Facilities HVAC Control Specialist

Under limited supervision, the Facilities Control Specialists responsible for the installation, maintenance and adjustment, and repair of electric, electronic, pneumatic, and digitally controlled building automation systems which manage the most complex HVAC and refrigeration systems. This position monitors, troubleshoots, designs, modifies, calibrates, and programs system features and respond to technical and mechanical problems, either remotely or on-site. The individual must be thoroughly conversant in the software operation of the applicable building automation system and have the journey-level skills and experience to allow for the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of complex HVAC systems and their components.

The incumbent acts independently and responds with acquired skill, exercising Institute and professionally established safety precautions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Facilities Automation: (95%)

• Installs, modifies, adjusts, and repairs computer-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems, including air-handling units, fan coil units, hydronic heating systems, variable frequency drives (VFD), ultrasonic flow meters, various direct digital control (DDC), and pneumatic controls components. Suggest and implement, as necessary, methods for better control of systems to optimize control of systems, comfort and/or energy savings.
• Fabricates and implements programs or building control strategies for digitally controlled or global supervisory controlled systems.
• Troubleshoots, designs, modifies programs, and monitor and collect data for building automation systems.
• Repairs and maintains individual hardware and software components of applicable
• Performs minor-to-major overhauls, which include, but are not limited to: disassembling and inspecting of all parts, replacing worn and defective parts, reassembling of all equipment and controls, and testing to ensure proper function.
• Performs major-to-minor repairs of microprocessor-based automation system that monitors and controls building environments.
• Installs electrical conduit, power feeds, and controls for a wide range of systems and various equipment.
• Installs network cables and terminations.
• Utilizes plans and own knowledge to determine how and where to fabricate, assemble and install sheet metal products such as air ducts, reheat systems, supports and control boxes.
• Installs gauges, valves and various types of pipes which may require soldering, brazing, threading and gluing.
• Replaces air filters and water filters.
• Responds to service requests and diagnose and troubleshoot system problems and correct as necessary.
• Serves as department specialist on building automation systems.
• Trains others on the troubleshooting, overhaul, repair, calibration, and testing of controls to facilitate the maintenance of systems.

General Tasks

• Maintains schedules, quickly adapt to changes as needed.
• Balances workload and workflow to achieve optimal productivity.
• Prioritizes own weekly schedule.
• Maintains records and retrieves data related to work performed, using manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems; prepares standard reports.
• Consults, coordinates and works with other trades workers, customers and contractors.
• Assist in review of construction documents and specifications; and provide campus input to design professionals. Coordinate and work with contractors during installation of new systems and system upgrade projects.
• Trains employees on technical skills and may occasionally assist them with problem solving and technical procedures.
• Checks own work and possibly work of others.
• Prepares schematics and diagrams in laying out work areas.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, prints, specifications and Operations and Maintenance Manuals.
• Estimates cost, time and materials for projects.
• Ensures adequate inventory of necessary supplies and parts. Completes purchase requests for needed materials.
• Uses broad guidelines and independent judgement in resolving problems and making recommendations for improvement in processes and assigned tasks.
• Analyzes and responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Participates in the maintenance and operations of the shop, including cleaning, maintaining, and servicing of tools and equipment used in the performance of duties.
• Maintains clean work areas.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Attend training and maintain skill currency as appropriate to safely and effectively complete assignments.

Other Duties: (5%)

• Moves heavy laboratory equipment such as: fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, freezers, refrigerators, centrifuges, incubators, etc.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 5 years of progressively responsible skilled journey-level experience diagnosing, repairing and maintaining large, complex and sophisticated heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning and water treatment systems. Experience installing, inspecting, servicing, repairing, replacing, and calibrating building automation and control systems, as well as using programming features of building automation systems.

EDUCATION

Required:

• High school graduate/GED
• 5 years of training and experience in Building Automation Systems plus at least 1 year of trade/vocational education or apprenticeship.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Ability to interface BACnet equipped controllers to Metasys BAS (Building Automation System).
• Thorough understanding of electric, electronic, pneumatic and digitally controlled building automation systems.
• Ability to use the building automation system's programming features to design, modify, and implement programs to achieve facilities management's goals, as well as to perform remote and hands-on troubleshooting, intervention and repair.
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of major types of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and of the materials, equipment, and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of such equipment including ability to install, operate, and repair
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC codes.
• Ability to perform skilled electrical and plumbing work as applicable to BAS.
• Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools, estimating process, and materials used in the operation, maintenance and repair of heating, pneumatic, ventilating, air conditioning and other mechanical equipment.
• General knowledge of ventilation principles, thermal dynamics, closed water systems as well as applicable state and federal safety codes and regulations pertaining to mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Demonstrated ability to read construction drawings and construction documentation.
• Use ladders to gain access to work areas and to works from heights.
• Cleans and paints all required areas to maintain proper, effective and safe operation.
• Ability to work well independently or in a group, always exercising Institute and professionally established safety precautions.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
• Maintain records and communications using the work management system, MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills that include tact, good judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to relate to diverse scientific research staff, faculty, executive management, administrative staff, and external contacts.
• Ability to work as team member and team resource.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills with a high level of independence to resolve issues for customers and provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to work effectively in a service-oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.

The salary range for this position is $32.45 - $42.67 hourly.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Post-offer physical required.
• Must be willing to use ladders to provide access to work areas and works from heights.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.
• Willing to sign an employee confidentiality agreement.
• Satisfactory completion of the post-offer physical required.
• Must be willing to maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

As a safeguard for employees and animals, all FS employees may be subject to vaccines/tests/physical exams prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:

• TB Testing/Clearance (once a year)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (proof of immunization and/or vaccination)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position requires constant seeing and touching/feeling.