Facilities Technicians

Facilities Technician

The City of Palo Alto has exciting opportunities for individuals with journey-level HVAC experience! We are looking for two individuals to join us at the Public Works Department Public Services Division. The Facilities Technician position performs a variety of skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of City facilities, systems, and equipment. An HVAC journey-level skill set is highly desirable for this position. A successful candidate will have 1) previously completed an HVAC apprenticeship program or HVAC Trade School that includes theory and on the job work 2) four years of journey-level HVAC experience 3) possession of an EPA Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certificate. Be part of a 13-person skilled Facilities team who are responsible for maintaining a very diverse group of buildings, ranging from fire stations, community centers, libraries, theaters, parking garages, Jr. Museum and Zoo, interpretive centers, swimming pool complex, Art Center, the new Public Safety Building, and multi-story office buildings. There is never a dull day when you work in Facilities Maintenance. The City of Palo Alto is a place to come and stay for your entire employment career! This position is represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

Essential Duties

Incumbents in this position will perform technically complex facilities maintenance duties requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of installation, operation, adjustments, troubleshooting and maintenance of HVAC systems, electrical, electronic controls, and auxiliary equipment. This position exercises a broad range of independent judgement and responsibilities in assessing, organizing, prioritizing, scheduling, planning, and purchasing of materials and equipment for all assigned work orders. Duties include:

• Using a computerized maintenance management system to manage work orders, which includes scheduling, recording materials costs, labor hours worked, and description of work completed.
• Performs skilled maintenance, repair and installation work related to facilities heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVACR), and electrical systems.
• Troubleshoots HVAC mechanical/electrical malfunctions on items such as chillers, AC compressors, boilers, pumps, motors, electric and electronic controls via functional tests, visual inspection, and other tests and checks to identify cause and action needed.
• Performs emergency repairs, as necessary; uses established safety procedures in doing such work.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• High school graduate or GED preferred supplemented by completion of an electrical, plumbing, or HVAC apprenticeship program or HVAC Trade School that includes theory and on-the-job work.
• Four years of journey-level experience working as an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing building equipment in a commercial, industrial or large facility environment.

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of EPA Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certificate.
• Attainment of Aquatic Facilities Operator Certificate will be required upon the discretion of the manager.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors; travel required from site to site; exposure will occur to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, vehicular traffic, electrical energy and voltage, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; will work at heights on scaffolding and ladder; will work around construction and operating equipment; will have frequent exposure to hazardous activities such as electricity and heights. Requires physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weight; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized hand and power tools, equipment, and vehicles; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Supplemental Information

This job opening is for two Facilities Technician positions. Multiple positions may be filled from this posting. The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both perspective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.