Class Code:  08323

88323

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

HVAC TECHNICIAN

 

DEFINITION

Performs advanced journey level mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, and electronic work in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of air conditioning, ventilation, heating, boilers, refrigeration, and building automated systems.  Performs this same type of work on ancillary equipment and systems.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Installs, maintains, operates and repairs a wide variety of heating/distribution systems (e.g., gas central heat forced air ducted, gas fired radiant tube heat, electric powered radiant panel heat, hydronic radiant heating, electric radiant heat, packaged terminal units, heat pumps, and low pressure steam boiler systems) air conditioning systems (e.g., air conditioners, chillers, packaged terminal units, and window units) and refrigeration units (e.g., built-up coolers and freezers, domestic appliances, ice making machines, and commercial systems).

Conducts routine inspections of air conditioning, heating/distribution and refrigeration systems/equipment to ensure proper operation according to specifications/trade standards and services; inspects building and makes calculations to determine proper size of air conditioning, heating, and ducting systems; draws working sketches for duct layout and other work and installs ductwork for air conditioning/heating distribution systems.

Performs preventative maintenance checks on boilers and services; repairs boilers, does off season maintenance, maintains operator’s log and prepares boilers for annual inspections; repairs air conditioning systems/equipment according to manufacturer’s equipment manual specifications and accepted trade practices.

Conducts tests/diagnostic procedures on building automated systems using graphical user interface programs and repairs system components (e.g., electrical to pneumatic transducers, pneumatic and electrical actuation of dampers, hydraulic, steam, and chilled water valves, control relays, and pressure and temperature sensors).

Repairs/replaces a wide variety of system components (e.g., supply and return side, plenum, trunk and branch ductwork; compressors, condensers, valves, bearings, shafts, motors, pumps, cooling towers, pneumatic control systems, temperature and pressure controls, gauges, fans, humidifiers, refrigerant lines, electrical circuits, computer controls, and electronic components; fire tubes, baffles, fire boxes, refractory elements, steam pipes, pump controls, burners; cabinets, condensing units, evaporator, defrosters, relays, compressor motor, dryers, capillary tubes, ice makers) that make heating, ventilation, air conditioning, boilers, and refrigeration systems work.

Reviews construction blueprints/specifications and compiles estimates of project materials; researches cost of parts/components and submits purchase orders; keeps a working inventory of parts and maintains historical maintenance records; safeguards tools/material.

Maintains and repairs self-contained or central-plant type air conditioning, utilizing a variety of methods such as mechanical compression, vapor compression or absorption.

Conducts a variety of audible, visual and mechanical tests and determines the operational status of air-conditioning equipment and systems, and diagnoses and isolates malfunctioning components; tests solder joints and connections for gas leaks, using gauges and/or soap solution.

Inspects oil levels, belts, insulation, refrigerant levels; observes pressure and vacuum gauges and adjusts controls to regulate and insure proper operation of the equipment; services power lead-in and system electrical lines and makes splices, insulates exposed wires, cleans and lubricates moving parts.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of HVAC mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, and electronic trade practices and procedures.

Knowledge of confined space regulatory procedures and the practical knowledge of working in a confined space environment.

Knowledge of regulations, standards, codes, and safety requirements for the HVAC trade.

Knowledge of low pressure steam boiler operations.

Knowledge in the operation of building automated systems as it relates to HVAC systems.

Knowledge of the use of tools, equipment, and techniques normally associated with the HVAC trade.

Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems as they arise in HVAC systems to ensure timely and cost saving repairs; ability to bring systems and equipment back on line quickly and efficiently.

Ability to visually and audibly inspect, install, and monitor the various components of HVAC systems by lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs and ladders, working in high places or in tight or awkward positions, while effectively using the personal protective equipment necessary for particular tasks.

Ability to learn how to use forklifts, and other material handling equipment, as the need arises.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios and fraction.

Skill in the use of tools, equipment, and techniques normally associated with the HVAC trade.

Skill in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of air conditioning, ventilation, heating, boilers, refrigeration, and knowledge of the utilization of building automated systems as a diagnostic tool.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibits honesty and integrity.  Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.  Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.  Works with minimal supervision.  Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision.  Follows policy and cooperates with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.  Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience equal to five years of full-time work in the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, boilers, refrigeration, ancillary equipment, and building automated systems related to HVAC;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of post high school education in HVAC for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of two years.

 

NOTE:

Must possess a valid Iowa Drivers License.

Must be able to obtain Class B Commercial Drivers License.

Must be able to obtain certifications as required by regulatory authorities pertaining to HVAC, boilers, and refrigeration.

Must be capable of obtaining forklift and other material handling equipment operators permits as necessary.

Must be willing to work weekends and after hours on a rotational basis performing boiler operations and must be willing to respond to alarm pager on weekends and after hours on a rotational basis.

 

Effective Date:               5/07         DF