Maintenance Technician

Job Title

Responsible for performing inspections, maintenance, repair and operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration systems and components, geothermal systems, and plumbing for Lower Merion Township (Township). Work involves installing, repairing, monitoring, testing and operating instrumentation and components of all HVAC, plumbing, and electrical building components.

Work is performed under minimal supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative. Position relies on experience and exercises some independent judgement to determine the best approach by using and interpreting policies and procedures.

Works under the general supervision of the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.

Duties

Performs activities related to the inspection, preventive maintenance, repair and operation of HVAC, mini splits, geothermal and refrigeration systems and components.

Performs activities related to the inspection, preventative maintenance, repair and operation of plumbing.

Repairs, calibrates and installs pneumatic and electronic controls, motorized valves, activators and related equipment.

Adjusts and replaces sensors, meters, gauges, and other instrumentations including computerized system components.

Removes and replaces wiring, runs conduit and connects power lines to breakers.

Repairs and replaces piping and valves used in the distribution of steam, water, air and gas; cuts and threads piping; welds, solders and brazes line connections, tubing and various fittings; services domestic hot and cold-water systems and components.

Operates various heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment by monitoring and adjusting valves, switches and related appurtenances.

May perform inspection and coordination of contracts on various maintenance projects related to HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work.

May train, coordinate, provide guidance to and review the work of lower-level staff to accomplish operational plans and results.

Responds to emergencies at any time of day or night as directed; serves on-call per departmental policy.

Performs work of lower classifications, as needed.

May be assigned to other departments/divisions to perform required duties, as needed.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and five (5) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of air-conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, geothermal systems and related equipment, including some previous lead-worker responsibility or demonstrated ability to lead the work of others;

OR associate degree or technical certification in HVAC technology and/or plumbing or a related field and four (4) years of experience as listed above;

OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver license. Commercial driver's license (CDL) Class B free of air brake restriction or Class A preferred.

Technical certification in carpentry or electrical preferred.

Must have Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) freon certification and HVAC license upon hire or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.

Must have an ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification or the ability to obtain within the ASSE class constraints.

ASSE 5130 Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer certification preferred.

Must have Township forklift certification or ability to obtain within class constraints.

Must have current flagger certification, conforming with PennDOT Pub 408, Section 901, and as provided by the Township at all times. Candidates not meeting this requirement will be required to attend the next available training as coordinated by the Department of Public Works.

Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures used in the maintenance, repair, installation and operation of HVAC systems.

Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions in the operation, maintenance and repair of HVAC systems.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and theory of electricity and the methods, materials and tools associated with HVAC systems.

Thorough knowledge of Geothermal HVAC systems.

Thorough knowledge of Mini Split HVAC systems.

Thorough knowledge of commercial plumbing systems.

Thorough knowledge of Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems.

Skill in the use of Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and its tools for communication and collaboration, such as Teams and OneDrive, applicable department tools, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of specialized software as required.

Ability to read and interpret meter indications of amperage, voltage, pressure, rate of flow and temperature.

Ability to read schematics and diagrams of air-conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment and plumbing and pipework diagrams.

Ability to erect and work from ladders and scaffolding as necessary.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to follow Township and public safety guidelines and protocols and perform job functions in a safe manner.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for a minimum of 2 up to 8 hours, stand for a minimum of 4 to 8 hours, walk for a minimum of 2 up to 8 hours and drive for a minimum of 1 up to 8 hours per workday. In severe weather conditions, ability to sit and drive for up to 16 hours. Ability to bend, stoop, squat, crawl, climb, reach above shoulder level, crouch, kneel, lift and push/pull for up to 75% of the workday. Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds of tools, equipment and materials for up to 68% of the workday and lift and carry up to 100 pounds of tools, equipment and materials for up to 35% of the workday. Ability to use both feet for operating foot controls of machinery. Ability to drive an automobile. Ability to use both hands for simple grasping, firm grasping and fine manipulation of tools, equipment and objects. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where moving machinery may be present. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where unprotected heights (platform lift equipment, step ladder, extension ladders and scaffolding) may be present. Ability to perform job functions in all types of weather and temperatures. Ability to perform heavy manual labor for prolonged periods, often under adverse conditions. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where loud noises may be present. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where environmental conditions may be challenging.