Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL

• Maintains utility systems, i.e., boiler plants, air-conditioning, water treatment, and associated electrical and natural gas systems, for all properties owned and operated by the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
• Performs preventive and scheduled maintenance on systems and equipment including, but not limited to, boiler feed pumps, oil pumps, fuel pumps, air compressors, generators, boiler fixtures, combustion fans, a variety of compressors such as gear, reciprocating, centrifugal, scroll, and/or rotary pumps, a variety of controls such as low and high pressure limits, automatic thermostatic expansion valves, capillary tubes, pistons, and those based on volume or quantity changes; a variety of complex burner management controls, motor controls, pressure controls, thermostatic motor controls, full and semi-automatic defrosting controls, relays and other controls to prevent

against overload or overheating, and to maintain load conditions.

• Performs operational repairs such as greasing and oiling moving parts of machinery, adjusting packing glands, repacking valves and cleaning burners, tubes, burner tips, nozzles, air filters, grates and oil strainers, and replacing gauge glasses and other similar equipment; cleans air and water cooled condensers, heat exchangers, and cooling towers.
• Inspects all equipment and visually an physically checks meters, shafts, bearings, motors, belts, turbines and electric pumps, etc., to assure proper operation.
• Monitors, troubleshoots, and tests the operation of various systems and associated equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Detects and locates defects to determine the type an extent of necessary repairs; repairs, replaces and/or adjusts components as required.
• Dismantles, overhauls, adjusts and installs various equipment such as condensers, evaporators, burners, motors, blowers, pilots, igniters, electrical controls, and thermostatic control devices.
• Performs chemical water, oil acidity and safety equipment tests utilizing pressure gauges and voltmeters to perform a variety of measurements; sensor and major equipment testing is accomplished both by manual and automatic means.
• Tests units or systems upon completion of the repairs to ensure they are operating in accordance with established requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

Job Competencies

Skill and Knowledge

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity in the DCHA.
• Knowledge and skill using accepted trade methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of utility systems (heating/boiler plant equipment, air-conditioning equipment, ventilation systems, forced air furnaces, and electrical supply equipment).
• Ability to perform independently.
• Ability to work with others and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret plans, blueprints, specification sheets, and wiring schematics, and to demonstrate proper work methods and techniques.
• Ability to perform estimates for repairs an replacement of utility systems, including labor, material, and subcontractor costs.

Education and/or Experience

High School diploma or GED and at least five (5) years trade experience in the area of utility systems repair and operation; or other equivalent combination of education and/or experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement.

Incumbent must possess a valid 3rd Class Engineering License for steam and hot water heating systems.

Incumbent must possess a current EPA Approved Universal Refrigerant Certification.

Due to field responsibility, incumbent must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit; and be able to meet DCHA requirements to be placed on DCHA’s approved driving list, within 30 days of the date of appointment to this position.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, drug and alcohol testing, verification of academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, and/or verification of work history.

This position has been designated by the department to require a drug and alcohol screening and background check. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and will be required to consent to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment.

Technical Skills

No technical skills are required

RESPONSIBILITY

Work assignments at this grade level are received from a supervisor either orally, through work orders, or in emergencies, from the Maintenance Control Center. Supervisors provide written or oral instructions which may be accompanied by diagrams, drawings, operating manuals, or special procedures to be followed during emergencies, equipment failure, or system malfunctions. Employee is expected to be familiar with all aspects of utility systems operation and repair and is expected to make independent decisions and judgments regarding utility systems. Supervisory assistance is normally made only in emergency situations or in instances

necessary to resolve unique malfunctions. All work is expected to be completed in accordance with required specifications using a variety of standard mechanical and basic electrical processes. Work is checked through periodic observation of work methods and efficiency, work order production reports, and adherence to established operating techniques and procedures.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Equipment is usually large and must be maneuvered into and out of specific locations while dismantling and reassembling. Incumbent frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys pulkeys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers and chillers. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where parts of system worked on are frequently in hard-to reach places; therefore, stooping, bending, stretching and kneeling are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.