Occ. Code 7202022

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT (REFRIGERATION), GRADE 9

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

NATURE OF WORK

A Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) performs routine inspections and servicing of various types of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment in a State facility.

Positions in this class are located in the State University.

CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA AND DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration), as a semiskilled employee, performs the more routine and repetitive tasks in the inspection, maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, usually under the supervision of a Refrigeration Mechanic. Incumbents in learning and perfecting their craft may perform journey level activities under supervision or after receiving detailed instructions. Incumbents may function as a lead worker on a project basis over maintenance helpers, laborers and other relatively unskilled workers in performing manual tasks involving elementary skills.

There are a number of other specialized maintenance assistant classes having parenthetic designations describing the predominant trade area in which the incumbent is assigned; i.e., carpenter, plumber and steamfitter, electrician and mason and plasterer. Although incumbents of such classes may perform tasks normally associated with more than one trade, most of their time is spent performing tasks typical of the trade indicated by the special title.

Incumbents of Maintenance Assistant positions without a parenthetic designating a trade specialty are usually found in relatively small maintenance staffs where such specialization is not desirable, or in maintenance pools where specialization is not efficient. However, incumbents may be assigned to tasks such as those described for any of the specialized positions of Maintenance Assistant.

Maintenance Assistant is distinguished from Maintenance Helper by the latter's performance of relatively unskilled tasks in direct support of semiskilled trades positions. Such tasks are performed under very specific instructions and the supervision of either a Maintenance Assistant or a journey level tradesperson.

Refrigeration Mechanic is distinguished from Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) by the responsibility for planning and laying out work, diagnosing trouble and performing major overhauls and repairs to all types of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment at a State facility. Typically, only one Refrigeration Mechanic position exists at a State facility.  Refrigeration Mechanics supervise and train Maintenance Assistants, Helpers and Laborers assigned to assist in refrigeration and air-conditioning maintenance operations.

TYPICAL ACTIVITIES, TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) working from oral and written instructions, diagrams and equipment manuals, performs a variety of semiskilled maintenance and repair tasks including but not limited to the following:

§ Assists a skilled mechanic in the overhaul and major repair of compressors, pumps, and electric motors by performing specific tasks as directed.

§ Installs and assists in the installation of refrigeration and air-conditioning units and systems by performing such tasks as mounting compressors, condensors and other components in specified locations; cutting, threading and connecting tubing to inlets and outlets of components; installing control mechanisms and assembling components of systems following written and schematic instructions; testing lines, connections and components for leaks with leak detector and making the necessary repairs; recording temperature and pressure readings from gauges, and adjusting controls to bring readings within limits prescribed by the manufacturer.

§ Services, adjusts or replaces electrical control devices and calibrates them according to specified procedures and specifications.

§ Performs seasonal start-up and shut-down operations on air-conditioning units and systems to assure efficient and maintenance free operations.

§ Makes electrical connections for motors.

§ Locates and seals leaks in tubing, valves, joint connections and other components in both gas and brine units. Makes repairs by appropriate methods and retests system to insure connections are tight.

§ Periodically inspects and services refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules and equipment service manuals.

As assigned, a Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) functions as lead worker over a small maintenance crew usually consisting of maintenance helpers and laborers.

Under direction, incumbents participate in work in other maintenance specialties when not engaged in refrigeration work.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

The nature of Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) activities generally restricts relationships to employees working within the same organizational unit. As assigned, incumbents supervise a small maintenance crew, characterized by frequent oral communications in assigning work and providing instructions. Written and oral communications with others are not typical of this class.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION

Maintenance Assistants (Refrigeration) are supervised by skilled craft positions usually a Refrigeration Mechanic. Work priorities and the nature and extent of work to be performed are prescribed and materials and tools are furnished. When necessary, the work to be performed is laid out by the supervisor who gives specific instructions, assists in performing the more difficult tasks and inspects the job while in progress and when completed to insure that instructions have been followed and that the quality of the work is satisfactory. However, a Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) may perform the activities of the class with considerable independence when supervision is not immediately available due to such factors as the geographic location of the assignment. In addition, incumbents are expected to perform the more routine and repetitive tasks with considerable independence.

As assigned, a Maintenance Assistant (Refrigeration) supervises a maintenance crew comprised of maintenance helpers, laborers and other relatively unskilled workers by making assignments, giving instructions and providing assistance in performing the work.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Maintenance Assistants (Refrigeration) use standard hand and power tools in repairing and installing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and components. Incumbents also use a variety of testing equipment, gauges and calibrators to detect leaks and other malfunctions, to obtain pressure readings, and to adjust control mechanisms. They also use acetylene torches and pipe threaders to connect tubing.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

§ Working knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment used in the maintenance, repair and installation of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

§ Working knowledge of the characteristics and use of various gases and solutions.

§ Working knowledge of the applicable safety codes, standards and procedures followed in maintaining and repairing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

§ Working knowledge of the safe and efficient operation of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

§ Ability to use the tools, equipment and materials of the refrigeration trade.

§ Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

§ Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor.

§ Ability to read technical manuals, specifications and plans.

As assigned:

§ Ability to lead the activities of a subordinate staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of experience in plumbing, steamfitting, electrical, air- conditioning or refrigeration work, under the supervision of a journey level tradesperson, or completion of a two year technical school course in heating, refrigeration or air‑conditioning.

Reviewed:  1/04

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.