HVAC/R Refrigeration Technician

Description

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Refrigeration technicians are responsible for the installation of refrigeration systems into the industrial equipment manufactured by the organization. They work with a wide range of equipment including compressors, condensers, evaporators, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and other components to ensure that these systems operate properly. Additionally, Refrigeration technicians are responsible for in-house or field service repairs necessary. Each of these systems will have different refrigeration needs and so the refrigeration technician needs to be capable of delivering targeted refrigeration solutions. The main function of an employee in this role is to install and maintain refrigeration units as per Mechanical Engineering drawings. To do that, they need to understand how various types of refrigerators work, how to interpret technical instructions, and how to replace faulty parts. Refrigeration technicians also sometimes work on HVAC units and other appliances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with a wide range of equipment including compressors, condensers, evaporators, heat exchangers, pumps, valves and other components to ensure that these systems operate properly.
• Knowledge of various refrigerants, such as R-134A, R-404A, R-448A & R513A
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, and other technical documents.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, hand tools, and industrial equipment.
• Possesses a locally issued refrigeration license or capable of receiving one.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Prior experience in an industrial refrigeration role, a plus.
• Journeyman experience or the completion of an apprenticeship program.
• Motivated self-starter who can manage projects and make decisions.
• Willing to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lift heavy objects, climbing ladders, crawling, etc.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS - EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING:

• 2 year technical degree or equivalent work experience required

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Certification Required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS 

• Identify problems, investigate the root-cause, and make recommendations of solutions

VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

• Use verbal skills to transfer information to groups

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

• Complete and maintain documentation/records to effectively convey ideas and information in both written and oral form

MATH SKILLS

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios

COMPUTER SKILLS 

• Internet / Email
• Spreadsheet Software

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

• General Office Equipment
• Hand tools
• Power Hand tools
• Pneumatic tools
• Welding tools
• Motorized Equipment
• Heavy Equipment
• Specific Refrigeration tools

MENTAL DEMANDS typically required 

• Respond to unpredictability
• High level of record keeping
• High pressure for results
• Independent judgment and discretion
• Organize and prioritize
• Manage multiple projects/tasks
• Respond to angry/upset individuals
• Read, comprehend and follow instructions/work orders
• Relate to others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (typically required to perform the essential functions of the job)

• CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   

- Ability to stand - Ability to climb stairs

- Ability to walk - Ability to use legs/arms to climb

- Ability to sit - Ability to stoop

- Ability to lift up to 65 lbs - Repetitive twisting or pressure involving   

- Repetitive finger movement wrists or hands

- Ability to use both hands - Ability to stoop

- Ability to use both legs - Ability to repeatedly bend

- Ability to communicate orally - Ability to operate truck/motor vehicle

- Ability to hear conversation 

• FREQUENTLY INCURRED (25 – 75% time on job)  

- Ability to carry up to 75 lbs – Ability to pull hand over hand

- Ability to push/pull up to 75 lbs - Ability to balance

- Ability to kneel – Specific visual requirements

- Ability to crawl – Use of depth perception

- Reaching at high or low level – Ability for rapid mental/muscular coordination simultaneously

• OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   

- Use of color vision 

WORKING CONDITIONS (typically required)

• CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   

- Work a shift between 8-12 hours

• FREQUENTLY INCURRED (25 – 75% time on job)   

- Work in heath between 90o – 100o - Work with machinery with moving parts

- Exposure to constant noise above 85dB - Work with moving vehicles

- Exposure to dust (more than nuisance) - Work with ladders/scaffolding

- Exposure to gases (helium, argon, nitrogen) - Work weekly more than 40 hours

• OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   

- Work outside - Exposure to intermittent noise above 85dB

- Work outside and inside - Exposure to vibration

- Work in heat over 100o - Exposure to irritant or toxic fumes

- Work in cold below 55o - Exposure to chemicals (NPB)

- Travel and/or overnight stays - Exposure to grease/oils (hydraulic fluid)

- Work in confined spaces - Work with hands in water

- Work in excess or frequent temperature changes 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (typically required to perform the essential functions of the job)

• CONSTANTLY INCURRED (more than 75% time on job)   
• Safety Footwear
• Safety Glasses

• FREQUENTLY INCURRED (25 – 75% time on job)   
• Gloves: latex, work gloves, etc.
• Hearing protection

• OCCASIONALLY INCURRED (up to 25% time on job)   
• Body Protection
• Respirator (full mask)