Oil Burner Mechanic
Operations Department
Job Description

Position Title: Oil Burner Mechanic
Section: Maintenance Services
Classification: Trades 2 – NSUPE
Date: September 9, 2002
Reports to: Mechanical/Electrical Supervisor

Job Summary:

The Oil Burner Mechanic contributes to the effective operation of the Physical Plants within the Halifax Regional School Board. Responsible for the installation and maintenance of heating boilers, burners and other equipment at all buildings owned and operated by the Board. These duties include work of oil burner installer tradesperson’s competence, physical capability, and mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude. The position is responsible to the Mechanical/Electrical Supervisor and takes direction during shifts from on duty maintenance supervisors.

Competencies Required:

The Oil Burner Mechanic, Operations Department of the Halifax Regional School Board, shall have the following competencies:

1. the ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment;
2. the ability to support and communicate effectively within the various sites, Operations Department, other Departments of the Halifax Regional School Board, and third parties including students, school staff, parents, and outside entities;
3. the ability to organise and employ writing skills of the nature required to effectively communicate with the Board and external service providers;
4. the ability to prioritise in the scheduling of work requirements;
5. the ability to maintain a professional appearance and attitude on the job;
6. the ability to work within a team or individually, as required, with minimal supervision;
7. an understanding of , and the ability to carry out, policies and procedures developed by the Operations Department and the Board;
8. the ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics and boiler code specifications and diagrams for installation and repair of building systems and equipment;
9. a working knowledge of building systems, including mechanical and electrical;
10. a knowledge of applicable regulatory, building, and trades guidelines and codes;
11. a working knowledge of the various types of boilers, burners, heating systems,
    controls and equipment, and heating water treatment;
12. the ability to work with a computer as a programming and troubleshooting tool;
13. the desire and ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading;
14. to the ability to understand and promote confidentiality as the norm;
15. the ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding and human rights;
16. knowledge of Health and Safety procedures which include fire and emergency plans and Department of Labour procedures.

Qualifications:

1. Grade 12 High School Diploma or academic equivalent through educational programs such as a Graduated Equivalent Diploma;
2. Certification of Qualification as a Oil Burner Mechanic recognised by the province of Nova Scotia;
3. Five years experience working as a journeyman with commercial boilers/burners up to a minimum 150 horsepower rating, including a minimum 2 years working in a building maintenance environment;
4. Additional technical experience or qualified certification in areas such as steamfitter/piperfitter, welding, HVAC, electrical, and carpentry;
5. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and excellent driving record;
6. Physical and mechanical aptitude to perform a full range of maintenance and manual tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs a broad range of boiler, burner and maintenance services of the Physical Plant within the HRSB.

1. Installs, maintains, trouble shoots, tests, and repairs plant components, some of which include: oil burners, hot water boilers, steam boilers, circulators, associated heating systems components, boiler controls and wiring, cleaning tubes, compressors, cushion tanks, fuel lines, tanks, efficiency testing, fuel supplies, pipe threading, along with other mechanical machinery, plant and utility systems;
2. Carries out emergency, planned and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment within the Board and other apparatus as requested. Responds to emergency calls that are a result of mechanical/burner/boiler failure both during and after regular hours of work;
3. Responsible to assume work duties on plant systems and equipment, or perform various tasks normally designated to other department members when required;
4. Performs duties which may not require tradesman skills which are needed for satisfactory departmental operation;
5. Ensures that all work is done according to standard trade practices, Canadian Plumbing Code, and provincial and local building codes;
6. Keeps appropriate records including complete equipment repair history, work orders, daily job card, vehicle records, test reports, and other related data;
7. Maintains assigned vehicle in an orderly manner and performs daily operational checks. Notifies and schedules through the supervisor annual vehicle maintenance;
8. Determines sufficient material inventory. Locates correct replacement parts and suppliers. Initiates ordering of supplies and replacement parts, including properly stocking vehicle and regularly recording of vehicle inventory;
9. Makes recommendations and determines quantities and potential work time for proposed upgrades, installations, repairs, projects and budgets which assists with proper costing;
10. Liaisons with other consultants, contractors, inspectors, suppliers, and other departments on maintenance and project work. Assists other Board staff and external service providers;
11. Accurately completes and documents work orders prior to submission to supervisor. Provides written reports on any inspections and/or tests and makes recommendations to improve performance;
12. Performs duties in a fiscally responsible manner and observes all safety practices and regulations;
13. Knowledge of all Board and departmental policies and procedures which include fire and emergency plans;
14. Maintains clean and orderly conditions in all working areas, including shop, vehicle and school sites;
15. Protects the confidentiality of student and Board information;
16. Performs any other duties as required.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands, Hazards):

1. Ability and dexterity in use of various manual and powered hand tools;
2. Must be able to use various equipment such as powered tube reamers, ladders, staging, and man lifts;
3. Work involved with pressured hydronic systems, mechanical and boiler rooms, ventilation rooms, small spaces, and moving equipment;
4. Can be in contact with burner cleaning chemicals, fuel sources and boiler emissions;
5. Occasional periods of high levels of physical exertion are needed. This includes heavy lifting (50+lbs), climbing, crouching, balancing, reaching, stooping, carrying, working in confined spaces, above or below normal temperatures, etc.;
6. Working at times with very small parts, in areas of public access, and individually and with others;
7. Provide own hand tools and required travelling between various sites within HRSB.
8. Job requires predominately walking and standing. Normal work period is spent indoors with occasional outdoor periods;
9. Must maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Board identification must be worn.
10. Work evenings, days, and weekends as required. Hours of work and terms of employment subject to Collective Agreement, including callback and overtime, eight or ten hour shifts;