Controls Technician III (Evening Shift)

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is welcomed but not required.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence

Position Summary

The Controls Technician III (Evening Shift) is responsible for overseeing control elements related to software, reports, and graphics. This role includes monitoring alarms, building BAS reports, and managing trending and graphics during the evening shift. Additionally, the technician will assist with equipment shutdowns in coordination with the PM Shop during evening hours.

Serving as both a senior field technician for PM Shop evening technicians and a command hub for safety radio monitoring, this individual will also contribute to updating and improving preventive maintenance schedules and profiles within the maintenance management system.

The ideal candidate has at least four years of experience in the building automation industry, strong computer skills, and the ability to operate maintenance management applications effectively.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site at the F&CP Controls Shop, with required working hours of Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.”

This role is classified as an essential position requiring on-site presence to effectively perform critical job functions.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $26.92 – $29.00 per hour, contingent upon qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Four or more years of working knowledge with Building Automation Vendors (e.g., Siemens, Johnson Controls, Distech, Automated Logic)
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Expertise in advanced PLC programming, SCADA systems, DCS (Distributed Control Systems), and other control technologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to analyze and resolve complex control system issues.
• Ability to stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Strong communication skills for effectively conveying technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other relevant software.

Preferences

• College or trade school degree.
• At least two years of experience working in a team environment.
• Experience in one or more technical crafts (e.g., electrician, HVAC technician, plumbing, pipefitting).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Working knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) sequence of operations.
• Ability to distinguish colors used on CRT screens and indicator lights.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to build relationships with campus stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with word processing software, spreadsheets, and computerized maintenance management systems.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior technicians and support staff.
• Manage and oversee control system projects from inception to completion.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues, including PLCs, SCADA, and automation technologies.
• Program, integrate, and optimize control systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with industry standards, safety protocols, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, maintenance, and production) to align strategies.
• Establish and maintain documentation for control systems, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure reliability and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions

• Deep understanding of commercial HVAC systems and ability to read blueprints and schematics.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining BAS hardware and software.
• Advanced repair knowledge and proper use of tools and equipment.
• Strong ability to mentor peers and junior staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with BAS, facilities maintenance, and related technologies.
• Creating and pulling reports from various systems and delivering them in Excel format
• Monitor and respond to incoming alarm signals from the BAS Controls system, ensuring timely issue resolution and communication with maintenance teams.
• Serve as the central point of contact for facilities maintenance in a monitoring center environment.
• Coordinate and oversee maintenance personnel to ensure timely completion of tasks and work orders.
• Support the Maintenance Training Program.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift loads up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and work in confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions.
• Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking for up to 8 hours per day.
• Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces.

Physical Environment:

• Exposure to steam piping, high-voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating equipment, and other potentially hazardous conditions.
• Work is conducted in mechanical rooms, tunnels, laboratories, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, or wet environments.
• Requires the use of personal protective equipment such as hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety glasses.

Work Hours and Travel:

• Standard work hours are Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM.
• Additional work outside regular hours may be required.
• May require periodic travel for training, conferences, or vendor site visits.

Essential Personnel:

This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent is expected to report to campus, provide essential services, and work under the direction of the Crisis Management Team throughout the emergency.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Salary : $27 - $29