5306C
(5306-0003)BUILDING EQUIPMENT MECHANIC--MESC-08
DOCUMENT DATE: November 16, 2002
FUNCTION:
Performs complex maintenance and troubleshooting of building and building equipment systems,
maintains and operates a large automated heating and air conditioning system.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
See the Standard Position Description for the Occupation Code given above.
REQUIREMENTS:
This section is composed of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) which are required to
satisfactorily perform the tasks of the position. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess a
sufficient level of each KSA, to include at least minimum competency for senior-qualified positions
to enable them to perform these tasks satisfactorily. Applicants demonstrate these levels by
describing examples of experience, education, or training, any of which may be non-postal.
Ratings are based on the demonstration of the level of possession of each of the KSAs. Failure
to demonstrate any KSA is disqualifying. The numbers in parentheses reflect KSA item numbers.
(1) Knowledge of basic mechanics refers to the theory of operation, terminology, usage, and
characteristics of basic mechanical principles as they apply to such things as gears,
pulleys, cams, pawls, linkages, fasteners, chains, sprockets, and belts; and including
hoisting, rigging, roping, pneumatic and hydraulic devices.
(2) Knowledge of basic electricity refers to the theory, terminology, usage, and characteristics
of basic electrical principles such as Ohm's Law, Kirchoff's Law, and magnetism, as they
apply to such things as AC-DC circuitry and hardware, relays, switches, and circuit breakers.
(3) Knowledge of basic electronics refers to the theory, terminology, usage, and characteristics
of basic electronic principles concerning such things as solid state devices, vacuum tubes,
coils, capacitors, resistors, and basic logic circuitry.
(5) Knowledge of safety procedures and equipment refers to the knowledge of industrial
hazards (e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic), and procedures and techniques
established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out devices, protective clothing,
and waste disposal techniques.
(8) Knowledge of lubrication materials and procedures refers to the terminology,
characteristics, storage, preparation, disposal, and usage techniques involved with
lubrication materials such as oils, greases, and other types of lubricants.
(9) Knowledge of cleaning materials and procedures refers to the terminology, characteristics,
storage, preparation, disposal, and usage techniques involved in application and removal of
cleaning materials such as alcohols, solvents, detergents, and degreasers. Included is an
understanding of the use of compressed air and vacuum type cleaning procedures.
(10) Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) refers to basic knowledge and familiarity
with the techniques and procedures specified in the NEC as they apply to electrical
installations such as circuit protection, wiring, conduit, power, and lighting circuits.
(12) Knowledge of refrigeration refers to the theory, terminology, usage, and characteristics of
refrigeration principles as they apply to such things as the refrigeration cycle, compressors,
condensers, receivers, evaporators metering devices, and refrigerant oils.
(13) Knowledge of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment operation refers
to the knowledge of equipment operations such as safety considerations, start up, shut
down, and mechanical/electrical operating characteristics of HVAC equipment (e.g.,
chillers, direct expansion units, window units, heating equipment). This does not include
the knowledge of refrigeration.
(17) Knowledge of plumbing refers to the terminology, materials, techniques, and procedures
used in plumbing applications such as installing pipe and tubing, making joints, repairing
flush and float valves, and cleaning drains.
(19) Ability to perform basic mathematical computations refers to the ability to perform basic
calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals.
(20) Ability to perform more complex mathematics refers to the ability to perform calculations
such as basic algebra, geometry, scientific notation, and number conversions, as applied to
mechanical, electrical, and electronic applications.
(21) Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications refers to the ability to recall
specific theoretical knowledge and apply it to mechanical, electrical, or electronic
maintenance applications such as inspection, troubleshooting, equipment repair and
modification, preventive maintenance, and installation of electrical equipment.
(22) Ability to detect patterns refers to the ability to observe and analyze qualitative and
quantitative factors such as number progressions, spatial relationships, and auditory and
visual patterns. This includes combining information and determining how a given set of
numbers, objects, or sounds are related to each other.
(23) Ability to use written reference materials refers to the ability to locate, read, and
comprehend text material such as handbooks, manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists,
and route sheets.
(24) Ability to communicate in writing refers to transmitting written information (e.g., equipment
status, recommended repairs) to maintenance, operations, and other personnel.
(25) Ability to communicate orally refers to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as
equipment status, recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical
procedures) to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel.
(26) Ability to follow instructions refers to the ability to comprehend and execute written and oral
instructions such as work orders, checklists, route sheets, and verbal directions and
instructions.
(27) Ability to work under pressure refers to safely and effectively performing the duties of the
position under stress or in emergency situations.
(28) Ability to work with others refers to the ability to work safely and efficiently in cooperation
with fellow employees to perform the duties of the position.
(29) Ability to work without (immediate) supervision refers to the ability to perform safely and
efficiently the duties of the position such as planning and executing work activities without
direct supervision.
(30) Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of
the position above floor level such as from ladders, catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-
lifts, and platforms.
(31) Ability to use hand tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various hand tools.
This ability involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as
screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges,
and alignment tools.
(32) Ability to use portable power tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various
power tools. This ability involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power tools
such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders.
(33) Ability to use shop power equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, shop
machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and table/band saws.
(35) Ability to use technical drawings refers to the ability to read and comprehend technical
materials such as diagrams, schematics, flowcharts, and blueprints.
(36) Ability to use test equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types
of mechanical, electrical, and electronic test equipment such as VOMs, oscilloscopes,
circuit tracers, amprobes, and RPM meters.
(37) Ability to solder refers to the knowledge of, and the ability to safely and effectively apply, the
appropriate soldering techniques.
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must complete the appropriate written examination. An applicant's total qualifications
will be evaluated by a combination of the written examination and the review panel evaluation;
and additionally, for in-craft candidates, the supervisor evaluation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be physically able to perform efficiently the duties of the position, which may
require arduous exertion involving the following: standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching,
and stooping for prolonged periods of time; and intermittent lifting and carrying of heavy tools, tool
boxes, and equipment on level surfaces and up ladders and stairways. Applicants must have
vision of 20/40 (Snellen) in one eye and the ability to read without strain printed material the size
of typewritten characters is required. Corrective lenses are permitted. The ability to distinguish
basic colors and shades is required. Applicants will be required to hear the conversational voice
in a noisy environment and to identify environmental sounds, such as equipment running or
unusual noises. Hearing aids are permitted.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:
A. Applicants who qualify under this standard may be required to satisfactorily complete a
prescribed training course(s) prior to assignment, reassignment, or promotion.
B. Applicants must be able to operate powered industrial equipment.
C. For positions requiring driving, applicants must have a valid state driver's license, and
demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. Applicants must pass the Postal Service
road test to show the ability to safely drive a vehicle of the type used on the job. Employees
may be required to drive motor vehicles in all kinds of traffic and road conditions.