HVAC Plumbing Mechanic I-Maintenance Specialist (107)

Position Description:

Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is recruiting a HVAC Mechanic / Maintenance Specialist to support the Engineering Services Division. Under direct supervision, the Maintenance Specialist installs, maintains, upgrades, repairs and controls the refrigerated and evaporative cooling systems for multiple antennas and buildings.

The position is based at the VLA, 50 miles west of Socorro, New Mexico.

What You Will be Doing:

• Works under supervision and instruction: operates, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains coolers, refrigerators, room air conditioning units, chillers, air handlers, boilers, plumbing systems, water filtration units, water coolers, fountains, fuel oil nozzles, motors, belts, fans, and all related connections.
• Must be able to read schematics and blueprints to aid in the installation of HVAC and water systems and the completion of cost estimates.
• Assists with the Operation and maintains all related electrical supplies, controllers, relays, operators, and CPUs.
• Assists with the Operation and maintains water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems, and distribution systems.
• Assists in determining the need for parts, contacting distributors to determine pricing, and placing orders, with supervisory approval.
• Records all repairs and maintenance for future reference, maintains PC database as required by the Supervisor.
• Remains current with regulations and equipment to ensure code compliance with coolant industry and governing bodies.
• Works as part of Plant Maintenance or Engineering Services team and assists any or all other areas, as needed.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.

Work Environment
The VLA site is located in a remote area 7,000 feet above sea level. This position may require occasional travel to various locations within the USA or its protectorates. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both inside and outside, day or night, near moving mechanical parts. The employee generally works at ground level, but occasionally works at heights above 100 feet. The employee must be able to climb ladders while carrying equipment and tools, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and operate a variety of tools and equipment. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee occasionally works in a confined or underground space and near electrical equipment. The employee will work with chemicals, such as Freon, chlorine, and other water and waste treatment chemicals. The employee must be able to work with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when needed. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Who You Are:

• You have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.

• You have at least three years of hands on experience in construction or related field, successful completion in a related Technical Vocational program accepted
• While not required but preferred, Five years of experience in the HVAC field. Training in industrial cooling, including EPA Freon certification. Training in industrial heating, including LPG or electric heat as appropriate.
Competency Summary
General knowledge of all construction and maintenance trades required. Additional Preferred Requirements: Journeyman Electrician License or equivalent experience and CFC certification required. Must have or be able to obtain the required Federal, State and Local Waste Water Treatment Plant and Public Water System Operator certifications.

Additional Requirements
• A valid driver’s license is required by start date of employment and to be maintained.

Physical Demands
Work typically takes place in a machine shop, mechanical rooms, or other specialized shop, on radio telescopes, outdoors, and employees may be occasionally required to work elsewhere. Required to stand and sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands or arms. Regularly works near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch. Able to work with a variety of chemicals. Must occasionally lift and/or move