Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (HVAC Technician)
Smithsonian Institution
Posted: March 18, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Architect of the Capitol
Legislative Branch
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary
$36.49 - $44.74
per hour
Type
Full-Time
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This job involves working as a skilled technician to inspect, fix, and improve the electronic controls that manage heating and cooling systems in government buildings, often independently or while guiding less experienced staff.
It's a senior role in a team that handles complex troubleshooting and upgrades to keep systems running smoothly, including during emergencies or odd hours.
A good fit would be someone with hands-on experience in electronics and HVAC who enjoys problem-solving and mentoring others.
The HVAC Electronics Mechanic (DDC) serves as an expert on electronics and control systems to inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and upgrade heating and cooling systems.
The position is the senior position in a career ladder for electronics controls mechanics and serves as a mentor for junior technicians.
The selectee must demonstrate the ability to accomplish progressively more challenging control systems maintenance work independently.
You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT(S) required for this position.
For WG-12 Ability to perform HVAC Electronics Mechanic (DDC) work without more than normal supervision.
(Screen-out Factor) including: Guiding others and independently aligning, installing, maintaining, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC electronic systems.
For WG-11 Ability to perform HVAC Electronics Mechanic (DDC) work without more than normal supervision.
(Screen-out Factor) including: Independently aligning, installing, maintaining, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC electronics systems. Major Duties:
This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief of Operations, Superintendent, Capitol Building, Assistant Superintendent, Tenant Services and Facility Operations Division, Maintenance Branch, HVAC-R Section.
Essential: required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather situations. Tour of duty may include holidays and weekends on a regular or recurring basis.
Rotating shift work may also be required at supervisor's or management's discretion.
Tour of duty: Evening Shift: Monday - Friday -1:30pm - 10:00pm Hours May Change Due to Operational Needs of Management Duties and Responsibilities Inspect and Troubleshoots HVAC Electronics and DDC Uses a precise knowledge of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) for advanced troubleshooting and repair abilities.
Possess the ability to make changes to digital control programming for Automated Logic and Alerton control systems. Uses skills to troubleshoot and edit a WebCTRL program.
Troubleshoots tools such as Wireshark and its usage in BACnet discovery. Possess a basic knowledge of Automated Logic clippings and their usage.
Uses broad, practical and precise knowledge of electronic principles and practices to perform a complete range of electronic mechanical work relative to testing, troubleshooting, repairing, adjusting, aligning and calibration of complex DDC system components.
Performs operational tests of newly installed electronic assemblies and major components.
Performs tests to identify complex integrated circuitry malfunctions and repair the interface of components in relation to operational performance requirements.
Verifies and proof tests equipment being used to determine if such equipment and/or procedures are within acceptable tolerances.
Independently or as a team member, installs, overhauls, repairs, modifies and performs operational checks and built-in tests on a variety building application systems, sub-systems and related electrical, electronic, mechanical and hydraulic components.
Troubleshoots, isolates and corrects malfunctions, using system test sets and diagnostic equipment.
Utilizes a knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) to diagnose and coordinate repairs with EMCS, where necessary and to repair DDC and improve operating efficiency.
Acknowledges and investigates error alarms to maintain system integrity.
Isolates problems and determines nature and scope of repairs and replacements required by making voltage, frequency calculations, tracing circuits and relationships in the signal flow through the use of schematics and applicable drawings.
HVAC Operation and Performance Possess a broad understanding of control strategies for chill water distribution systems.
Understands and implements reset control strategies and 100% outside air control strategies for improved HVAC system performance.
Develops heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) operational schedules using Automated Logic WebCTRL system.
Understands and implements feedforward and feedback control loops, how they differ and their purpose in control strategies.
Troubleshoots HVAC operational issues using Automated Logic WebCTRL's alarms, trends and reporting features. Uses diagnostic fault tools for advanced troubleshooting of operational issues.
In the absence of established documentation determines the method and technique necessary to perform electronic tests.
Performs operational checks of advanced electronic assemblies in accordance with vendor procedures. Fuses chilled water or refrigerant lines to condensers, evaporators, compressors and controls.
Evacuates, dehydrates and charges system with appropriate refrigerants. Checks for refrigerant leakages. Resets controls essential to maintain desired temperatures, pressure and humidity.
Locates and diagnoses problems in control systems following trouble calls or inspections.
Fabricates new and/or repairs parts such as hinges, flanges, pipe joints and bearing sleeves, which can require welding.
Makes all necessary adjustments in electrical and pneumatic controls for optimal operation of chilled or hot water valves, booster heaters, pre-heaters, maximum air return, outside air and automatic and bypass volume dampers.
Checks systems for suitable running cycles, refrigerant and oil leakages, motor and compressor temperatures, belt adjustment, set points, cleanliness, operations and superheat rotation and heating protection.
Tests and aligns and final adjustments to meet calibration standards using a variety of sophisticated commercial test equipment such as electronic counters, digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, card readers, controllers (computers), etc.
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