Santa Clara County

HVAC/R Mechanic

Pay$144071.20 / year
LocationSan Jose/California
Employment typeFull-Time

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  • Job Description

      Req#: 4878884

      Under general supervision, to perform journey-level HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) work in the inspection, service, and repair of a variety of refrigeration and air conditioning units and centrifugal or reciprocating chillers, including water and steam boilers.




      The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

      • Inspects, installs, adjusts, repairs, replaces, and performs preventative maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and controls, including but not limited to condensers, compressors, direct expansion piping systems, and/or other HVAC/R equipment;

      • Checks oil pressure and tests for acidity;

      • Operates and repairs automatic thermostats and controls;

      • Performs major repairs on integrated building temperature control panels and Building Management Systems;

      • Replaces and repairs solenoid valves and Direct Digital Controls on Energy Management Systems;

      • Disassembles, cleans, and repairs automatic electric and pneumatic control valves;

      • Tests, checks, and calibrates thermostats and other sensors and controls;

      • Checks v-belts, lubricates fan bearings, and replaces air filters;

      • Takes and records all temperatures and pressure readings on A/C systems, checks condenser coils for cleanliness, and checks all operational and safety controls on chillers and large and small package units, including built-up systems;

      • Repacks stem valve packing;

      • Cleans and replaces switches, relays, and capacitors in control systems;

      • Checks operational and cut-out controls; conducts complete check of burner assembly and flame safeguards on boilers;

      • Checks units for leaks;

      • Periodically disassembles and overhauls large centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration compressors and related equipment;

      • Responds to service calls, including emergency off-hours repair service, as needed;

      • Repairs, maintains, and overhauls condensers, chilled water pump seals, and motor bearings; cleans pump suction and Y strainers;

      • Removes condenser heads, cleans face plates, replaces gaskets, and flushes and checks copper tubes on chillers for leaks;

      • Inspects, operates, and repairs pumps and other auxiliary equipment used in HVAC/R systems, including but not limited to cooling towers, heat exchangers, and steam and condensate return systems;

      • Inspects, operates, and repairs low-and-high pressure boiler systems and related heating equipment;

      • Lays out HVAC/R installations of various types and estimates labor, materials, and cost requirements;

      • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

      • Performs other related duties, as required.

      Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

      Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through the successful completion of a recognized apprenticeship program for HVAC/R Mechanics or four (4) years of equivalent training.

      Special Requirements:

      • Possess and maintain for the duration of employment in this classification a Universal Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

      • Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

      • Based on departmental assignment, may be required to obtain and maintain a Department of Correction Security Clearance to work in locked facilities for the duration of employment in this classification.

      • *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

      Knowledge of:

      • Principles of closed-loop heating and cooling systems and fundamentals of air movement, air distribution, and refrigerants;

      • Various manufacturers, models, styles, and operation of low-pressure boilers, including applicable regulations;

      • Automatic controls and thermostats;

      • Methods, practices, and tools used in the operation, repair, and maintenance of a variety of boilers and heating, refrigeration, ventilating, and cooling systems and equipment used in large and small buildings;

      • Water treatment and testing of heating and air-conditioning equipment;

      • HVAC/R codes and regulations, including but not limited to applicable California building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders, and California Code of Regulations – Industrial Relations;

      • Common computer systems and applications.

      Ability to:

      • Perform journey-level HVAC/R work in the operation, diagnosis, installation, repair, testing, and maintenance of systems and equipment;

      • Recover, recycle, and reclaim refrigeration cooling systems;

      • Diagnose and correct operating malfunctions;

      • Read, interpret, and work from diagrams and blueprints;

      • Plan, lay out, and estimate materials and labor costs for HVAC/R projects and complete all necessary paperwork;

      • Silver solder and braze;

      • Disassemble and overhaul large scroll and reciprocating refrigeration compressors;

      • Effectively understand and follow written instructions;

      • Utilize department-specific applications, including maintenance management software, direct digital controls, and energy management systems;

      • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

      • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.
      • In accordance with Federal and State standards, work under the following conditions using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): dust, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, cramped quarters, and inadequate lighting;

      • Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, and grasp;

      • Ascend and descend ladders;

      • Lift, push, and pull up to sixty (60) pounds;

      • Work days, evenings, and/or night shifts on regular County workdays, weekends, and holidays;

      • Will be placed on a rotating "on-call" list for weekend and holiday coverage of County facilities. On-call status requires being available and on-site within two (2) hours of notification.

  • About the company

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