10.        Job Overview

The incumbent reports to the Building/Mechanical Engineer Supervisor.  The incumbent is employed as a journeyman level Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Controls Technician to carry out skilled maintenance and repair work throughout the New Embassy Compound (NEC) on critical and non-critical electrical components within the functional/office buildings, on-compound ancillary support and residential buildings, above and below ground infrastructures, recreational facilities, and other owned/leased properties. 

 

10a.     Direct Supervisor of Position:

The assigned Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer will supervise this position.  The Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor will be the back-up supervisor when the Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer is absent.

10b.     Position Directly Supervises:

a)       This position has no direct line management or supervision responsibilities.  AND/OR

b)       The incumbent will be required to supervise trade helpers, or others assigned to assist depending on nature and complexity of the task/project.  The incumbent will also oversee, manage, and monitor electrical repair/replacement projects, and BME service contracts specifically related to plumbing equipment, components, and systems.  AND/OR

c)       For these tasks, the incumbent will oversee/monitor 1-2 contractor personnel on average once per month.  The incumbent will ensure that equipment servicing, and repair and replacement projects are done to International Building Code standards, and that the service technicians for the BME contracts follow the equipment manufacturer’s guidance for equipment servicing.

 

10c.      Indicate if the position has the delegated authority to certify payments: No

 

10d.     Provide security access determination level, if required:

 

11.        Major Duties and Responsibilities (Include % of time spent for each duty, percentage totals must equal 100%):

 Employed as an HVAC Controls Technician to carry out skilled maintenance and repair work throughout the NEC on critical and non-critical HVAC components within the functional/office buildings, on-compound ancillary support and residential buildings, above and below ground infrastructures, recreational facilities, and other owned/leased properties.

 

 

Operations Support (50%)

 

1.           Maintains and operates the HVAC Control System and other building mechanical systems associated with the HVAC system.  Included, but not limited to, chillers, large central air handling units, packaged A/C units, filtration, fan coils, variable air volume (VAV) units, HVAC ductwork, evaporator coils, condensing units and coils, humidifiers, manual and motorized valves, chilled water piping, circulation pumps, damper motors, gravity dampers, variable frequency drive (VFD) and other controllers, actuators, HVAC water treatment systems including make-up water, and other control devices.

 

2.           Assists the Building Automation System Technician (BASET) in the production of computer-generated reports from the Building Automation System, which is the backbone of the HVAC Control System, to troubleshoot and diagnose trending data.  Provides detailed and concise written reports in English to the Building/Mechanical Engineer Supervisor, the Facility Manager, and upper-level management personnel as required. 

 

3.           Performs preventive maintenance on the HVAC Control System and related components to maintain system operation and reliability to ensure continuous air supply to critical and non-critical facilities, equipment, and systems.  Responds to scheduled, unscheduled and preventive maintenance work orders generated by the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS); completes work orders within the pre-determined service standards time frame; documents materials and labor used to complete each work order and returns completed work orders to the Work Order Clerk for data entry and closeout.

 

4.           Inspects, tests, evaluates, calibrates, and updates HVAC Control Systems to improve reliability and to assure dependability, safety, and compliance.  Inspects facilities (including ancillary structures, houses, temporary trailers, etc.); equipment (e.g., Air Handling Unit’s (AHU’s), packaged A/C units, fan coil units, compressors, cooling towers and chillers etc.); systems (e.g. HVAC mechanical etc.); and the work of vendors to determine the condition of facilities, operational efficiency of equipment, quality of work performed,  whether equipment is on the scheduled maintenance program, and the safety measure being used by local vendors and service providers while they are working on the equipment.  Provides routine and emergency equipment condition inspections, as required by the manufacturer, on all systems and advises the Building/Mechanical Engineer Supervisor and the Facility Manager in writing, of existing and developing problems and makes recommendations for the course of action required to bring equipment and components back to the designed operating parameters.

 

5.           Ensures proper use of time, tools, specialty diagnostic devices materials and parts; provides data on all completed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks including spares utilized and those remaining in the inventory, and other consumables.  Orders replacement materials and parts to maintain an adequate supply for future servicing and repairs.

 

6.           Responds to emergency calls during off-duty hours, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week (24/7), when critical systems have stopped functioning, or there is an imminent threat to the life safety of personnel, or structure integrity.

 

               Maintenance and Project Support (40%)

 

1.           Assists in analyzing the performance of the HVAC and other Mechanical Control Systems, obtaining and documenting critical performance data, and reporting the same to the Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer and/or the Facility Manager detailing operational efficiency.  Performance data will include, but not be limited to, comparing current and historical data on chilled water temperatures, sample testing of air temperatures throughout the building(s), pressure across filter banks, building pressurization, water quality, motor bearing temperatures, fan belt tension, power consumption on circulating pumps and compressors, vibration, and other key performance indicators.  The incumbent will review reports and logs generated by the BASET and Engineers, and other tradesman to assist in the systems performance analysis. 

 

2.           Assists in the preparation of Statements of Work (SOW) and other construction documents for repairs, new construction, and renovation work.  Assistance includes obtaining telephone/written estimates and quotes for materials and equipment needed to facilitate repairs and the completion of assigned job/tasks.  Monitors contractors’ work to ensure they are providing products and services per the terms and conditions of the contract.  Assists in developing punch lists, testing, and inspections as required to ensure acceptable quality in both services and construction work and assists Facility Management Locally Employed (LE) Staff in the performance of in-house projects. 

 

3.           Assists in providing guidance and training to other Facility Management LE Staff and vendors/contractors in the correct operation of equipment, proper use of diagnostic devices and materials used to complete required maintenance activities, general operations, and future expansion projects. 

 

4.           Assists in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for HVAC and other mechanical systems, equipment, and associated components, actuators, and other control devices. 

 

Logistic Support (10%)

 

1.           Contributes to the safety program managed by the Post Occupational Safety Health Officer (POSHO).   Ensures work does not present a life safety or health problem to workers, other employees, or visitors.  Is vigilant in addressing workplace safety issues.

 

2.           Remains current on job specific expertise through various sources (e.g., online distance learning courses, trade publications, trade shows, vendor communication, etc.) to keep abreast of the latest technological developments and products to improve system and equipment reliability.

 

3.           Collateral duty assignments will be at the discretion of the Supervising Building/Mechanical Engineer or the Facility Manager.  Tasks may include the following: Additional mechanic duties, Assistant POSHO, Government Technical Monitor on Post-managed projects, and/or vendor/contractor escort.  Participates in Facility Management LE Staff training programs sponsored by Department of State (DOS), manufacturers, and private vendors.

 

Note:  Incumbent serves as an incidental operator of official vehicles and meets all requirements outlined in 14 FAM 433.

 

**Note:  This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.

 

Minimum Qualification Requirements

 

12.        Knowledge

 

12a.     Pre-hire (Operational):

 

The incumbent is required to know electrical theory, ohms law, circuit wiring, the laws of thermodynamics and their application to HVAC system design, installation, repair, and operations and maintenance.  The incumbent must have detailed technical knowledge of HVAC control systems and basic knowledge of how control systems interface with the other operating systems including the building automation system.  His/her knowledge base must be broad, encompassing many different makes and models, able to perform the required maintenance on each system.  Must have a very good technical understanding of major building electrical/mechanical systems and equipment.  Knowledge of International Building Code standards including electrical and mechanical requirements, and fire and life safety codes is required.

 

 

12b.     Post-hire (Organizational):

 

Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

 

13.        Pre-hire Skills and Abilities

The incumbent must be able to read and interpret mechanical layout drawings, electrical drawings, riser diagrams, wiring schematics, various equipment schedules, operations and maintenance manuals, as-built drawings, and other construction documents.  The incumbent shall have skills and abilities in the following areas: testing mechanical components and taking equipment readings with various meters, hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools to determine the root cause of a problem, and the appropriate repairs.  Must be able to use tools of the trade in order to install, troubleshoot, and repair the components associated with the HVAC mechanical controls and their interface devices with the building automation systems.  Additional skills include working with the building automation systems, emergency power sources including Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and standby generator; distinguishing frequencies and sounds, color codes and odors in the operation of equipment in order to troubleshoot for repairs.  Must have substantial skill in comprehending engineering reports, specifications, and related materials in English.  Additional abilities include responding to emergency situations in an efficient and timely manner to effect immediate repairs; work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces, working on ladders at various heights, and working in temperature extremes, indoors or outdoors, to complete work assignments; communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, contractors, and vendors to obtain and provide pertinent information.  Must be computer literate, able to use the Microsoft Office Suite software including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point; able to draft reports and create spreadsheets, and able to write e-mails and research information on the Internet.  Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle a large workload and multiple tasks.  Must be organized.

 

 

14.        Post-hire Skills and Abilities

Ability to inspect, test, evaluate, calibrate and updates HVAC Control Systems in compliance with OBO standards.

 

15.        Education

 

Completion of secondary school is required.  Successful completion of specialized vocational training program from an accredited institute recognized as producing journeyman level HVAC mechanical technicians and mechanical system specialist trained in the maintenance of commercial or industrial buildings/facilities is required.  A portion of the training must be in HVAC Controls and the interfacing with Building Automated Systems Technology.

 

16.        Licensing/Certifications/Training

Will receive orientation training on the Mission’s and the Facilities Management Office’s organizational structure, policies, and procedures.  Incumbent will receive specific on the job training to become familiar with mission maintenance operations such as where all of the major mechanical system components are located, where the maintenance library is located, and how to use and apply the requirements of the operations and maintenance manuals from equipment manufacturers. 

 

Training includes the following:

 

Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Courses:

PA522   Building Automation Systems

PA523   HVAC Fundamentals for Facility Managers

PA524   Electrical Power Generation for Facility Managers

Distance Learning:

PA296 How to be a Contracting Officer's Representative (Must complete before the candidate can assume duties as a    COR/GTM.) 

PA528 OBO Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

PA526 ProjNet SM Facilitating Design and Construction Communication

 

Must have a valid, current driver license for private car  Must have had a valid driver’s license for a minimum of five (5) years.

Successful completion of SMITH System Defensive Training. 

 

17.        Work Experience

 

17a.     Non-Supervisory:

 

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience at the journey-level in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial HVAC and/or other mechanical system digital building controls with interfacing to the building automation systems.  Work experience must show a progression of increased responsibility, and the ability to repair complex equipment, components, and systems.

 

17b.     Supervisory:

               No supervisory experience is required.

 

18.        Language Proficiency - List English and other host country language(s) proficiency requirements by level (1-5) for speaking, reading, and writing

                              English: Level 3 - Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing

 

Host-Country Language:       French: Level 3 - Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing

 

Host-Country Language:       Creole

Level 3 - Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing

 

English level III is required to translate local technical information, contract documents, and correspondences from the local language into English for the Supervisory Building/Mechanical Engineer and the /Facility Manager.

Creole language  Level III is required to communicate with local contractors and other LE Staff.

 

19.        Special Work Environment & Conditions