Heating Plant, HVAC Technician

Department: Operations | Reports to: Housing Manager/Director of Maintenance | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Union: LIUNA

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to operate the heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water boiler systems in the public housing developments of the Cambridge Housing Authority (“Authority” or “CHA”). The Heating Plant, HVAC Technician/Master Plumber installs, services, and fires low-pressure boilers; maintains, adjusts, and repairs boiler systems, cooling systems, ventilation systems, heating and hot water equipment, and all secondary equipment; and keeps logs and creates reports as required. All activities must support the Authority’s strategic goals and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Operations department.

Responsibilities

• Implements preventative and routine maintenance schedules for each heating, ventilation, and cooling plant and systems distribution, including complete written instructions and diagrams identifying various valves and parts treated under the preventative maintenance program.
• Submits written recommendations based on personal surveys for repairs required to maximize safety and efficient operations no later than sixty days prior to the heating season (September 15).
• Develops and arranges formal and/or informal training programs for assigned maintenance personnel, Mechanics, Mechanic Aides, Laborers, and Managers to teach them the routine operation and maintenance of heating plants and systems.
• Prepares surveys and specifications relating to new and existing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems as required in substantial rehabilitations.
• Reviews plans, specifications, and blueprints and reports findings to the Director of Maintenance.
• Develops an apprentice training program for the Heating Plant Trainee, including written materials, on-the-job training, and formal schooling.
• Performs routine monthly and annual inspections of HVAC systems and related systems at all Authority developments; documents routine findings and recommendations in writing regarding ongoing maintenance, preventative maintenance, equipment replacement, and inventory.
• Maintains an inventory list of essential replacement parts at all boiler plants and HVAC systems to minimize disruption of heat and hot water for the development. Maintains an inventory of essential parts for repairs to all equipment for building systems.
• Performs major and technical repairs on HVAC and hot water systems beyond normal routine and preventative maintenance, including pipefitting, complete valve replacement, major burner and motor repair.
• Performs service on all boilers and equipment following manufacturer’s recommendations on an annual basis, including cleaning, parts replacement, calibration, efficiency testing, and reporting.
• Maintains a list and provides copies to each manager and/or foreman of equipment under warranty and the vendors that service them.
• Maintains tools, materials, and workspace in a neat and orderly manner, observing all Authority and OSHA safety regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or possession of a vocational technical certification beyond high school and a minimum of five to seven years of experience servicing and maintaining housing plant equipment and systems, including replacement and installation of valves, pipes, fittings, boilers, pumps, heat pumps, controls, and other associated devices.
• At least one year of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts Master Plumber License.
• Working knowledge of the Massachusetts Plumbing and Building Codes and all local and federal codes related to plumbing.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and insurable under CHA policies.
• Strong background in math, measurements, and safety, as well as experience in heating, ventilation, cooling, boiler systems, and hot water equipment.
• Basic knowledge of general computer programs (MS Office) for administrative work pertaining to inventory and training.
• Available for emergency overtime duty as required.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of all applicable federal and municipal building, construction, and property maintenance laws, regulations, and codes related to plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation.
• Knowledge of electronic, pneumatic, and mechanical boiler control systems.
• Knowledge of HVAC control systems and building management systems (DDC).
• Knowledge of chilled water cooling systems, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems.
• Working knowledge of ventilation and filtration systems and related controls.
• Working knowledge of refrigerant piping and controls.
• Working knowledge of basic power distribution systems related to HVAC systems.
• Working knowledge of the building HVAC commissioning process.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and corresponding OSHA safety precautions necessary for safe performance of assigned duties.
• In-depth knowledge of heating, cooling, and ventilation and boiler systems.
• Ability to arrange and create training manuals and programs for trainees.
• Ability to use English grammar to prepare service requests, maintenance, and inspection reports.
• Ability to read and understand complex repair and service manuals, diagrams, and instructions/warnings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, suppliers, and the general public.
• Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers.
• Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.
• Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to stand; walk over wet and slippery concrete surfaces; use hands for gripping, handling, or feeling; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; climb ladders, stairs, and over boiler room equipment; and talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to avoid injury from overhead piping and rotating machinery.
• Regularly works with alkaline and acidic chemicals used in boiler water treatment.
• Regularly lifts objects weighing up to 60 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts or in adverse weather conditions, such as sleet, snow, heat, cold, dust, dirt, cramped quarters, and high places.
• Exposure to moderate risks and discomforts such as high levels of noise and/or vibration, dust, grease, unfavorable weather conditions, electrical shock hazards, chemicals, and skin irritants.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.