MECHANICAL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County seeks an experienced technician to operate, maintain, and repair HVAC, boiler, refrigeration, electrical, and building automation systems. You will handle direct digital controls, PLCs, and security systems, performing preventive maintenance and calibrations while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role includes plumbing work, parts procurement, cost estimates, and supervising other staff.

Qualifications

• Specialized trades training in HVAC or electronics is required.
• First Class Stationary Engineer’s license is required.
• EPA Universal certification required within six months of hire.
• Forklift certification within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, install, maintain, and repair HVAC, refrigeration, boilers, chillers, and pumps.
• Manage direct digital controls, electronic controls, and PLC-based systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance, calibrate and adjust controls, replace parts.
• Perform plumbing and steam fitting, install and repair fixtures and pipes.
• Use computer systems for monitoring, data collection, and remote control; respond to alarms.
• Procure parts, prepare cost estimates, and maintain inventory and records.
• Prepare historical records on facilities and equipment; maintain work orders.
• Provide guidance to staff and perform related duties as required.
• Operate safely in accordance with codes and regulations.

Skills

HVAC troubleshooting

DDC controls

Electrical systems

Plumbing & steam

Blueprints & schematics

MS Office

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

First Class Stationary Engineer’s license

Specialized trades training in HVAC or electronics

Equivalent training/experience

EPA Universal certification

Forklift certification

Job description

Under general supervision, performs skilled work required to operate, install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical control systems, and pneumatic control equipment. Responsible for building automation systems, including mechanical electrical systems, security/fire safety systems, and programmable logic controllers.

1. Maintains, tests, inspects, and repairs HVAC and refrigeration units, boilers, chillers, heat pumps, fan coil terminals, pumps, ventilation and humidifying units, and related equipment.
2. Operates and maintains direct digital controls, electronic controls, computer systems for HVAC, and security/fire safety systems.
3. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment, including oiling and lubricating fans, motors, pumps, and generators, replacing parts, and calibrating and adjusting controls.
4. Performs plumbing and steam fitting work, including installing, adjusting, maintaining, and repairing plumbing fixtures, cutting, threading, and insulating pipes and rebuilding supply valves, flush valves, and vacuum breakers.
5. Utilizes computer programs and networks for temperature and alarm monitoring, database editing, data collection, and remote job control; monitors equipment to detect malfunctions, makes repairs and adjustments as necessary, and responds to emergency repairs.
6. Procures parts and equipment needed for repairs and maintenance; prepares project and equipment cost estimates.
7. Maintains equipment and supply inventory to ensure adequate stock for work assignments; prepares and maintains historical records on facilities and equipment.
8. Performs a variety of general cleaning and maintenance tasks such as sweeping and cleaning the boiler room floors and cleaning and painting the external surface of equipment.
9. Provides guidance and direction to other staff as needed.
10. Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of low pressure steam plant operation practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety and accident prevention measures required for operating and maintaining all heating and power plant equipment.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning equipment including chillers and related peripheral equipment.
• Knowledge of the preventive maintenance programs and inventory control methods, practices, and procedures relating to plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of standard practices, tools, and materials used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of building automation systems and related equipment.
• Knowledge of building fire/safety and construction codes and regulations
• Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics and combustion.
• Knowledge of HVAC and maintenance and repair of direct digital control systems.
• Knowledge of computer interfaces used in building and capital equipment operations, including PLC systems and ladder logic programming.
• General knowledge of government procurement procedures.
• Sill in the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating and cooling equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair a variety of air handling systems, refrigeration equipment control systems, and devices including troubleshooting of direct digital controls.
• Ability to safely operate van, forklifts, hand jacks, and other material handling equipment and install pumps and motors.
• Ability to operate a computer and utilize Word and Excel software programs.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering plans, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Ability to move parts and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Ability to perform installation and repair work in small, confined spaces at various elevations, walk on uneven surfaces, perform physical labor in inclement weather, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to distinguish colors of electrical wires.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain computerized preventative maintenance programs, work order systems, and various records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, public officials, contractors, vendors, jail management staff, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Completion of specialized trades training in HVAC or electronics, and
• Five years of experience in operating and maintaining building automation systems including heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing or boiler systems, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• A First Class Stationary Engineer’s license is required.

Special Requirements

• EPA Technician Certification – Universal (CFC/HCFC refrigerant processing) is required within six months of hire.
• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• Certification in the operation of forklifts is required within six months of employment.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.