Position Purpose

This is skilled work at the journey level in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration and/or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, units, equipment, and peripheral devices throughout Commonwealth University -- Lock Haven Campus.

An employee in this job installs, services, and repairs refrigeration and/or HVAC systems, units, equipment, and peripheral devices. Work includes responding to service calls; locating and diagnosing malfunctions; performing maintenance and repair; responding to emergencies by going onsite and troubleshooting a variety of problems; and disassembling, repairing, adjusting or replacing condensers, thermostats, diffusers, humidistats, pumps, compressors, belts, pulleys and related equipment. Work also includes accessing automated systems via a computer; monitoring temperatures, humidity levels and other data; making adjustments on-line or in person; monitoring adjustments to ensure desired results; and conducting building inspections to ensure adequate heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, and circulation in buildings. Work is carried out under the guidelines of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to refrigeration and/or HVAC operations and maintenance, and established trade practices. Work is performed under the supervision of a maintenance, environmental control, or trades supervisor, and is reviewed through inspections, meetings, reports, and customer satisfaction.

This position is considered an essential personnel position.

Description of Duties

• Install, service and repair various cooling/chilling equipment including the electrical aspect of the above-mentioned equipment in terms of installing new products, materials and the repair and diagnostic work of existing equipment. Trouble shoot, repair, service and maintain all types of refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling tower equipment.

• Repair faulty wiring, detect and repair or replace solenoid and thermostat valves, locate and repair refrigerant and oil leaks, recharge refrigeration systems, replace motors, replace fan belts, replace filter dryers and suction line dryers, and clean and replace air filters.

• Order necessary materials in a timely manner to insure completion of work on schedule. Inform supervisor of work status; work accomplished and work to be done. Inform supervisor of supplies and materials required.

• Inspect refrigeration equipment in various locations; check temperatures, correct oil levels, water temperature and flow, air flow, refrigerant pressures and temperatures, water pressure, refrigerant and oil leaks, and inspect fan belts, blades, and electric motors.

• Install new air conditioning and refrigerant equipment; size, layout, assemble and place into operation; install copper tubing, by cutting, fitting, and soldering.

• Perform necessary electrical work related to air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including wiring, installation of relays, capacitors, high- and low-pressure safety devices, overload switches, time controls, etc.

• Perform unit leak tests on equipment, evacuate systems, place charge, and use test gauge to obtain and record proper pressures.

• Input and maintain computerized records of refrigerant usage and inventory on hand in accordance with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations.

• Load, haul, and unload refrigeration equipment and materials.

• Remove trash and debris and clean areas where work has taken place.

• Perform all work in a responsible manner to ensure the use of only a minimum amount of materials while maintaining high quality of workmanship.

• Perform all work in an orderly manner with a minimum of disruption to university activities assembling all materials and tools necessary prior to starting work.

• Respond to refrigeration and/or HVAC needs in university buildings.

• Observe all safety rules.

• Clean water-cooling towers, tubes of chillers, condensers, evaporative and condensing coils and ice machines in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, using accepted cleaners. Become familiar with industry accepted water chemistry testing procedures.

• Access, monitor, and make adjustments to automated refrigeration and/or HVAC systems via computer or by going on site.

• Install, service and maintain all equipment used in kitchen cooking operations.

• Perform on-going and preventive maintenance, prepares reports of activities.

• Attend meetings and instructional sessions when requested or scheduled.

Decision Making

N/A

Fiscal Responsibility

N/A

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Minimum Requirements Profile

Two years of experience in the maintenance, repair or installation of HVAC or refrigeration systems, units and equipment,

OR

Completion of a three-year Vo-Tech training program in refrigeration, HVAC, or building automation and six months experience in the maintenance, repair or installation of HVAC or refrigeration systems, related digitally controlled equipment, or BA systems,

OR

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of experience in the maintenance, repair, or installation of HVAC or refrigeration equipment.  

• Incumbent of this position must be certified with the Environmental Protection Agency in the handling and recovery of all refrigerants within 6 months of hire. This is an EPA requirement.

• PA Class C driver's license is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All employees must obtain an active Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certificate from an approved provider within six months of employment in this job.

• Employee must be physically able to wear a full-face respirator for certain duties. The determination of ability to meet this requirement is made by an approved occupational physician.

Preferred Qualifications Applicant Rating Criteria Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of refrigeration and electrical operations, installation, testing, maintenance and repair, as well as knowledge of all applicable codes.

• Knowledge of standard tools, materials, methods, and test equipment used in refrigeration and electrical trades.

• Knowledge of the methods used to identify and correct refrigeration and HVAC systems malfunctions.

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the refrigeration and electrical trades.

• Ability to interpret electrical, refrigeration and HVAC system blueprints and diagrams.

• Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment essential to the refrigeration and electrical trades.

• Knowledge of pneumatic and DDC controls.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

• Knowledge of federal regulations applicable to refrigeration and HVAC systems.

• Knowledge of refrigerant transition and recov