GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The REFRIGERATION MECHANIC builds, installs, maintains, and repairs commercial and domestic refrigeration and heating equipment and air conditioning systems in State institutions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total work performed which may include one or a combination of the duties or tasks listed below.

1. Equipment Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Typical tasks: builds, installs, maintains, and repairs commercial and domestic refrigerators and ovens, mixers, washers, dryers, water heaters, fans, freezers, walk-in freezers, window air conditioning units and other types of large and small heating and ventilating equipment, e.g., charges systems with refrigerant, test coils, valves and connections to assure system is leakproof and properly adjusted; solders or welds refrigeration equipment and related components; performs field maintenance or repair on stationary units and shop repair on portable units; operates and maintains electrical motors and pumps used in temperature control systems; inspects and troubleshoots heating and ventilating systems to insure proper operation of pumps, belts, fans and motors; calibrates thermostats, replacements and control settings. Some positions in this class construct, install, maintain and repair specialized heating and cooling scientific equipment such as centrifuges, growth chambers, light systems, incubators, germinators, water baths (controlled at exact temperature) and lifealizers for different departments within an institution.
2. Equipment and Shop Maintenance. Typical tasks: keeps inventory of equipment and supplies, requisitions equipment and supplies as necessary; performs preventive maintenance and troubleshoots tools and equipment; repairs tools and equipment or refers to repairperson, as appropriate; keeps shop and work areas clean by sweeping, dusting, and mopping as needed.
3. Absorbent Chiller Maintenance and Repair. Typical tasks: shuts down cooling towers in the fall and drains all systems; tears chiller apart; cleans and services chiller tube bundles and condensers (tube bundles must be punched, reamed, brushed and cleaned); checks thickness of each tube and replaces if necessary (60 to 100 tubes per bundle); takes apart and cleans all water strainers (1 to 2 per tower) and repairs or replaces if necessary; flushes each tower with water; climbs inside each tower and cleans; checks centrifical compressors, cleans with uretic acid and repairs if necessary; checks and repairs all other parts of system; fills system with water in the spring; checks all pumps and fans, including tower fans and zone fans; takes oil samples monthly and adds oil when necessary; takes water samples of condensing water and chilled water weekly; adds chemicals as required (algicide and biocide for algae and fungus, chemicals for corrosion, etc.); maintains and repairs system as needed.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class are in regular in-person contact with agency staff, students, patients, inmates, and agency clients to maintain and repair equipment. Employees are in occasional contact by phone with manufacturer representatives to obtain technical information, and with equipment vendors to order parts as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from an administrative superior. Assignments are given by the supervisor in terms of work orders or are initiated by the employee through regular equipment maintenance inspections. Work is reviewed by the supervisor while in progress or upon completion for professional workmanship and timeliness. Employees in this class use equipment manuals, safety manuals, electrical codes, agency policies and procedures, blueprints and sketches in performing their job.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in central and remote locations throughout State government (e.g., general government agencies, human or natural resource agencies, correctional, mental health, or higher education institutions, hospitals, etc.). They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location.

They require the willingness to work in extreme temperatures varying from extreme cold, when working on walk-in freezers, to extreme heat when working on heating systems. They require the willingness to stand and work while bending, crouching, or stooping for extended periods. They require the willingness to work in an environment containing dust, grime, odor, and high levels of noise. They require the willingness to work in above-ground locations such as roofs or towers. They require the willingness to lift heavy equipment such as compressors. They require the willingness to work with and around chemicals and caustic compounds such as refrigerants and acids.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• journey-level refrigeration mechanic experience which shows skill installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration equipment and air conditioning systems; OR
• completion of an approved refrigeration mechanic apprenticeship.