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HVAC Technician IV

Employer
Arlington Public Schools
Location
Arlington, VA, US
Salary
Competitive

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JOB STATUS: UNTIL FILLED
POSTING DATE: 09/01/2022
POSTING NUMBER: M22/23-074.81.1
LOCATION: Maintenance Department
POSITION TITLE: HVAC Technician IV

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Arlington Public Schools (APS) requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen (i.e. Pfizer, Moderna, and/or Johnson and Johnson). As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

Human Resources announces a vacancy for Maintenance Mechanic (Preventative | HVAC Trade). Full-time, 12-months, Grade M-17 position located at Facilities and Operations with the Maintenance Office. NOTE: regarding work schedule/shift assignment: The work schedule and shift are subject to change, depending upon the needs of APS. applicant hired for a position in this class is hired for the position, not the work schedule or shift assignment. Once hired, an employee may be reassigned to another schedule or shift at the discretion of APS.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Trains/Leads lower grade personnel in HVAC-R work, and serves as advanced level mechanic. Installs, operates/adjusts, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs/replaces and modifies the full range of APS heating, ventilation, air conditioning and (industrial-commercial) refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment and systems. (Industrial-Commercial refrigeration equipment includes but is not limited to large capacity freezers, such as 60-tons, walk-ins and reach-ins.)

Leads by example to help increase productivity, enhance teamwork and improve team effectiveness and efficiency. Ensures customer service-oriented responsiveness of the crew led. Troubleshoots equipment and complete HVAC-R systems. Uses specialized software to operate/adjust equipment/systems and diagnose problems. Interprets diagrams, prepares schematics, etc. - commercial-industrial and residential. Installs, operates/adjusts, maintains troubleshoots, repairs/replaces or modifies air handlers, including variable frequency drives (VFDs), testing and calibrating for peak performance (sensors and controls), boilers, cooling towers and chillers. Operates, troubleshoots and adjusts/calibrates pneumatic controls. Diagnoses trouble with, and reprograms, Energy Management System (EMS) controls. Applies the theories, principles, requirements and standards of the trade and uses the full range of tools of the trade. Makes recommendations concerning more efficient preventive and predictive maintenance and application of advances in technology, including "green technology'. Performs related functions.

SUPERVISION

Reports to the HVAC-R Maintenance Supervisor or the HVAC-R Maintenance Assistant Supervisor in Supervisors' absence. Work comes to the incumbent through established flows and by specific assignment (including training assignment discussions, work orders, trouble calls and established maintenance schedules), typically including priorities, objectives, resources, timelines, known or anticipated problems, specific instructions and other considerations/parameters. The incumbent plans, lays out and completes all work independently using advanced mechanical knowledge and skills. Typically seeks assistance only on very complex or very unusual problems. Makes decisions and recommendations within the scope of one's authority, keeps the supervisor informed and brings matters not covered by established procedures or other guidelines forward for guidance or resolution. Work is subject to review in process, upon completion and in other ways (such as inspection of records kept of work leadership/training given to others, performance of HVAC-R equipment/systems after repair, number and nature of call backs, and comments by customers) in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness, customer service, adherence to requirements and other factors. The incumbent has employee leadership (not full supervisory) responsibilities, such as breaking projects or large assignments into sub-sets for accomplishment by employees led and training of employees on-the-job. The incumbent has no student supervisory responsibilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a multi-position class in the Department of Facilities and Operations (Maintenance Services) that leads/trains others in, and personally performs, the full range of HVAC-R Mechanic work - a combination of leader work and task work at the advanced level.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include but are not limited to (a) key parts of Federal, State and County regulations, such as US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for handling HVAC-R materials, US/Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA/VOSHA) guidelines for working safely, and State/Arlington County building codes pertaining to HVAC-R equipment installation and other code-related work; (b) basics of advances in HVAC-R equipment and materials and "green technology' as may apply to APS; (c) technical principles/theories, industry guidelines/standards and accepted trade practices concerning HVAC-R work of all types (boilers-chillers-freezers-etc.); (d) manufacturer specifications and technical manuals for equipment installation, operation-maintenance and repair covering a wide range of equipment/systems (industrial-commercial-residential in nature/size); (e) preventive maintenance schedules applying to APS equipment and systems; (f) traffic laws, basic motor vehicle operation regulations and the rules of the road; (g) critical elements of Arlington School Board Policies and policy implementation procedures (PIPs), such as PIP 50-3.4 (Employee Safety); (h) key elements of pertinent APS line systems and operations, such as school facility operations, and support systems, such as procurement and supply; (i) key elements of Department of Facilities and Operations office and program procedures, such as the work order system and SOPs; and (j) general references, such as maps and dictionaries. The incumbent uses judgment, selecting and applying the appropriate guide, in leading others in day-to-day accomplishment of task work, in performing the work of the trade, in recommending improvements in preventive and predictive maintenance and in practical use of advances in technology (including "green technology'), in representing the HVAC-R team to customers (such as principals and building managers of the schools served), and in performing related functions..

CONTACTS

Contacts include but are not limited to co-workers in Maintenance Services as well as managers and employees in other elements of APS (including but not limited to principals, building managers, instructional staff and other school staff), manufacturers/vendors/suppliers, contractors, and other parties/persons. There is occasional or incidental contact with Arlington County personnel concerning code-related work. The purposes of contacts include but are not limited to leading and training lower grade HVAC-R Mechanics and performing routine and non-routine HVAC-R work at the advanced level.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed.)

Performs the following leader work:

On a regularly recurring basis, leads personnel in HVAC-R task work while supporting their acquisition, or enhancement, of technical knowledge and skill on-the-job (OJT). Provides "targeted' OJT and "opportunity' OJT. Leads personnel, as assigned, in trainee/developmental level HVAC work to advanced level HVAC-R work, from routine and non-routine maintenance, diagnostics and emergency repairs of commonplace HVAC equipment and systems to journey, or higher, level diagnostics and modifications of rare or complex HVAC-R equipment and systems of APS. (Some equipment in use at APS may be rare in most workplaces and some systems in use at APS may be uniquely configured for APS.)

As a work leader, helps ensure safety of the work area and ensures that others, especially but not limited to those in one's charge for the period of assignment, work safely.

Confers with the supervisor to learn nature of work assignments and training needs, and to advise or consult on crew assignments, equipment to be used, and materials to be obtained or purchased. As assigned, supports the supervisor in assessing knowledge/skills of lower grade HVAC-R Mechanics and in identifying OJT and classroom training responses for knowledge/skill building purposes. (The range of knowledge/skill building OJT led and classroom training provided may include introduction/acquisition, refresher/remedial, and advanced/superior, and typically varies based on progress in individual learning, introduction of new equipment/systems, advances in technology, including "green technology', and other factors.)

Gives written or oral instructions, demonstrates techniques, and otherwise trains and coaches - some training/coaching may be accomplished by radio or phone; provides special instructions; and performs related training-communication-information functions, all as deemed necessary, or as required, to accomplish task work or to facilitate learning.

Prepares or collects and maintains or forwards associated documentation, such as attendance sheets and training logs. As assigned, completes formal SOJT (supervised OJT) job books to track specific items of individual learning and task work accomplishments in knowledge/skill building-oriented assignments and in daily, or as-required, tasks as they arise (which may facilitate learning, but are not inherently designed for learning).

Performs related leader work.

Performs the following task work:

Prepares for assignments by reviewing work orders and maintenance schedules, conferring with the supervisor, etc. Uses computerized system to order materials and equipment, and maintains stock and tools on service truck. Requisitions parts and materials from vendors and supply houses in accordance with procedures.

Maintains and troubleshoots reciprocating and centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, boiler plants, gas piping, hot water, chilled water and steam piping, direct expansion systems, fans, starters, HVAC pneumatic and electric controls, electrostatic filters, condensate drains, domestic refrigerators, walk-in coolers and freezers, fountain equipment and ice makers; installs new motors, pumps, compressors and other parts, as necessary; makes initial settings and final adjustments of refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems, and modifies existing installations to obtain required results; and performs related tasks, such as: rebuilds hot and chilled water valves by grinding seats and calibrating to manufacturer's specifications, replaces or repairs timers, electrical switches, solenoids and electrical controls, replaces seals on pumps and adjusts to close tolerances for water-tight fits, takes readings, lubricates parts, tightens/replaces belts, replaces air filters, resets controls on electronic filters, lubricates parts, cleans coils, cuts, threads and replaces or reroutes piping, and installs ductwork and diffusers.

As assigned, facilitates work of County building inspectors and Fire Department inspectors on periodic inspections, such as annual dismantling of components of boilers.

May dig up and replace steam and hot water lines.

As assigned, inspects routine maintenance work performed by lower grade personnel and special program personnel, such as summer student workers and community service workers. Provides on-the-spot corrections and training, as necessary.

Recovers refrigerant from all types of equipment; repairs refrigerant leaks, as needed, and recharges units.

Maintains various ventilation systems, such as roof heated make-up air unit, paint booths, heaters, kitchen and shop ventilation, and restrooms and building exhausts.

Troubleshoots VFDs on water pumps and air-handling units; repairs water pumps, seals, bearings, and couplings; and starts, stops, adjusts, and modifies equipment parameters from the central computer that controls the mechanical equipment.

Monitors performance of equipment/systems. Adjusts controls manually or via energy management computer to keep buildings, offices, and classrooms at preset comfort ranges for heating and cooling.

Keeps records and makes reports of work accomplished (such as completion of work orders) and materials used (such as filters, lubricants, refrigerants, special chemicals and cleaning solvents). Fills out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Interacts with the school principal, the building manager and others in a customer service- oriented manner, proactively (initiates contact) as well as reactively (responds to customer service calls/work orders). Investigates heating and cooling complaints (from system failure to personal thermal discomfort). Assesses HVAC system performance. As appropriate, calculates heat loads using specialized software and considering nature, occupancy and use of facility and other factors; conducts duct leakage assessments (by pressurizing a duct system to a known pressure and measuring the rate at which the pressure reduces); and tests and balances system to supply each conditioned zone with the precise amount of supply air required to offset a given heat gain (or loss). If occupant thermal discomfort exists in a building with a properly sized and balanced HVAC system, may fine tune adjustments to supply registers to satisfy all occupants. Coordinates with in-house or contractor support, in accordance with procedures.

May conduct a heat gain/loss analysis (to quantify the amount of heat entering/exiting a building) to properly size HVAC equipment for a building in helping to support development of specifications for a new system.

Stays abreast of technological advances and other developments affecting APS HVAC-R equipment and systems, including but not limited to advances in materials, controls or "green technology' that may be applied to APS without undue cost, signs that equipment needs replacement before the end of its predicted useful life, and indications that deferred maintenance is adversely impacting system utility/performance. Notes impact and brings information forward to the supervisor, with or without recommendations.

As opportunities arise in the course of daily work, recommends (based on observations and research) improvements in preventive and predictive maintenance and in practical use of advances in technology (including "green technology').

Uses and maintains (at the operator level of maintenance) hand and power tools, including volt, ohm and amperage meters, temperature and humidity test equipment, manifold gauges, air flow, air pressure and carbon dioxide meters, multi-meters, wrenches, screw drivers, hammers, metal cutters, calipers, saws, punches, grinders, blasters, pipe threaders, computers, testing kits, and the torch for cutting, brazing and soldering.

Drives a vehicle to and from work locations, performs operator maintenance on vehicle and keeps it in orderly condition.

Maintains radio/phone contact with supervisor/base and customers, keeping them informed.

Uses a computer, radio and telecommunications devices for various operational functions - planning, scheduling, communicating, (light) word processing, researching (Internet), etc. Uses specialized software to calculate heat loss and gain, track HVAC-R performance, troubleshoot problems, etc.

Handles refrigerants and hazardous materials (such as fuel and chemicals) in accordance with regulations and other requirements. Works according to County building/Fire codes. Works safely in accordance with safety procedures.

Sets up and cleans up work-site. Performs "shop keeping' tasks common to the trade, and as assigned.

Performs HVAC-R work at multiple sites, as assigned, and performs duties directly related to multi-site service, as required or assigned.

May act as, or for, the Assistant Supervisor, as assigned, in his/her absence.

May check the maintenance work of lower grade personnel and special program employees, such as summer student workers and community service workers.

Performs related duties, as assigned.

EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of, and skill in, leading people in accomplishment of HVAC-R equipment and system installation, operation/adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair/replacement and modification; or ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge/skill. This includes knowledge of/skill in (very) small crew work leadership (not full first-level supervision), such as skill in breaking large assignments into sub-sets for accomplishment, and learning, by the others, skill in personally training and coaching others on-the-job in technical matters and techniques, and skill in assessing knowledge/skills of persons led.

Advanced knowledge of, and skill in, HVAC-R equipment and system installation, operation/adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair/replacement and modification. This includes knowledge of the theories, principles, requirements and standards of the trade; knowledge of the operating characteristics of a wide range of commercial-industrial and residential systems/equipment (such as high temperature hot water heating systems, industrial-commercial chillers and commercial walk-in freezers); knowledge of basics of advances in HVAC-R equipment and materials and "green technology' as may apply to APS (to recommend practical applications to APS systems as opportunities arise); skill in using hand and power tools of the trade in routine and non-routine work; skill in using and reprogramming energy management system (EMS) controls; and ability to rapidly acquire technical knowledge of new equipment and systems as they come on line and off warranty.

Knowledge of safety rules and procedures, and ability to work safely and to lead others in working safely.

Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, baseline aspects of key Federal, State and County regulations, such as EPA regulations governing use/recapture of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other compounds; of Arlington School Board Policies (SBPs), and APS Policy Implementation Procedures (PIPs), such as PIP 50-3.4 (Employee Safety); of pertinent policies, procedures, programs and other guidance of the Department of Facilities and Operations (such as SOPs and detailed safety bulletins) and other units/echelons of APS (such as supply and procurement procedures), and of other guidelines as they pertain to daily work of HVAC-R Mechanics, workers in related trades and helpers, including specifications of HVAC-R equipment manufacturers, HVAC-R industry standards, generally accepted trade practices, and basic motor vehicle operation regulations and the rules of the road; altogether, in sufficient breadth and depth to ensure that the advanced level work led/performed meets requirements and standards.

Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, locations of schools and other APS facilities, and willingness, to work at and support multiple sites efficiently.

Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced recommendations and decisions. Examples include breaking large assignments into sub-sets to facilitate work accomplishment and learning by others; coaching individuals in technical matters and techniques; assessing HVAC system performance by calculating heat loads using specialized software and considering nature, occupancy and use of facility and other factors, conducting duct leakage assessments (by pressurizing a duct system to a known pressure and measuring the rate at which the pressure reduces), and testing and balancing a system to supply each conditioned zone with the precise amount of supply air required to offset a given heat gain (or loss); reprogramming EMS controls; maintaining and troubleshooting reciprocating and centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, boiler plants, gas piping, hot water, chilled water and steam piping, direct expansion systems, fans and starters; and troubleshooting VFDs on water pumps and air-handling units.
Skill in written communication to understand written information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information in writing so that others will understand. Examples include reading technical-operational materials (such as technical manuals, maintenance schedules and work orders) and administrative-programmatic materials (such as school news and supply procedures), and writing about similar types of matters, such as closing out work orders, making job book entries, completing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and briefly commenting on equipment or material needs.

Skill in oral communication to understand verbal information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information verbally to diverse audiences so they will understand. This includes skill in giving clear, complete and concise instructions to persons led, conducting OJT by using various verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to facilitate understanding and learning; and the ability to listen "actively' and encourage effective oral communication by others, such as persons led and customers.

Interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a businesslike, customer service-oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in harmony with supervisors, co-workers and others.

Skill in using a computer, modern office suite software (such as MS Office), specialized software (such as supply and procurement modules of Oracle used by APS), and radio and telecommunication devices to plan, schedule, communicate, word process (light word processing only), research (Internet use as in searching for technical specifications and keeping up with technology), etc. This includes basic skill in using specialized energy management software and HVAC-R system planning-operation-diagnostics software for straightforward operational purposes, such as system fine-tuning, information look-ups, heat load/loss calculations and data entry, as well as reprogramming of controls.

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1a. A high school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED); or

1b. An equivalent combination of education, experience and training, and

2. Knowledge of the theories, principles, requirements and standards of the trade, and of basics in advances in technology, including "green technology', applying to the trade, and

3a. A Masters License in HVAC, plus knowledge and skill in the trade covering industrial-commercial and residential HVAC-R systems (including diagnosis and programming of EMS controls), or

3b. Knowledge of, and skill in, routine and non-routine installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of complete HVAC-R systems, plus modification of HVAC-R systems (where Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration include industrial-commercial, as well as residential, systems), and in diagnosing and programming EMS controls, are required. [Normally knowledge and skill, absent a Masters License in HVAC, will be demonstrated by progressively responsible experience in industrial-commercial HVAC-R in addition to progressively responsible experience in residential HVAC-R systems, including two years as a journey level HVAC Mechanic or one year of progressively responsible HVAC-R experience as a senior level (i.e., above journey level) HVAC-R Mechanic, which includes commercial-industrial refrigeration.]

4. Demonstrated ability to lead journey level and advanced (senior) level HVAC-R Mechanics in both (a) technical matters and techniques and (b) customer service-oriented responsiveness, is also required.

Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds is desired.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

CFC-Universal certification is required .

A State driver's license is required .

A Masters License in HVAC is desired .

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work involves moderate (predominant) to heavy physical effort, which typically includes walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching and otherwise positioning self to view, access and work on equipment. Uses stairs, steps, ladders, extension ladders, scaffolding and lifts. Regularly lifts, pushes, pulls or otherwise moves items weighing up to 50 pounds on own, such as shafts, cooling tower fan blades and other parts. Typically obtains assistance or uses mechanical advantage to move items weighing up to 100 pounds or more. Typically identifies potential problems and immediate effectiveness of repairs by visible/audible/other indicators, such as data from displays and readouts from dials, gauges and monitors, color of electrical wire, shade of boiler feed water testing materials, excess heat caused by overheating motors, excessive vibration, and odors given off by leaks. Uses schematics and manuals containing small print and notations. Exchanges information by phone and two-way radio. In driving, uses judgment in consideration of traffic, weather and other factors.

HAZARDS/UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Works inside and outside, at times with exposure to extreme heat and extreme cold (manmade and naturally occurring), rain and snow. At times, is subject to high decibel noise from boilers, chillers, compressors, generators, etc. Work surfaces are often dirty or greasy. Works with sharp objects and is subject to potential cuts. Is subject to possible electrical shock from energized equipment, burns from caustic chemicals or hot piping, potential falls from slippery surfaces or heights, potential injury from blown gaskets from high pressure lines, and other types of injuries that are linked to the trade. Takes care, follows established safety procedures and wears eye protection, hearing protection, insulated and rubber gloves, safety shoes, hard hat and other personal protective equipment (PPE), as appropriate. Risks inherent in driving on public roadways are present; this sometimes includes conditions of rain, snow, ice or fog in heavy traffic. There may be the occasional need to work in confined spaces - appropriate safety equipment and related training is provided as required.

Is subject to job pressure due to emergencies, such as restoration of HVAC-R service during the school day before heat or cold adversely affect school operations/property.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in the School Board Policy G-2.30, that employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.

APPLY TO:

Please follow the directions above.

SALARY: Salary range based on the FY22-23 Pay Plan
DAYS:

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