JOB TITLE: HVAC REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE: 97730

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The HVAC Refrigeration series describes work in the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems, units, equipment, and peripherals.

DEFINITION: This is technical and skilled work in the mechanical and electrical installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and refrigeration systems, units, equipment, and peripheral devices.

An employee in this job identifies and troubleshoots complex equipment malfunctions which require analyzing equipment issues, performing diagnostics, disassembling and reassembling equipment, repairing and replacing parts and controls, and testing to ensure proper functioning. Work includes installing, repairing, balancing, and maintaining diverse systems and units performing a variety of heating and air conditioning functions that may be powered by natural gas, electricity, or oil; regular interaction with the building automation (BA) system and technicians to monitor equipment, troubleshoot issues, and test repairs; and interfacing and problem solving with other trades persons and workers on various projects. Work is performed independently and reviewed upon completion by a supervisor for quality and timeliness.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job based on the complexity of the HVAC and refrigeration equipment installed, repaired, balanced, disassembled and reassembled to include pumps, impellors, compressors, chillers, and evaporators and the servicing of systems supporting entire commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential spaces.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Performs complex repairs such as refurbishing compressors to include, installing and fitting connecting rods, crank shafts, piston rings, bearings, and bushings; overhauling valves by adjusting or replacing gaskets, springs, floats, diaphragms, valve fittings, seals, and couplings; and aligning motors and flywheel drives.

• Constructs, assembles, and installs HVAC and refrigeration equipment and units working from blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and other plans and specifications.

• Assesses and determines the location of faulty equipment and the kind and type of supplies and work needed to repair and balance systems.

• Diagnoses and troubleshoots mechanical issues and optimizes energy usage in the HVAC systems by working with BA system technicians to review the BA system sequence of operations, features, trends, and settings.

• Assesses the probability of malfunctions and leaks by evaluating BA system alerts and trend information, applying prescribed testing procedures, reviewing preventative maintenance history, and by visual and audible examination of the equipment.

• Dismounts, removes, overhauls, cleans, and reinstalls pumps including disconnecting and reconnecting piping and electrical wiring as needed.

• Installs, services, repairs, and balances air handling equipment for single and multiple zone units to include lubricating components; cleaning filters and coils; changing belts, bearings, fan blades, and squirrel cages; and installing and adjusting pulleys, sheaves, and bushings.

• Inspects, maintains, repairs, and installs heating and chilled water supply and return lines; checks temperatures in condensate lines and traps; repairs or replaces traps as required using temperature sensing and ultrasonic equipment; and cleans, repairs, or replaces strainers, valves, operators, and other fittings.

• Inspects condensate stations to ensure proper operation of heating systems; repairs, adjusts, or replaces controls, meters, and condensate tanks.

• Services, maintains, repairs, and replaces controls and sensing devices which are necessary for the proper operation of HVAC systems and auxiliary components.

• Measures, cuts, insulates, installs, and seals ductwork according to requirements.

• Conducts testing on water treatment systems, including sampling and documenting findings of closed and open loop chemical residuals; consults with higher-level worker or supervisor on results; and adds chemicals as directed.

• Performs preventative maintenance on HVAC and refrigeration equipment that involves mechanical equipment supporting sensitive or highly controlled environments such as data centers or laboratories.

• Utilizes amp meters and volt meters to troubleshoot electrical problems with batteries, motor controls, refrigerators, power supplies, controllers, and wiring systems.

• Assigns, demonstrates, and reviews the work of lower-level trades positions, laborers, and trainees on repair tasks for a specific work assignment.

• An employee in this job participates in the performance of other trades’ tasks consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of principles and theories of air conditioning and refrigeration such as the refrigeration cycle, heat transfer laws, and the use of refrigerant tables.

• Knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration parts and components including piping, bearings, valves, fittings, pumps, and fans and their operation in the system.

• Knowledge in the care and use of tools and equipment essential to the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC and refrigeration systems.

• Knowledge of electrical aspects of mechanical equipment, components, and related electronic devices.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to troubleshoot equipment failures using electrical schematics, tools, meters, and test instruments.

• Ability to calculate airflow and pressure-temperature characteristics to locate and repair faulty equipment.

• Ability to read and understand mechanical equipment sequence of operation in BA system.

• Ability to read and interpret HVAC, architectural, plumbing, and electrical system blueprints, schematics, and other engineering drawings.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the HVAC and Building Automation Technician trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of experience in the maintenance, repair, and installation of HVAC and refrigeration systems, units, and equipment including one year working with commercial or industrial HVAC or refrigeration equipment and controls;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes one year working with commercial or industrial HVAC or refrigeration equipment and controls.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees must obtain EPA Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification from an approved provider within 6 months of employment.

•Certain positions require an active motor vehicle license.