HVAC TECHNICIAN

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs skilled work in the installation, servicing, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems; operates and maintains a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment; and maintains pneumatic and digitally controlled building automation systems.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Inspects, tests, calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, maintains and services all types of heating, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems; ensures proper functioning; repairs leaks and malfunctioning dampers in systems.
• Installs, replaces, repairs and adjusts valves, thermostats, fans, pressure and air regulators, filters, belts, condensers, fuses, controls, gauges, air compressors, blowers, dryers and pumps; tests joints and insulates pipes of refrigeration and air conditioning systems; cleans, lubricates and adjusts systems as required.
• Performs major overhauls of equipment involving disassembly and inspection of all parts, replacement of defective or worn parts, reassembly of equipment, instruments and/or controls, and testing of equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Tests water used in air conditioning systems for proper levels of chemical treatment; maintains appropriate levels to maximize corrosion protection in cooling towers and water supply.
• Operates a variety of hand tools, power equipment and testing instruments to locate and diagnose malfunctions including electrical, air, water, and natural gas testing equipment, thermometers, voltmeters, ohmmeters, and pressure and vacuum gauges.
• Diagnoses problems in the distribution of air to individual rooms and buildings; makes necessary adjustments to improve ventilation and circulation.
• Analyzes the efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning systems; recommends modifications to
  heat and water cooling loads, and systems, compressor, evaporator and condensing unit capacities.
• Modifies and adjusts computer-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems including timed operation, demand control, duty cycling, boiler and chiller profile operation, maintenance time and efficiency scheduling and safety alarms.
• Properly recovers, recycles and reclaims heating, ventilation and air conditioning refrigerants; ensures adherence to established safety and environmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains inventory and records of parts and equipment used in the maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; locates and acquires parts as necessary.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, practices, equipment and tools used in the repair and maintenance of air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems.
• Methods and techniques of troubleshooting and diagnosing HVAC malfunctions.
• HVAC system design, equipment capabilities and requirements.
• Electronic, pneumatic and mechanical principles as applied to the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• Proper methods, materials, tools, terminology and equipment used in the HVAC trades.
• Methods and techniques of preparing and interpreting drawings, diagrams, schematics and blueprints.
• Time, material, and labor cost estimating principles and practices used in maintenance and repair projects.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform preventive HVAC maintenance work.
• Maintain, install and repair complex HVAC systems, equipment and components.
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment used in HVAC maintenance and repair work.
• Operate computer based energy management systems to interface with main building automation systems.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, blueprints and sketches.
• Order and maintain parts and supplies according to established guidelines and repair requirements.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and repair of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems or a related field.

Experience: Four years of responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license. Designated positions may require a Class "A" or Class "B" unrestricted commercial driver’s license within six months of employment with the City. A Commercial driver's license with a tank endorsement may be required of some positions. Possession of an appropriate, valid EPA Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights on scaffolding and ladders; exposure to electrical energy. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weights; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: January 2007
Johnson & Associates