Boiler/Chiller Operator AA Job in Washington, District Of Columbia Us

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is highly-skilled maintenance and operations work on HVAC Boiler/Chiller systems. The incumbent is responsible for the operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of hot water and low pressure steam boiler plants, large chilled water plants, centrifugal and reciprocating refrigeration and ventilation systems and associated equipment. Work will be performed in accordance with local codes, operations manuals and manufacturers= instructions. The work requires an understanding of maintenance procedures and practices, HVAC theory, and the materials/parts, tools, test equipment and operating systems associated with boiler/chiller systems.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Observes operation of boiler and chiller plant systems and associated equipment/ components to detect potential failures or identify causes of malfunctions. Observes operating instruments and charts to determine optimum operation efficiency relative to demand. Inspects equipment for changes in calibration, dimensional requirements and manufacturers= specifications.

Performs maintenance, troubleshooting tests and calibrates HVAC systems, subsystems and components using precision measuring equipment (i.e., multi meters, flow meters, pressure gauges, leak detectors, vacuum pumps, pneumatic control testers, air velocity indicators and other instruments and tools), as required. Operates special shop equipment (drills, grinders, fork trucks, hoists, cranes).

Removes, replaces, repairs defective or worn parts; lubricates, cleans and recharges equipment; conducts leak detection tests; maintains boiler/chiller plant service controls (i.e., temperature, pressure, solid state and pneumatic); solders/brazes tubing and piping; installs and replaces filters, metering devices and solenoids; and adjusts or calibrates pneumatic equipment to manufacturers= specifications, using approved procedures and test equipment.

Replaces and installs pipe and check valves in water feed systems; strainer/water filters/piping, fittings and steam traps. Cleans boiler/chiller tubes, fire boxes and controls during off-season. Dismantles, inspects and replaces pumps, bearings, seals and other related parts.

Maintains HVAC electrical components (circuits, wiring, starters, relays and motors) and mechanical components (compressors, fire boxes, valves, pumps, condensers) by performing removals, replacements and repairing defective or worn parts; cleans and lubricates components as needed. Calibrates and adjusts electrical control devices such as thermostats, humidistats, aquastats, modulating valves, relays and controllers.

Performs maintenance on chiller cooling towers, service fan motors and belts. Blows down and cleans cooling tower sumps, strainers, header, trees and nozzles.

Collects and tests samples of boiler/chiller plant systems to determine if proper levels of acidity, causticity and alkalinity are maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and procedures. Treats water based on test results with tannin, phosphate, caustic soda or sodium sulfate for control of corrosion and scale formation as necessary.

Treats cooling tower water for bacteria. Collects samples for laboratory tests.

Implements approved engineering modifications to HVAC systems and plants. Performs new plant and component acceptance testing.

Completes required documentation and reports for the operation and maintenance of boiler/chiller equipment and related components by using the proper forms, logs, tags or automated database; prepares parts requisitions for the supervisors approval.

Attends on-the-job and formal training classes; assists mechanics in higher classifications in their assignments or provides job specific training to mechanics in lower classifications.

Responds to and provides assistance in emergencies such as securing or safeguarding HVAC equipment or those related to fire/life/safety conditions. Provides assistance during severe weather/snow emergencies, etc.

Performs all tasks and assignments within established safety and maintenance guidelines.

May work from ladders, scaffolding and other high rise equipment.

May operate Authority vehicles between work locations.

Works variable hours.

Performs related duties as required.

Employees are assigned complex Boiler/Chiller operation and maintenance work in WMATA facilities. Employees are expected to carry assignments through completion independently. Existing rules, regulations and procedures govern the work but employees use considerable judgement in interpreting and applying them to unusual or nonstandard situations. Employees frequently refine and develop their work routines. Work is reviewed in general terms through spot checks and occasional checking of results by a Supervisor, Craft Crew.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Authority maintenance procedures.

Ability to diagnose and to determine required repairs for complex HVAC systems, as well as ability to make repairs by replacement, rehabilitating, etc.

Ability to interpret HVAC and refrigeration symbols, read and use schematics and wiring diagrams, refrigeration flow diagrams, operations manuals, manufacturers manuals and maintenance instructions.

Ability to select and use proper parts, tools and test equipment and analyze, evaluate and interpret test results to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

Ability to work without direct supervision and to assist others in their tasks; ability to attend prescribed training courses.

Ability to provide leadership to instruct and review work of lower level technicians.

Ability to maintain accurate reports and records of work activity.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others.

Ability to evaluate conditions, make independent decisions based on advanced knowledge of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration theories and principles as they relate to plant operations.

Ability to identify and correct difficult to complex Boiler/Chiller problems. The employee is expected to perform and complete tasks independently, quickly and accurately.

Ability to provide leadership to instruct and review work of lower level technicians.

Maintains understanding of current trends, policies, technologies and techniques of the boiler and chiller fields specifically relating to the section of Plant Maintenance assigned.

May serve as Lead Operator.

Qualification Requirements

To be considered for the position, you must meet minimum qualifications. It
is, therefore, very important for you to include on your application any
education/experience you have had that is described in the minimum
qualifications. Incomplete information may delay the assessment process.

Qualifications

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE POSSESSION OF A CURRENT STEAM ENGINEER CLASS 03 LICENSE FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND AN EPA/CFC TYPE I, II, III (UNIVERSAL)CERTIFICATION. Also required is 5 years experience as a HVAC or refrigeration repair mechanic or a related field, a high school diploma or GED and completion of an acceptable vocation school and/or training program.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

1. Education, training and experience
2. Personal Interview
3. Medical examination which may include alcohol and drug testing
4. Performance and attendance record
5. Background check to include criminal, education, work and drivers record.

Closing Statement

ORDER OF PREFERENCE: The selection of Maintenance and Construction positions will be made on the basis of fitness and ability with preference given to: Maintenance and Construction Seniority District, System wide (L689), Authority wide, and external candidates, respectively.

Posted Salary ranges and offers are subject to Union contract agreements and Metro salary administration guidelines.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from minorities, females and persons with disabilities.