State of Maryland

A Refrigeration Mechanic is the full performance level of work installing, repairing and maintaining commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and equipment.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Maintenance Supervisor or other supervisory position.  Employees may be subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis.  The work may be performed in extremes of heat and cold and employees may be exposed to noisy, dirty and uncomfortable conditions.  The work may require the use of protective equipment such as masks and respirators when working around asbestos, goggles when operating power tools, rubber gloves when handling chemicals, and ear plugs when working around noisy machinery.  The work may require working in confined spaces at different heights and moving objects in excess of 50 pounds.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Installs, repairs and maintains refrigeration and air conditioning systems such as air handling units, chillers, cooling towers, air conditioning units, refrigerators, walk-in freezers, ice machines and water coolers according to blueprints, schematic drawings and manufacturers' specifications;

Makes daily safety inspections of equipment to observe operating conditions and to determine the need for repair and adjustment;

Monitors and adjusts temperature and pressure gauges to maximize equipment operation;

Tests components using testing equipment, such as micrometers, multi-meters and leak detectors;

Overhauls and replaces compressors, pumps, motors, valves, electrical connections and other component parts;

Performs preventive maintenance of equipment which includes lubricating and replacing bearings, cleaning and replacing filters, adjusting and replacing belts, cleaning coils and repairing and replacing worn fittings;

Charges refrigeration and air conditioning units with specified amounts of refrigerant;

Reclaims and recycles refrigerants according to federal regulations and guidelines;

Solders, brazes or welds metal parts when installing or repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems;

Completes work orders, maintenance logs and other reports to track and document work performed, to record time and materials used to complete a project, and to track amount of refrigerant used, reclaimed and recycled;

May provide technical guidance to lower-level maintenance workers;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the principles of the refrigeration cycle and refrigeration circuitry;

Knowledge of the operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their auxiliary equipment;

Knowledge of the safety precautions and federal regulations related to reclaiming and recycling refrigerants;

Skill in interpreting gauges and determining the efficient operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems;

Skill in the use and maintenance of manual and power tools and test equipment;

Ability to understand blueprints and schematic drawings;

Ability to complete and maintain work orders, maintenance logs and other forms;

Ability to move heavy objects, such as ladders, chemical drums, component parts and equipment;

Ability to comprehend and follow directions and instructions.

Education:   None.

Experience: Four years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and equipment at commercial or residential buildings or other facilities.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute graduation from an accredited vocational/technical high school with a concentration in refrigeration and air conditioning for three years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Engineman or Utilitiesman classifications or Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; Utilities Equipment Repairer, Utilities Chief; or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician specialty codes in the air-conditioning/refrigeration maintenance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the disposing or servicing of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess technician certification from an approved Environmental Protection Agency certifying organization as required by section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

1. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and, therefore, will be required to provide the facility with a phone number where they can be reached.

2. Employees in this classification who are designated as Level I or Level II employees shall attend and successfully complete the appropriate asbestos safety and health training as required by Executive Order 0l.01.1987.22.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Positions descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit A- Labor and Trades classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.