Senior HVAC Technician

Summary: Troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, maintains and installs all types of HVAC equipment. Responsible for the successful operation of the Garden wide energy management system and associated controlled equipment by means of diagnoses and programming efforts. Involved with the selection, purchase, and installation of new equipment and systems and provides instruction and support training to other members of the Maintenance or Security staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs preventive maintenance on all HVAC equipment including, but limited to low pressure boilers up to 300hp, screw chillers, packaged roof top systems, cooling towers, greenhouse equipment, pumps, air compressors, etc.
• Installs new pieces of HVAC equipment or complete systems including associated electrical, controls and piping according to specifications and established safety guidelines.
• Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment and system wide malfunctions/failures, first determining whether the problem lies with a control within the larger energy management system, whether the problem is a specific piece of equipment or any combination of these.
• Makes recommendations for corrective action with emphasis on energy conservation, cost of operation, reliability and safety.
• Creates new programs and screen displays for the Andover energy management system involving system wide HVAC equipment operation as well as campus wide security functions.
• May be required to service and program card access systems controlling doors and vehicle gates and program those systems via the Building Automation System (Andover)
• Installs and troubleshoots Andover hardware which involves system wide equipment.
• Performs repairs on pumps, compressors, and centrifugal equipment.
• Performs electrical and pipefitting repairs to HVAC systems.
• Identifies and initiates immediate corrective actions for any safety violations that may lead to injury of staff or visitors.
• Performs water tests for cooling towers and closed loop systems and then adding chemicals based on test results.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed: informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them.
• Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards.
• Performs backups of all Andover programs and reloads programs as required.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves& communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, at times, position may monitor performance and direct duties of contracted HVAC staff working on site and/or other Garden staff who may be assigned to assist on large projects or events.

Competencies:

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years' HVAC and motor control experience.
• Demonstrated work experience troubleshooting, repairing, and operating a wide variety of HVAC equipment including boilers, chillers, packaged roof top systems, air handlers, freezers and coolers, exhaust fans, restaurant equipment, pumps, and compressors, with emphasis on centralized systems, etc.
• Strong working HVAC knowledge of multiple building complex systems with centralized utilities that may include hot and chilled water and an integrated campus wide energy management system.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code, National Fuel Gas Code and applicable codes as adopted the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of safe work practices related to electricity and general construction. This involves wearing the necessary personal protective equipment; following lock out tag out procedures; and the proper use of hand tools, meters, and lifts. Utilize and operate both standard and power tools.
• Thorough understanding of Compliance guidelines and requirements with OSHA, EPA, and Industrial Safety Standards including Lock Out-Tag Out and Arc Flash.
• Must be able to read electrical drawings and keep accurate records. PLC knowledge and a willingness to remain current and update with changes in industry practices and systems.
• Working knowledge of Andover programming and hardware installation or some other brand of energy management system.
• Ability to install new equipment and systems from plans or under direction of Facility Engineer.
• Ability to make firm decisions and assign various staff assisting to specific maintenance, repairs and/or new installations.
• Must be able to set and/or adjust priorities depending on climatic conditions and specific time constants due to building occupancies and scheduled events.
• Self-starter, achieving high productivity with strong attention to detail; ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner is required.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends, evenings and holidays as needed. Will be required to be on call every third week for after hour calls.
• Ability to read/diagnose/work with plans, specifications and schematics in performing the other duties of this job.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Two-year apprenticeship or Completion of Certificate/Diploma HVAC technical program from an accredited school required.
• H.S. diploma or equivalent required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Familiarity navigating through various PC applications including, but not restricted to Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to use an energy management system and adjust various mechanical system components to provide for maximum comfort of people and the Garden's collections.
• Utilize the internet to search for new products, replacement parts, and repair procedures and obtain manufactures' literature and required(MSDS) material safety data sheets.
• Utilize TMA (or similar maintenance tracking software) for closing out work orders, research and locate equipment history, and maintain electronic records.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.

Mathematical Skills:

• Proficient H.S. Basic math aptitude for ordering materials, calculating electrical/ heating and cooling loads, and geometry for fabrication of new work.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Universal Certification required - ability to obtain and possess prior to employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and clean, insurable driving record (prior to employment).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid chauffeur's license within (2) months of hire date is required.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, walk boards and walkways and work at varying heights, including roofs and to operate a wide variety of personal lift equipment.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including SCBA and/or respirators; fall restraint harness; Arc flash clothing and helmet with face shield when testing electrical circuits or when using welder, torches, or grinders.
• Will be required to work with chemicals including greases, oils, refrigerants, etc.
• Must be able to work around, under, and in large pieces of equipment which may be hot with many moving parts.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.; stand for extended periods of time and work with arms above your head and off ladders at varying heights.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 90% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• Requires clarity of vision 20 inches or less with the ability to bring objects into sharp focus.

Work Environment:

• Work maybe performed in the maintenance shop, on roofs, or outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work in noisy, hot environments and work with water is required.
• Some tasks may be performed in confined spaces and in or around general construction conditions or in finished office space.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding Garden operations.
• Ability to work outdoors all year-round in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Work around energized electrical circuits/equipment with moving parts.

Interacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Members of the Maintenance Department.
• Garden staff when working or answering trouble calls.
• Architects and/or engineers during major renovations and new construction.
• Outside contractors and vendors to obtain supplies and services.

Supervisor (title not person): Facility Engineer