Heavy Refrigeration Mechanic

Position Title: Heavy Refrigeration Mechanic*

Department: Facilities-BldgMnt&Op-HeatCool

College/Admin Office: Facilities, Services and Campus Planning

Union: AFSCME Local 3472

Location: Newark

Schedule: M-F, 7AM - 3:30PM

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Under general supervision, performs skilled work in the inspection, preventive and applied maintenance, adjustment, and repair of components in refrigeration systems above 20-ton capacity.  Employee is required to work on electrical, electronic, and pneumatic equipment, including high voltage. Must comply with proper disposal, recovery, recycling, and documentation of CFC’s and HCHC’s.  Must follow all requirements, and be in compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1991.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Performs operational preventive maintenance and repairs of complete heavy  refrigeration systems.
• Assists in establishing a schedule of preventive maintenance.
• Maintains equipment such as reciprocating, absorption, centrifugal, and screw devices both hermetic and open style units.
• Performs work on such components as strainers, condenser pumps, chill water  pumps, flow measuring devices, valves, cooling towers, and related equipment;
• Installs and maintains new chilled water pumps and strainer.
• Maintains all components of underground chilled water distribution systems in all manholes and buildings.
• Performs replacement and maintenance work of cooling tower fans, shafts, bearings, mechanical seals, motors, nozzles and piping.
• Drains, cleans and winterizes cooling towers, prepares towers for startup in the spring.
• Reads and interprets sketches, diagrams, blueprints, and schematics for large tonnage refrigeration systems; studies drawings, OEM manuals, and wiring diagrams of chilled water control systems.
• Follows safety precautions to prevent harm to self, other persons, and the environment.
• Perform utility stakeouts of underground chilled water systems.
• Issues burning permits(aka hot work permits) for soldering and/or brazing.
• Communicates daily using a two-way radio and/or mobile device in order to update and respond to work-related routine and emergency information.;
• Uses computer to access e-mail, receive work instructions and other administrative information to include electronic payroll forms;..
• Performs related duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/OCCUPLATIONAL EXPOSURES:

• The primary physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in both extreme heat and cold conditions, as well as conditions that are wet/humid, dry and during times when temperatures are below 32°F for more than one-hour periods.
• The employee must lift, tug, pull, and transport, with or without assistance, both small and heavy equipment and material, as necessary. 
• The employee may be required to bend, squat, stretch and stand and/or work in cramped areas for prolonged periods of times while repairing equipment both at floor level, overhead, and/or in confined space areas such as trenches and/or manholes. 
• Environment may frequently include dust and/or airborne particles and occasionally loud noise, electricity/high voltage, chemicals, gases, fumes, and vibration.  For this reason, employee is required to wear designated personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to, ANSI-approved safety eyewear, hardhats, gloves, hearing protection, full face shield, harnesses and/or footwear to prevent exposures to hazardous materials, noise, dust and/or airborne particles. 
• A respirator and/or specialized personal protective equipment may be required to make access to certain confined spaces.  
• Must follow Occupational Health and Safety Open Flame Procedures.
• With or without assistance, must be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects and job-related materials and/or equipment. 
• Ability to accurately discern colors. 
• Required to climb stairs, use 12-ft ladders and 32-ft. aerial lifts, work on rooftops, work from scaffolding and high areas using appropriate harness and tether equipment, and use ramps and aerial lift devices above ground in order to work above floor level and/or in pits.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Ability to work with chilled water equipment rated at 20 tons or greater manufactured by Carrier, Trane, York, Copeland, and/or other major manufacturers. 
• Possess a thorough working knowledge of building Automation Systems and interrelation to the control of large chillers and chilled water systems.
• Possess knowledge to work on electronic controls and understand BAS logic.
• Independent judgment and suggest innovative and cost effective ideas on the maintenance of the total heating and cooling plants and underground utility distribution systems.
• Knowledge in the operations and maintenance methods for complete refrigeration systems and underground distribution systems. 
• Ability to use hand and power tools, perform preventive maintenance according to published guidelines.
• Ability to perform soldering, braising and cutting of steel. 
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. 
• Thorough knowledge of University campus layout. Must be capable of working independently and prioritizing tasks in order to meet the needs of the unit and its customers.

REQUIRED MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Minimum of four (4) years journeyman experience as a refrigeration mechanic on systems rated at 20 tons or greater. 
• A certificate of completion as a Universal technician as required by 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, of the Federal Clean Air Act. 
• Experience in the maintenance and repair of domestic, commercial and industrial refrigeration systems and satisfactory completion of four-year R.S.E.S. (Refrigeration Service Engineer Society) program or equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license in order to drive University of Delaware vehicles to get to and from job sites.