Global Title: Cooling Tower Technician Il UE
Global Grade: F
Last Updated: 12/2024
Job Code: 9970
Nature and Level of Work
Perform water chemistry analysis, chemical treatment, cleaning, maintenance and repair of cooling tower systems, and cleaning and maintenance of heat transfer tubes in chillers. This position requires a comprehensive knowledge of how cooling tower systems operate and the ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and make improvements to the overall reliability of the equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Work safely in conjunction with a water treatment vendor, observe trends of cooling tower water chemistry analysis and treatment results and make necessary corrections so all parameters are within control limits. Record manually or electronically the results of water chemistry analyses and other cooling tower operating information for record purposes.
- Safely take water samples from cooling towers and analyze samples with instruments or other methods, comparing previous records and making appropriate adjustment(s) in water chemicals including sulfuric acid, corrosion inhibitors and biocides, to produce desired results in pH, conductivity, makeup and blow-down. Review and understand Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used.
- Observe cooling tower operation and make appropriate adjustments and repairs to obtain maximum tower efficiency. Understand theory of cooling tower operation and the significance of various temperature/humidity readings, flow rates and pump head pressures. Clean condensing water pump strainers, distribution decks, basins and nozzles as needed.
- Determine appropriate chemical pump sizes for various tower treatment applications. Analyze chemical pump malfunctions, order repair parts and rebuild pumps.
- Safely repair chemical injection lines, install new chemicals lines, and install chemical tanks.
- Perform cooling tower inspections including proper fan and gearbox operation and overall machinery health.
- Clean or assist with cleaning cooling towers and partially disassemble chillers during the winter and spring (weather permitting), to clean heat transfer surfaces in preparation for summer operation. Perform hydrogen peroxide cleaning of towers.
- Understand proper lubrication techniques and grease pumps and motors as required. Assist with gearbox oil changes.
- Understand how to create work orders, make notes, close work orders, add nameplate information and media attachments in the Asset Management Program.
- Collect vibration readings with an analyzer on rotating equipment.
- Understand basic water chemistry so as to handle all chemicals for personal, equipment and environmental safety. Have knowledge of safety procedures in the event of a chemical spill or
accident. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to water treatment chemicals to protect themselves and others. Follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Perform the calibration of probes, hand-held testing devices, and flow meters. Install chlorine analyzers, repair and replace as needed.
- Assist vendors in safe bulk delivery of cooling tower chemicals. Take inventory of water treatment chemicals not supplied by the water treatment vendor and requisition re-supplies through supervisor or designee.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received
Supervision is provided by the District Cooling Supervisor. Functional supervision may be given by the lead cooling tower technician. Work assignments may be task or project oriented depending on need.
Supervision Exercised
No supervision is generally exercised although employee may provide instruction to other employees assigned to cooling tower treatment.
Qualifications
- A high school diploma with completion of one year of high school level chemistry or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary. Training school courses (such as military boiler water treatment courses) or other similar training in lieu of high school chemistry may be acceptable.
- Two years of experience working at a large industrial, commercial or college campus environment where chilled water systems, chemical treatment, and cooling towers or similar heat exchange equipment is required.
- Completion of all training requirements of Cooling Tower Technician I is required.
- Basic knowledge of personal computer operation is desirable.
- A valid Missouri driver's license is required.
- Ability on a daily basis to:
- Grasp, lift, carry and set down heavy objects (75 lbs.)
- Climb and work from ladders, staging and scaffolding
- Carry and use tools and equipment in hot enclosed spaces or places exposed to the weather
- Physically able to be properly fitted and wear a half-face respirator
- use hand tools and small power tools on a regular basis