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Job Description
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK
(ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY) Performs energy audits, air quality and safety testing, quality assurance monitoring, and final inspections using a variety of test equipment, including a blower door, infrared camera, combustion analyzer, draft gauges, carbon monoxide tester, and furnace control circuit testers. Takes blower door readings to determine air volume movement at multiple pressure differentials and, using a handheld computer or manual data graphing, calculates air leakage (in CFM) at a standardized pressure differential. Using blower door analysis, determines the leakage reduction goals and prescribes the work routine for the achievement of these goals. Using the infrared camera in conjunction with the blower door, determines the obscure leakage paths in wall and floor cavities as well as the level of attic by-pass and makes prescriptions for their treatment. Using the infrared camera, determines the location of insulation voids and other treatment deficiencies. Using furnace test equipment measures the volume, temperature and soot content of flue products in oil fired furnaces. Using carbon monoxide contained in the flue products of gas fired furnaces. Measures draft using magnehelic or manometer gauges. Measures furnace supply and return plenum temperatures to determine transfer efficiency. Measures chimney backspilling using a blower door. Test for proper safety timing of furnace flame safety controls and tests for proper temperature limit control setting. Test for pressure difference between basements and living areas to identify potential chimney backspilling conditions. Insures compliance with approved energy efficiency specification; informs the contractor of procedures, technical information, problems, and familiarizes them with the special heat loss characteristics of the building and any special retrofit requirements. Enforces contractors' compliance with contract requirements; to resolve disputes between the sponsor and the contractor; and may approve minor changes in energy audits and work orders to meet field conditions; re-inspects areas where complex and/or numerous violations were found or where post-treatment diagnosis indicates uncorrected heat loss conditions. Prepares a detailed heat loss report, complete with blower door reading, infrared recording, furnace flue gas and draft reading, attic air by-pass conditions, and an interpretive analysis of all diagnostic findings. Investigates damage claims and answers complaints regarding construction work. May prepare drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for minor energy construction projects.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of the building heat loss dynamics involving pressure differences, radiant, convective and conductive temperature transfer properties, by-passes, chases, chimney back drafting and air exfiltration, etc Considerable knowledge of blower door theory and operations, including data point regression techniques, leakage area calculation and significance, exponent calculation and significance, and the relative value of leakage reduction as determined by its location in the house and interrelationship with other house systems. Knowledge of blower door applications for chimney back-drafting testing Considerable knowledge of infrared camera theory, use, and application to residential building heat loss. Complete understanding of infrared detection, its limitations, and potential misapplications Considerable knowledge of furnace efficiency theory and retrofit applications. Knowledge of combustion testing, draft testing, and carbon monoxide testing.
Understanding of test results for:
carbon dioxide, stack temperatures, smoke, carbon monoxide, draft plenum temperature, safety timing, and furnace temperature limit controls, and furnace blower depressurization. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and others. This is a highly technical field work involving the instrumented diagnosis of building heat loss characteristics, the development of detailed analysis of diagnostic findings, the preparation of technical contractor work order specifications, the inspection and quality assurance of all work in progress, and the final instrumented inspection of completed work. An employee in this class is responsible for insuring the energy efficiency integrity of small construction projects and all aspects of weatherization projects. The interpretation of more complex building and furnace heat loss dynamics based on measurable conditions using a blower door, infrared camera, combustion analyses and other instrumented test procedures is a significant aspect of this work. The use of a portable computer as well as manual calculation of house "leakage curves" and the regression analysis of curve data points are routinely required. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Technical Supervisor or Project Manager. Assignments require evaluative thinking carried out in accordance with accepted heat loss diagnostic and construction inspection standards and applicable codes and regulations. The employee in this class works with the client, contractor and PHDC staff to insure all weatherization and construction projects result in maximum attainable energy efficiency. Work requires moderate physical effort. PHDC offers a generous benefits package, including: Superior health insurance (including prescription, vision, and dental) Generous retirement plan Life insurance Deferred compensation Paid vacation and sick time And much more!
ONCE HIRED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST BECOME A RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF APPOINTMENT AND MAINTAIN RESIDENCY STATUS IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. PHDC
is an equal opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status .
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
( The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.) Completion of a two-year program with major coursework in building science or civil engineering technology at a technical institute or two years at an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering or architectural design, and Three years of experience performing technical field work in building renovation, weatherization, furnace repair, and replacement, with at least three (3) years' experience in energy conservation retrofitting either in design, installation, or quality control capacity, and attendance at least one State-sponsored weatherization seminar.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL STANDARDS
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment as an Energy Efficiency Specialist, if required by the work assignment Certification as Expert in: Blower Door Diagnostics, Attic Bypass Diagnostics, Infrared Diagnostics, and Furnace Safety and Efficiency testing and Diagnostics.
