OPERATOR, REFRIGERATION SERVICES
Operator, Refrigeration Services sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
The requirements come down to 2 years of relevant experience and a professional license. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $52,308 to $75,954.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of a supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency installs, operates, maintains, and services machinery and equipment used for preservation of food, cooling of water, ice-making, and conditioning of air; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Operates electrical and/or steam driven freon or ammonia compressors used in manufacture of ice, cooling of storage compartments, and conditioning of air.
- Repairs compressors, blower units, motors, pumps, condensers, coils, and other units.
- Locates and repairs leaks in systems.
- Sees that systems are kept free of moisture.
- Removes and installs pressure controls.
- Inspects and checks safety units, and charges and purges the system as required.
- Operates brine circulating pumps, valves, and other equipment connected with the operation of brine tanks.
- Repairs and replaces automatic and thermostatic expansion valves and other regulating valves.
- Checks systems periodically to keep water consumption at a minimum.
- Sees that instrument readings are taken and recorded.
- Sees that systems are supplied with proper amount of refrigerant and oil at all times.
- Installs, repairs, and maintains various types of air conditioning distribution systems including piping and duct work wiring of controls and safety devices.
- Performs tests on air conditioning equipment to determine efficiencies of cooling and to obtain maximum output.
- Sees that systems are kept clean including filters, compressors, controls, condensers, blowers, evaporators, and coils, and ensures systems and parts are in proper working order.
- Inspects and makes needed repairs to oxygen tent equipment.
- Repairs cabinets, doors, and hardware of varied storage compartments including seals on gaskets, keepers, locks, hinges, and insulation replacements.
- Oils, greases, and performs other maintenance duties on movable parts.
- Prepares records and reports pertaining to the operation of several refrigeration and other units.
- In the Department of Human Services, may be required to undergo fire training classes.
- Orders materials and maintains inventory of necessary spare parts, and provides for their proper storage and security.
- In the Department of Transportation, may travel to various locations throughout the state in the course of official duties.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of varied types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a valid Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification of the appropriate level, commensurate with the type of equipment serviced, issues under authority of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Appointees will be required to possess a Refrigeration Plant Operator's License of the appropriate grade and type WHEN the position required operation of refrigeration systems using toxic or flammable refrigerants of the size and capacity as established under provisions of NJAC 12:90-3.8.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of varied types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and machines, and their installation, use, care, adjustment, and maintenance.
- Knowledge of materials used and methods involved in cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, repairing, and testing varied types of refrigerating and air conditioning machinery.
- Knowledge of safety precautions to be taken in the operation, repair, adjustment, and maintenance of varied types of refrigeration and air conditioning machinery and equipment.
- Ability to analyze refrigeration and air conditioning service problems, organize assigned work, develop effective work methods, and observe safety precautions.
- Ability to install, operate, adjust, and maintain varied types of refrigeration and air conditioning units used in a hospital including oxygen tents and other equipment operated by means of compressed gases.
- Ability to take and record readings on log sheets.
- Ability to ensure that required temperatures are maintained in cold storage areas, offices, and working areas. Ability to diagnose and remedy operating failures of equipment, and to make minor adjustments and repairs on movable parts.
- Ability to keep essential records pertaining to the refrigeration and air conditioning services.
- Ability to requisition, store, safeguard, and properly use equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
- CODES: 15/C16- (40 hrs.) RKR/jmr 11/9/96 15/C14 - (35 hrs.)
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.