• Interprets and explains mechanical codes, laws, regulations, and Airport standards to tenants, contractors, design professionals, and members of the public; enforces code requirements as needed.
• Investigates complaints related to HVAC and mechanical system code violations; documents findings, issues correction notices or citations, and recommends or orders necessary corrective actions.
• Evaluates existing HVAC and mechanical systems; identifies deficiencies and recommends upgrades, repairs, or improvements consistent with codes, industry best practices, energy‑efficiency goals, and Airport standards.
• Coordinates with Airport Divisions and Bureaus, the Fire Department, San Mateo County officials, and design professionals to clarify code requirements, resolve issues, and support safe and compliant construction
• Monitors construction activities for quality control, including methods, materials, design conformance, and workmanship. Works with contractors, tenants, and Airport personnel during construction to troubleshoot and resolve problems promptly.
• Attends construction progress meetings, safety meetings, and specialized training sessions; contributes to development and improvement of section policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Conducts annual inspections of buildings containing heating, ventilating, air‑conditioning, and industrial exhaust systems and prepares documentation of findings.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and professionally written inspection reports, daily activity reports, correction notices, and correspondence.
• Shares relevant information with Section staff regarding projects, safety matters, code updates, and Airport policies through daily communication and regular meetings.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Education: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D. or High School Proficiency Examination)

 

AND

 

• Experience: Four (4) years experience as a journeyman in construction or inspection of industrial or commercial systems of heating or ventilating, one (1) year of which must have been as a foreman or supervisor

Notes:

1. Upon appointment to employment, and then on annual basis, employees may be required to pass a State mandated Respirator Medical Examination and be clean shaven for respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus fittings.

2. Possession of an International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) Commercial Mechanical Inspector Certification, or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) California Mechanical Code Inspector certification, is required within twelve (12) months from the date of appointment.

3. Employees must also pass CPR training annually and First Aid training every three (3) years.

 

One-year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Note: Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Desirable Qualifications: 

The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

• Experience working on high-rise buildings with smoke control HVAC systems
• Experience reviewing mechanical plans for code compliance 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel & Visio)
• Experience using Bluebeam for reviewing and marking up drawings

 

Verification of Education and Experience:

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. 

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. 

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. 

 

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Selection Procedures: 

After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Oral/ Performance Examination (Weight: 100%)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral/ performance examination designed to measure their relative knowledge, ability and skill levels in job related areas.  Written, assessment type, or other performance-based exercises may be utilized.

A passing score must be achieved on the Oral/Performance Examination in order to continue in the selection process and be placed/ranked on the Eligible List Score Report. 

NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance:

Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening.  Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination.  Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

 

Customs Clearance: This position requires that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be six (6) months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.

Certification: The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of the List. The hiring department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures prior to making final hiring decisions.

 

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 111A.35.1. The standard for the review of such appeals is ‘abuse of discretion’ or ‘no rational basis’ for establishing the position description, the minimum qualifications and/or the certification rule. Appeals must include a written statement of the item(s) being contested and the specific reason(s) why the cited item(s) constitute(s) abuse of discretion by the Human Resources Director. Appeals must be submitted directly to the Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission within five business days of the announcement issuance date.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Where to Apply

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or the application process, please contact Caryn Hom at [email protected].

Recruitment ID: RTF0163105-01156825

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.