Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic

About the Position

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic is distinguished from other classifications in the series by responsibility for the full range of service, maintenance and repair on more complex refrigeration and associated HVAC systems and equipment.

The work of an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic requires a comprehensive knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Incumbents in this classification must be thoroughly familiar with all safety codes and regulations related to the installation and operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Positions in this classification require certification from the Environmental Protection Agency in the use and disposal of compressed refrigerants.

• Under general direction, incumbents install, troubleshoot, calibrate, service, repair and maintain refrigeration and HVAC systems, equipment, instruments and controls using electrical, electronic, pneumatic or digitally controlled systems;
• oil, clean, adjust, overhaul, and repair motors, condensers, compressors, oil and vacuum pumps, and similar equipment; perform major overhauls involving disassembly and inspection of all parts, replacement of defective and worn parts, reassembly of equipment instruments and / or controls, and the testing of equipment to ensure proper functioning;
• locate and diagnose malfunctions using a wide variety of test equipment and instruments; analyze the efficiency of campus refrigeration and air conditioning systems and recommend action for improvement;
• respond to service requests; diagnose problems in the distribution of air to individual rooms and buildings and make necessary adjustments;
• use building automation system to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in HVAC and refrigeration systems; maintain inventory and records;

order parts and supplies; and train and provide work direction to skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Responsibilities

Performs at journey level in the installation, repair and operation of campus air conditioning / refrigeration systems, including :

• Repairs complex refrigeration and HVAC Systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of air conditioning and refrigeration systems troubleshooting techniques and understanding
• Thorough understanding of programmable logic
• Diagnose system malfunctions
• Calibrate system instruments and controls
• Analyze systems to maintain proper operation
• Overhaul Systems as necessary
• Repair / adjust sealed systems as necessary
• Replacement of failed components and parts
• Disassembly and inspection of systems
• Perform sealed system leak checks
• Testing of repaired equipment and systems
• Utilize campus BMS & CMMS systems

Performs the additional tasks as required :

• Cleaning of condensers and evaporators
• Replacement of filters
• Replacement of belts
• Order parts and supplies as necessary
• Equipment record keeping
• Maintain inventory
• Maintain specialized test equipment and tools
• Support team projects and work as needed
• Respond to service calls

Training :

• Asbestos O&M
• Lead Training
• Aerial / Scissor Lift Training
• Departmental Meetings
• Confined Space
• Attend mandatory tailgate meetings
• Mandatory CSU / Cal State East Bay trainings
• Staying abreast of new methods and technology

Timekeeping / Reports :

• Order materials using the department MSR form
• Shop Clean-up
• Daily time card submission
• Vacation and overtime forms submission
• Campus refrigerant use / logs

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience :

• Progressively responsible experience in the installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning systems involving modulatory and safety controls, thermostats, humidifiers and duct stats as well as one year of experience in the installation and repair of central multi-zone air conditioning systems.
• Journey-level HVAC Series 4 skills equivalent to that acquired through the completion of a refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic’s apprenticeship program is required.

Knowledge and Abilities :

• Thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of major types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and of the materials, equipment and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of such equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical voltage, plumbing, refrigeration, electrical and plumbing codes, thermodynamics and automated energy / environmental management systems.
• Use judgment and discretion in determining the methods and priorities of work orders
• Perform skilled electrical and plumbing work.
• Diagnose and repair major malfunctions in the complex multi-zone air conditioning systems.
• Devise and control air distribution efficiently with maximum comfort.
• Diagnose and repair the full range of refrigeration equipment including centrifugal and absorber equipment and / or screw, scroll and reciprocating refrigeration equipment.

Special Requirements :

Incumbents typically must possess certification in the use of refrigerants.

Required Qualifications

• Employee must be able to work in high locations on ladders, scaffolds, motorized equipment, etc.
• Employee must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Employee must be able to work in varying climatic conditions, to include inclement weather.
• Employee must be able to wear a respirator.
• Some work on weekends and holidays may be required, and the workweek will be adjusted accordingly.
• May be required to work alone if working conditions dictate.
• Position may be needed during campus emergencies such as power outages, minor and major natural disasters, pandemics, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Employee must be able to work in high locations on ladders, scaffolds, motorized equipment, etc.
• Employee must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Employee must be able to work in varying climatic conditions, to include inclement weather.
• Employee must be able to wear a respirator.
• Some work on weekends and holidays may be required, and the workweek will be adjusted accordingly.
• May be required to work alone if working conditions dictates.
• Position may be needed during campus emergencies such as power outages, minor and major natural disasters, pandemics, etc.

License(s) / Certification(s)

• Journey level skill equivalent to that acquired through completion of an apprenticeship program.
• Employee must successfully complete hazardous materials, lead and asbestos training courses offered by the university.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and will be required to obtain a State of California Defensive Driving Permit.

Condition(s) of Employment

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including LiveScan, as appropriate), that may include, but is not limited to : criminal records check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certificates, credit history, professional references and / or verification of work history is required for employment.

Cal State East Bay will issue a conditional offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and / or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Unsatisfactory results may also affect the continued employment of current Cal State East Bay employees who were conditionally offered the position.

All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate. LiveScan is conducted through the University Police Department.

EEO Statement

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Cal State East Bay does not discriminate on the basis of any protected categories : age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, gender, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran's status.

The University is committed to the principles of diversity in employment and to creating a stimulating learning environment for its diverse student body.