Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R) - Multiple Positions

The Department of Facilities Management and Development at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R). 

Distinguishing Characteristics

Service & Repair Mechanics (HVAC-R) are responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and installation of heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment in a State facility. Incumbents, as specialists, are responsible for supervising and training other members of the operation and maintenance staff including skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workers, in servicing and repairing heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

The types of equipment Service & Repair Mechanics (HVAC-R) work with include ammonia brine, freon, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, methyl chloride and lithium bromide units, absorption cold generators, all types of coolers, refrigerators and freezers, air-conditioning units and systems, humidifiers, compressors, ventilators, cooling towers, and other related equipment.

Illustrative Duties

Perform required periodic maintenance and emergency repairs on refrigeration and air conditioning.

• Inspect, test, diagnose trouble, and dismantle manufacturing systems and components.
• Overhaul compressors, pumps, and electric motors, replacing parts as necessary.
• Overhaul and replace control devices, calibrate and recalibrate them as necessary.
• Rewire electrical systems of components as necessary.
• Perform seasonal start-up and shut-down operations on air-conditioning units and systems to ensure efficient operation and to prevent freeze-ups.
• Locate and seal leaks in both gas and brine units, removes air from lines, and replaces with proper refrigerant.

Install new equipment both as replacement units and new installations.

• Study blueprints and schematic drawings to identify the location, size, and type of components.
• Lay out reference points for the installation of components using structural measuring tools.
• Assemble components of a system for installation following written and schematic instructions, as necessary.
• Cut threads and connect or weld tubing to inlets and outlets of components.
• Install control mechanism with wrenches and acetylene torches.
• Test lines, connections, and components for leaks with a leak detector which indicates the presence of refrigerant.
• May install electric wiring to connect components to a power source, if necessary.
• Record temperature and pressure readings from gauges and temperature potentiometer and compares readings with manufacturer’s expectations.
• Adjust controls to bring readings within specifications as required.

As assigned, supervises and trains Service & Repair Assistants (HVAC-R), Plant Utilities Assistants, and other trades positions in the repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

• Assigns work to staff providing oral and written instructions and diagrams as necessary.
• Demonstrates proper methods and procedures for performing work.
• Observes and inspects work in progress and at its completion to insure work is properly done.
• Performs journey level work as required.

As required, operates a motor vehicle to transport material, equipment and personnel to job sites around a State facility.

Required Qualifications

• Successful completion of a NYS 2-year Service & Repair Mechanic (HVAC-R) Traineeship or NYS two-year refrigeration repair and maintenance training program;
  • OR successful completion of any equivalent refrigeration two-year training or apprenticeship program;*
  • OR four (4) years of full-time experience in the mechanical or electrical trades under a skilled journey-level mechanic or electrician which would provide training equivalent to that given in an apprenticeship program, one (1) year of which must include both training and work in the operation and maintenance of commercial type refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment;
  • Apprenticeship training in the mechanical or electrical trades or training gained by completion of technical courses in the mechanical or electrical trades at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.

(* Successful completion of the traineeship and the training program includes a total of 288 hours of trade-specific class room instruction, 45 hours of technical math course work, 45 hours of technical communications course work, and 15 hours of blueprint/schematic reading course work. Course work must be completed with an average of “C” or better. Additionally, successful completion of the traineeship also includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training.)

55 B/C Qualifications

• Individuals certified eligible for the 55 B/C program under the Governor's Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55 B/C of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.
• It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.