Building Automation Controls Technician

To utilize the building automation systems that support the mechanical, electrical, and telecommunication equipment in order to meet the needs of the campus while optimizing performance and energy efficiency.

Building Automation Controls Technician – Facilities Services

Pay Status and Classification: Non-exempt, Regular full-time.

Supervisor: Assistant Director of Facilities-Physical Plant & Energy Systems

Position Purpose: To utilize the building automation systems that support the mechanical, electrical, and telecommunication equipment in order to meet the needs of the campus while optimizing performance and energy efficiency.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations: Manage, control, operate, and maintain the BAS (Building Automation Systems) for the campus utilizing its control systems: (Johnson Controls Inc. and Automated Logic Controls), as well as independent building controls (Ecobee) in order to support the campus.

• Monitor the ALC and JCI building automation system daily. Identify alarms and follow-up with corrective actions.
• Work with trades to help identify and implement trends that will improve building functionality and operational savings.
• Assist departments for the diagnosis and troubleshooting of HVAC and electrical related issues on systems.
• Respond to faculty, staff, and students requests through the facilities work order system.
• Researches and implements ways to fully utilize and improve existing systems to assure the most efficient campus energy utilization.
• Conducts building walkthroughs in order to analyze and identify problems associated with temperature, static pressure, air flow, noise, and air quality.
  
  

Maintenance: Routinely review control systems for optimization enhancement and/or anomalies to enhance the HVAC/E systems efficiencies by adjusting setpoints, creating programs, and implementing logic that is coordinated and approved by the department.

• Maintain, manage and repair existing air compressors for the pneumatic control system. Included will be coordinating service contracts as well as coordinating with Union Facilities Services personnel.
• Carry out preventive maintenance procedures.
• Maintain campus electrical, chilled water, gas, steam, and hydronic submeters.
• Recommend and identify software, devices, and equipment that needs updating.
• Maintains a safe and clean work areas in a clean and orderly condition.
  
  

Projects: Manage and Coordinate the implementation of energy related projects, which includes, metering, energy management, engineering, and implementation of various HVAC/R and E projects.

• As Projects are developed, be fully involved in the BAS and implementation of HVAC systems and advise of design, coordination, and implementation issues. Review and comment on various construction documents for approval varying from submittal shop drawings, equipment manuals, one-line diagrams (pipe, plumbing, or electrical), contract and construction documents, specifications.
• Coordinate BAS projects with IT department for seamless integration. Interaction and work with both mechanical and control contractors during the construction process.
  
  

Leadership: Leads, trains, and assists team members in developing skills to monitor, adjust, and understand the BMS.

• Assigns tasks and ensures timely completion of projects. Provides guidance and support to team members as needed.
• Acts as a liaison and point of contact for the HVAC team that collaborates both internally and externally.
• Encourages the development of team members to learn new skills through both classroom and a hands on approach.
  
  

Administration: Overseas the section budgets, schedules work assignments, and manages procurement of materials/equipment and service contracts.

• Prepares and submits reports on budget, building assessments, and work progress, develops standards and procedures for the section,
• Recommends purchases, renovations, and procedural changes, ensures compliance with departmental and college-wide policies, and attends training to enhance job performance.
• Orders supplies, equipment, and tools in order to complete work assignments.
  
  

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma required plus a two-year technical trade school in the appropriate field or the completion of a (5) year apprenticeship program.
• (5) years of experience in facility operation, maintenance, and engineering of a related facilities environment or Building Automation Controls related trade.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in maintaining facilities BAS control systems such as Automated Logic, Johnson Controls, and Honeywell, as well as having the ability to interface with subcontractors and end users.
• Strong knowledge of commercial heating, ventilating, air-conditioning systems and basic sequences of operation for various HVAC systems at large scale facilities. Examples: Hydronic Systems, steam heating, heat exchangers, fan coils, VAV’s, direct expansion cooling systems, closed and open loop cooling systems, central and decentral cooling plants with ancillary heat rejection equipment.
• Ability to maintain and manage object-orientated software and be able to diagnose, interpret trends, and modify programming to accommodate the needs of the college.
• Fully proficient at reading specifications, control sequence drawings, contract documents, equipment manuals, construction documents relating to HVAC, electrical, and BAS Systems drawings, PLC’s, P&ID’s.
• Experience with electronic systems relating to controls such as metering integration, motor starters, VFD’s, and lighting controls.
• The Ability to service, install and calibrate existing Honeywell and Johnson Control pneumatic systems.
• Must be able to read and understand building automation graphical programming languages and have a familiarization with BACnet protocols and IP based systems. In addition, working knowledge of troubleshooting MSTP, N2, Modbus, Archnet, and BACnet protocols.
• Knowledge of Tridium AX, N4, Honeywell, and LG systems user interfaces.
• Basic understanding of Information Technology and interfacing with BAS systems.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload independently and as part of a team while reporting to the Manager of Central Utilities and Cogeneration.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of students, staff, professors, vendors, contractors, and parents.
• Must stay current with BAS network infrastructure, hardware, and software evolution.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining working relationships with colleagues, customers and vendors.
• Must have valid New York State driver’s license.
  
  

Compensation:

The hourly range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
  
  

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).