03/28/2002 17580

AIR MONITORING EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the installation, servicing, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electro-mechanical air monitoring equipment in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this class performs a variety of duties involving field servicing and repair, or major bench repairs, or operation of the central station data collection system. Field work is characterized by performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment such as cleaning equipment, replacing filters, replacing chemicals, visually inspecting equipment, replacing defective components, performing calibrations on sensors, and checking status of all equipment; troubleshooting and repairing pumps, circuit boards, sensors, data acquisition unit printed circuit boards, data transmission systems, and circuit breakers; adjusting flows in all sensors; performing multi-point calibration of all sensors; repairing defective units to the component level, such as capacitors, resistors, transistors, and transformers; replacing defective components and performing calibration checks; changing filters, performing routine preventative maintenance, performing and verifying calibrations, and retrieving sampler data records from particulate monitors; and installing and collecting canisters for air toxics analysis. Major bench repair work is characterized by troubleshooting defective equipment, components, and units, and replacing or repairing defective unit or component and recalibrating the equipment to established standards. Central station data collection work is characterized by operation of the central station computer, including video terminal, laser printer, backup tape unit, and modems; entering commands via computer causing remote stations to perform a variety of activities; monitoring status displays and printed reports to ensure proper functioning of equipment; identifying and correcting malfunctions via computer operations after power failures or computer malfunctions; collecting, organizing, and storing computer-generated data; reviewing computer-generated reports and reporting unusual data to engineering personnel, and assisting field personnel with problems requiring computer intervention. While employees are assigned to one of the three areas organizationally, they may perform work in all three areas based on manpower needs. Work may include providing technical guidance and assistance to air quality field staff on air monitoring equipment and programs. Employees are required to operate specially outfitted service vehicles to transport a large inventory of repair parts. Work is assigned on a geographic or program basis and the employee exercises considerable freedom in completing assignments. Work is reviewed by the technical supervisor through oral reports, personal observation, and computer-generated reports for completeness and effectiveness in repairing and servicing equipment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs a variety of duties in the installation, servicing, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electro-mechanical air monitoring equipment.

Performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment such as cleaning the equipment, replacing filters, replacing chemicals, replacing gas cylinders, visually inspecting equipment, replacing defective components, performing external calibrations on sensors, and checking status of all the equipment.

Troubleshoots and repairs pumps, circuit boards, air monitoring analyzers, datalogger printed circuit boards, data transmission systems, automatic power systems, burglar alarm systems, and circuit breakers.

Adjusts flows in all sensors; performs multi-point calibration on all sensors.

Repairs defective units to the component level such as capacitors, resistors, transistors, transformers, and integrated circuits.

Replaces defective units and performs manual calibrations using internal calibration checks.

Troubleshoots defective equipment to the component level, and repairs or replaces defective components; recalibrates equipment to established standards.

Installs empty evacuated canisters, sets timer and collects canisters after completion of sampling for air toxics measurements.

Operates the central station hardware, including video terminal, laser printer, modems and backup data devices including tape and CD-ROM.

Enters commands via computer terminals causing remote stations to perform a variety of activities.

Monitors printed status and data reports to ensure proper functioning of equipment.

Identifies and corrects equipment malfunctions via computer commands.

Initializes computer operations after power failures or computer malfunctions following established procedures.

Reviews automated daily and bi-weekly sensor calibrations for all the remote stations.

Collects, organizes, and stores computer-generated data; reviews computer-generated reports and reports unusual data to engineering personnel.

Assists field personnel with problems requiring computer intervention.

Provides technical guidance and assistance to air quality field staff by answering questions on appropriate methods and techniques and demonstrating on actual work assignments the servicing, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electronic air monitoring equipment.

Maintains an assigned vehicle with a variety of parts, units, and components; orders parts, units, and components from central depot and maintains records on parts, units, and equipment assigned.

Prepares letters, reports, memorandums, and correspondence to exchange information with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.

Operates a motor vehicle to travel to various work sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operation and repair of mechanical, electrical, and electronic air monitoring equipment and data acquisition equipment.

Knowledge of the basic properties of nitrogen and calibration gases.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in installing, servicing, repairing, and maintaining electronic sensors measuring carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in installing, servicing, repairing, and maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment measuring wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, and solar radiation.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in troubleshooting malfunctions in electronic air monitoring equipment.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized repairing defective electronic, electrical, and mechanical air monitoring equipment.

Knowledge of Federal and Departmental calibration standards.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in operating personal computers and associated hardware.

Knowledge of the standard tools of the electronic and electrical trade.

Knowledge of the safety precautions required while working with gases and electricity.

Knowledge of the Commonwealth's and Department's rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing travel, lodging, expense vouchers, and reporting requirements.

Skill in the use and operation of standard electronic and electrical test equipment.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations common to the electrical trade.

Ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, flow charts, and diagrams while installing, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical and electro-mechanical air monitoring equipment.

Ability to read and understand computer printouts to determine equipment status and malfunctions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co- workers and supervisors.

Ability to drive to the various work sites.

Eyesight and color perception to permit use of test equipment, determine when chemicals need changed, and follow wiring schematics.

Sufficient physical strength and stamina to permit lifting and carrying heavy equipment and gas cylinders, working in adverse weather conditions, and climbing towers to repair or replace equipment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: An associate's degree in electronics, electrical engineering technology or a closely related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and/or training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.