Job Description

Distinguishing Characteristics

Service & Repair Mechanics (HVAC-R) are responsible for journey-level work in the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning equipment. This includes overhauling compressors, pumps, and electric motors, replacing parts and controls, and installing new equipment. A facility should have 150 tons of refrigeration equipment counting units of three tons or more, walk-in coolers, and similar commercial type installations before a Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R) is classified for that facility. All positions are in the non-competitive jurisdictional class.

Related Classes

Service & Repair Assistants (HVAC-R) operate and make running repairs to refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment under supervision. This includes inspecting equipment for leaks and electrical or mechanical failures, adjusting controls, cleaning condensers and other parts, lubricating moving parts, and assisting in major repair and installation work.

Plant Utilities Assistants may operate and repair refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment on a shift basis in addition to their heating plant responsibilities.

Trades Specialists (Electrician) may repair electrical motors and wiring for HVAC-R systems or inspect such work performed by a Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R).

Illustrative Tasks

Maintenance and Repair
Inspect, test, diagnose trouble and dismantle malfunctioning systems and components
Overhaul compressors, pumps, and electric motors; replace parts as necessary
Overhaul and replace control devices; calibrate as necessary
Rewire electrical systems as needed
Perform seasonal start-up and shut-down operations
Locate and seal leaks; recharge systems with proper refrigerant
Remove air from lines; clean and lubricate systems
Installation of Equipment
Study blueprints and schematics to identify locations and components
Lay out reference points using measuring tools
Assemble system components as instructed
Mount and connect compressors, condensers, and other parts
Cut, thread, connect or weld tubing
Install control mechanisms and electric wiring
Test for leaks and system pressure
Record and compare temperature and pressure readings
Adjust controls to meet specifications
Supervision and Training
Supervise and train Service & Repair Assistants (HVAC-R), Plant Utilities Assistants, and other trades staff
Assign tasks with oral/written instructions and diagrams
Demonstrate methods and inspect work for quality and accuracy
Perform journey-level duties as required
Transportation
Operate a motor vehicle to transport materials, equipment, and personnel to job sites as needed

Independence of Operation
Work is assigned and reviewed by Plant Utilities Engineers, Trades Supervisors (Electrician), or Maintenance Supervisors. Assignments may include priorities, plans, and diagrams. Work is periodically inspected, but most tasks are performed independently as expected for a journey-level trade.

Communication
Communication is generally limited to internal staff. May occasionally explain work decisions to administrators. Interaction with the general public is not typical.

Supervision Exercised
Regularly supervises Service & Repair Assistants (HVAC-R) and may supervise Trades Specialists (Electrician), Plant Utilities Assistants, and Maintenance Assistants on large HVAC-R projects.

Qualifications

Non-Competitive: Successful completion of a NYS two-year Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R) Traineeship or NYS two-year refrigeration repair and maintenance training program; OR successful completion of any equivalent refrigeration two-year training or apprenticeship program;* OR four (4) years of full-time experience in the mechanical or electrical trades under a skilled journey-level mechanic or electrician which would provide training equivalent to that given in an apprenticeship program, one (1) year of which must include both training and work in the operation and maintenance of commercial type refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment.

Apprenticeship training in the mechanical or electrical trades or training gained by completion of technical courses in the mechanical or electrical trades at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

* Successful completion of the traineeship and the training program includes a total of 288 hours of trade-specific class room instruction, 45 hours of technical math course work, 45 hours of technical communications course work, and 15 hours of blueprint/schematic reading course work.

Course work must be completed with an average of "C" or better.

Additionally, successful completion of the traineeship also includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training.

When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

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