Refrigeration Control Engineer, Level 1

Refrigeration Control Engineer, Level 1

A Refrigeration Control Engineer (RCE) is a position in the facilities department providing high quality and effective work that will lead, perform and/or assist in any routine or emergency operations and functions of the District Energy System (DES) and the Distributed Systems throughout the Columbia University-Manhattanville Campus (CUMVC). Perform daily functions as required for the most effective and efficient operation of campus system chillers, water treatment, air conditioning, ventilation systems and associated auxiliary equipment and controls, including curtailment activities as required by Consolidated Edison (ConEd) or other regulating authorities. Independently or under limited/minimal supervision and/or direction; operate, inspect/round, maintain, troubleshoot/diagnosis, and repair equipment, systems, and machinery in good workmanlike manner, while maintaining a high level of safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. May work in conjunction with the Plant Operations Engineer (POE) or the DES Engineer to insure proper rounds and log entries are recorded, or operate in the Engineer's absence.

Responsibilities include performing daily refrigeration & controls engineering assignments, maintaining, repairing and operating system controls and refrigeration equipment, conducting start up, shutdown, and stabilization as necessary to maintain units in efficient service, conducting regular inspections of MERs, chiller system, and auxiliary equipment to ensure proper operation and maintenance, sampling of all campus water loops and maintaining/adjusting proper chemical levels within design limits, monitoring, documenting, and controlling refrigerant on campus to comply with USEPA, NYSDEC and NYCDEP standards and permits, operating electric chillers, steam turbine chillers, condensate pumps, air compressors, booster pumps, auto steam reducing stations, plate and frame HX, shell and tube HX, DDC and pneumatic control systems, operating, servicing, and maintaining associated equipment such as air compressors, scroll compressors, softeners, polishers, air conditioning and ventilating equipment; direct the servicing of chillers, water pumps, vacuum and oil pumps, valves and other associated equipment, entering and reviewing log book entries for chillers and operating records, indicator, meter, gauge, use and other instrument readings as required for log entries and for monitoring system performances, making daily operating decisions and taking appropriate action in emergencies, performing preventive and proactive maintenance on equipment and systems, inspecting, maintaining, and servicing all types of refrigerant systems and equipment including MRI chillers and associated secondary systems (i.e. Chilled beams), following and performing chiller system operations and equipment rounds in accordance with good engineering practices, remaining current on all changes in operating procedures, new equipment, and related systems, performing (assist with) troubleshooting and initial root cause analysis on equipment failures and operational upsets and recommending proper corrective actions, assisting and/or directing mechanics and technicians as required to troubleshoot issues, and properly repair, maintain, test, or inspect equipment and/or systems, diagnosing operational problems, control, and equipment malfunctions, and initiating corrective action. Notify supervisor for major repairs, or events, conducting job-site inspections to determine compliance to standards and codes, responding to various calls throughout the CUMVC relating to HVAC, refrigeration, and other related maintenance issues, working alongside and assisting other personnel, including licensed personnel, in completing assigned maintenance and service of controls and refrigeration systems and their associated equipment, providing guidance, direction, and on the job training to all junior personnel in the proper procedures of operations, repair, and maintenance, assisting the POE and the DES Engineer in the operation and performance of the chilled water system of the District Energy System and all Auxiliary Equipment. Assume watch as needed, monitoring and responding to the building management system (BMS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) as needed or directed, fully utilizing the BMS to operate and maintain systems efficiently and effectively; may include adjusting PID control loops, setpoints, and schedules, using, installing, and inspecting fire stopping materials, requisitioning of parts and supplies as necessary to maintain equipment and systems, processing hot work permits and performing necessary fire watch procedures and inspections, processing paperwork including but not limited to work orders, inventory, and preventive maintenance forms, performing work tasks, reporting deficiencies, and maintaining and completing daily records of labor and materials used during work tasks via the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), maintaining completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of the work and work orders, continually and urgently communicating with supervisor regarding any apparent operational deficiencies or system malfunctions, working with other disciplines and management to proactively solve complex, multi-discipline problems, performing any duties assigned in an emergency as determined by management, attending and participating in all departmental trainings and meetings, attending and completing relevant on?the?job training as required, ability to perform all tasks and duties related to the Service Mechanic Level 3 position if required, performing other related duties incidental to the work herein.

Minimum Qualifications include HS diploma or GED, minimum professional proficiency in the English Language, NYC Refrigeration Engineer's License in reference to Columbia University, District Energy System address, five (5) years of experience as a HVAC&R mechanic, knowledge of chiller maintenance, repair, and operation with required licenses and certifications, basic knowledge of various types of chillers, HVAC&R controls, and operating knowledge, two (2) years of experience with automated systems controls; open loop and closed loop controls systems. (Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, etc.), quick learner and self-motivational skills, adequate ability to discern colors for monitoring alarm conditions, strong team mentality (ability to work with others), well-refined interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, customers, clients, students, vendors, and management, how to read and interpret SDS information, understanding of general vivarium, and laboratory rules and restrictions, how to identify a fire rated barrier and properly install fire-stopping materials, ability to work all shifts as assigned, intermediate knowledge of how to operate, navigate, manipulate, and interpret building management systems (BMS), basic knowledge of microprocessor controls; e.g. OPTIVEIW, knowledge and understanding of Siemens Operating Systems (e.g. Desigo) and other controls systems that may be installed as the campus construction continues, demonstrates an understanding of the fundamentals of electrical motors, controls, switches, fusing and wiring, and circuit breaker coordination, how to properly utilize lock out-tag out procedures for all energy sources (electrical, thermal, hydraulic, hydronic), how to properly and safely operate all hand tools, power tools, and equipment utilized by facilities maintenance and repair including specialty HVAC, automated controls, and chiller maintenance equipment, hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Fire Guard (F-60), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Using Powder Activated Tools (E-21), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Torch Operations (G-60), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness To Operate and Maintain Air Compressors (A-35), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for City Wide Sprinkler Systems (S-12), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for City Wide Standpipe Systems (S-13), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Standpipe for Multi-Zone Systems (S-14), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Bulk Oil Plants (P-12), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Supervise Fuel-Oil Piping and Storage in Buildings (P-98), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Handling, Use, and Storage of Flammable Compressed Gases (G-98), hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Storage, Handling and Use of Hazardous Materials (C-91), hold and maintain Certificate of Qualification for Refrigeration Operating Engineer (Q-01/Q-99/Z-51), responsible for obtaining and maintaining other applicable NYC Certificates of Fitness as required by the FDNY and/or other authorities having jurisdiction, hold and maintain PBS (Petroleum Bulk Storage) Class B Operator, hold and maintain EPA 608 Universal Technician Certification, hold and maintain two (2) of the NATE Service Specialty certifications listed below, and the Light Commercial Refrigeration Service certification or equivalent certification accepted by CUMVC Management, NICET Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems - Level II, responsible for obtaining and maintaining other applicable Certifications as determined by management as the facility develops. This may include additional NICET Certifications, PBS Certifications, etc., capable of performing fire brigade duties as assigned, hold and maintain OSHA 10 Certification, knowledge of and/or Training on the following: General OSHA standards and requirements, use of portable fire extinguisher, hazardous waste awareness, asbestos hazards and safety, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (work order management system) Confined space entry procedures, Lock-out/Tag-out procedures, Description and use of fire stopping materials, Communication etiquette including phone, radio, and customer service, Hot work permits, demonstrate knowledge of all CUMVC's safety policies and procedures, demonstrate applicable institutional knowledge and practices of the facility and its operations.

Duties and requirements from Service Mechanic Level 3 position and prior still apply and must be maintained and current, as well as the knowledge applied to any future buildings coming on line.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions include use strength to lift and transport items needed to perform the functions of the job, with the ability to lift 50 pounds independently and support team lift with reasonable accommodations, sit, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and squat for prolonged periods of time and/or repeatedly over a required period of time, reach with and work with hands and arms overhead, may work in an environment where a variety of pathogens, chemical substances, and gases are used for research, ability