PAY RANGE: 48
PRISON HVAC MECHANIC
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is skilled mechanical work in the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or refrigeration systems and components. Work differs from that of the generic trades class in that employees are responsible for the custody of a small group of inmates in the Citys Prison Department and for instructing the inmates in the elements of the trade. Employees are also responsible for performing basic correctional functions as required. An employee in this class performs a variety of tasks associated with the maintenance of facility climate control systems. Employees service air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and heating systems and related primary and peripheral utility components. Work involves exposure to disagreeable environmental conditions and moderate physical effort. Employees report to a higher-level maintenance superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
· The position must be responsible for skilled mechanical maintenance and repair work for HVAC equipment and system components.
· Position must be responsible for the custody of a group of inmates and for instructing the inmates in various aspects of the trade.
· Work must be performed in the Philadelphia Prison System.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
· Maintains and repairs heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and/or refrigeration systems and components; performs a variety of preventive maintenance on equipment according to a prescribed schedule including, but not limited to, replacing oil, belts, filters, and fans, lubricating mechanical components, cleaning systems and calibrating controls; detects and diagnoses equipment malfunctions and performs corrective repairs; repairs and replaces HVAC instrumentation, including electronic components; removes and replaces wiring; runs conduit and connects power lines to breakers; repairs and replaces piping and valves used in the distribution of steam, water, air and gas; cuts and threads piping; welds, solders and brazes line connections, tubing and various fittings; services domestic hot and cold water systems and components; tests repaired equipment for proper operating performance; monitors and regulates equipment operations as necessary.
· Explains, demonstrates and instructs prison inmates in the methods and practices involved in the trade; assigns work to inmates and inspects and reviews work upon completion to ensure proper performance; points out problems and discrepancies in inmates' work and gives advice where necessary; keeps order and discipline during work; searches inmates for contraband; suppresses disorders; watches for and reports unusual conditions or disturbances.
· Troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates and installs pneumatic and electronic controls, motorized valves, actuators and related equipment; adjusts and replaces sensors, meters, gauges and other instrumentation, including components of computerized systems; repair, and installation of HVAC equipment and components.
· Operates various heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment by monitoring and adjusting valves, switches, electrical, electronic and pneumatic controls and related appurtenances; utilizes computer input commands to adjust automated temperature controls as needed; utilizes laptop computer to assist in diagnosing system problems and controlling operations as it relates to maintenance, repair, and operations of HVAC equipment and components.
· Installs duct-work and makes modifications to existing duct-work to accommodate the installation of new equipment; installs new or replacement air conditioning systems and heat pump systems, including split systems, mini-split systems and packaged units; installs various new equipment including but not limited to: rooftop and wall mounted exhaust fans, circulating pump stations, heat exchangers and air compressors.
· Recovers reclaims and recycles refrigerant; maintains accurate inventory and usage records; works under stringent guidelines to prevent the accidental or intentional release of harmful CFCs and HCFCs, in accordance with EPA regulations.
· Maintains HVAC equipment, primary and peripheral utility components that generate and/or distribute heat, air conditioning, steam, hot and cold water, electricity, gas and compressed air, such as but not limited to air conditioners, boilers, large compressors, pumps, and motors; works on hot water generators and repairs and replaces radiation traps, induction units and related appurtenances; services related facility utility equipment; works on power sources connected to HVAC equipment up to 480 volts.
· Applies air conditioning, refrigeration and heating trade practices in maintaining, repairing and installing all types of cooling and heating systems and related equipment and appurtenances such as, but not limited to, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, ice machines, condensers, and large boilers, pumps, motors, air handlers, chillers, steam generators, and compressors; performs corrective and preventive maintenance on ventilation systems and related components.
· Participates in maintenance/skills training programs.
· Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, installation and operation of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation systems and their related equipment and components such as compressors, pumps, boilers, air conditioners, freezers, ice machines, motors, chillers, air handlers and condensers, and pneumatic controls,
· the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance, repair and operation of HVAC primary and peripheral utility components, such as air conditioning components, boilers, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers and motors,
· the hazards and safety precautions involved in the operations, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment,
· the principles and theory of electricity and the methods, materials and tools used in maintaining, repairing and installing electrical components of HVAC refrigeration equipment,
· the principles of the distribution and control of air, water and steam,
· the principles and practices of welding, brazing and soldering,
· the principles and practices of the thermal dynamics of the refrigerant cycle,
· applied chemical water treatment procedures necessary to maintain non-corrosive systems.
SKILL IN:
· diagnosing, locating, adjusting and repairing equipment malfunctions in the designated skill specialty,
· the use and care of tools and equipment employed in the maintenance, repair and operation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.
ABILITY TO:
· work in a prison environment,
· oversee the activities of prison inmates,
· maintain security and safety in the shop,
· understand and follow oral and written instructions,
· read and interpret simple schematics and diagrams,
· read and interpret meter indications of amperage, voltage, pressure, rate of flow, temperature and other qualities,
· learn the use and operation of personal computers to perform HVAC system diagnosis and operations,
· erect and work from ladders and scaffolding.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards, which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 8/08.)
EDUCATION:
· Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE
· Four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation systems and related HVAC primary and peripheral utility equipment as a helper or apprentice.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
NOTE:
Training in a post high school approved HVAC or Refrigeration/AC trade school curriculum for a minimum of six months up to a maximum of one year can be equated on a month-by-month basis for the experience requirement.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
· Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
· Possession of a grade "A" Steam Boiler, Stationary and Refrigeration Engineer license or a grade "B" Refrigeration Engineer license issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections if required by work assignment.
· Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Prison HVAC Mechanic, if required by work assignment.
· Possession of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Universal Technician Certificate for the proper handling of CFCs if required by work assignment. Employees are required to obtain any license or certification by federal, state, or municipal mandate if required by work assignment.
Class Established:
CSC 7/06
Ad. Board 11/06
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC 7/08
Ad. Board 8/08
Change in Pay Rate:
CSC 7/23
Ad. Board 8/23
MAR