Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician)

Title: Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Building Maintenance

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician) position primary responsibility for the operation and maintenance of HVAC-R automation systems and other controls systems. Works with the Building Automation System (BAS) and performs calibration diagnosis repair and replacement of Direct Digital Control (DDC) controls and pneumatic electro-mechanical and electronic components. Assists plumbers pump mechanics electricians HVAC mechanics refrigeration technicians and other trades in the diagnosis repair and replacement of their system components.

Essential Functions

BAS Operation: Works with the Metasys Extended Architecture BAS programs and the legacy Metasys PMI functions to analyze and diagnose issues with equipment on the BAS. Uses these functions to respond to customer requests construction and maintenance needs equipment failures power limitations and planned and unplanned events including emergencies.

Works directly with customers to troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and other controls issues. Informs customers on how the BAS works what local control they have over their space and what limitations there are to their local control.

Monitors spaces and equipment connected to the Building Automation System for trouble failures alarms etc. Initiates responses to resolve these issues.

Under supervision adjusts set-points and parameters for BAS-connected equipment to improve performance and to respond to changing conditions and customer needs.

Under supervision programs and adjusts schedules on equipment and alarms in the BAS. Puts overrides on BAS points as needed to overcome functional issues including diagnosing equipment and sensors understanding the limitations in the software following the sequence of operations and ensuring the proper functions of equipment.

Maintains calibrates diagnoses repairs and replaces pneumatic valve and damper actuators thermostats pneumatic-electric (PE) devices pilot positioners electro-pneumatic (EP) devices solenoid air valves flow restrictors pressure gauges piping and tubing and other pneumatic system components from the pneumatic system air supply onwards.

Maintains calibrates diagnoses repairs and replaces electric valve and damper actuators thermostats temperature sensors pressure and humidity transducers flow meters position prove switches freeze-stats fuses power supplies and other associated electro-mechanical devices.

Maintains calibrates diagnoses re-programs and replaces BAS field controllers including DX-9100 controllers FEC FAC and IOM controls and Application Specific Controllers such as AHU UNT VAV and VMA controllers.

Monitors supervisory controllers including NCMs NCEs and NAEs for low battery and other alarms. Replaces batteries and reboots controllers.

Troubleshoots issues in existing BAS programming and under supervision modifies or repairs using GX-9100 HVACPRO CCT and LCT programming.

Under supervision adds new hardware points to the BAS for new equipment in small renovations and for better operation of existing equipment.

Leads to other trades such as plumbers electricians HVAC mechanics and refrigeration technicians in support of control system installation operation and maintenance.

Supports and assists electricians (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis repair and replacement of line voltage electrical components of the HVAC system including variable speed drives.

Supports and assists HVAC mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis repair and replacement of belts dampers and other mechanical components of HVAC systems and air compressor systems.

Supports and assists refrigeration and chiller mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis clearing package control faults restarting repair and maintenance of chillers and refrigeration equipment including pneumatic air dryers.

Supports and assists plumbers and pump mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis repair and replacement of valves and other components of steam hot water and chilled water systems.

Supports Physical Plant and outside contractor maintenance and repair work by starting stopping and ramping equipment for planned service interruptions (including filer replacement lubrication bearing replacement motor and pump repair etc.) and emergency service interruptions.

Maintains and repair chemical fume hoods. Tests and calibrates fume hood face velocity on chemical fume hoods on a regular basis.

Assists with programming troubleshooting maintenance and repair of other automatic equipment that is not integrated into the BAS including RO and pure water systems domestic water booster systems stand-alone ventilation equipment lighting control systems etc.

Operates motor vehicle to work sites.

Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Class D Drivers license.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints control schematics wiring diagrams and ladder logic diagrams.

Knowledge and experience with safety practices preventive maintenance and standard testing equipment.

Knowledge and experience with cooling equipment including chillers and Direct Expansion (DX) systems.

Knowledge of building control systems related to HVAC as used on campus including air-handling systems hydronic systems all manner of cooling systems and including pneumatic electronic and software-controlled systems.

Ability to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment and control systems.

Ability to function independently under routine and/or emergency conditions.

Ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral).

Experience with computer application programs such as Work and Excel.

Ability to cooperate with other skilled craftspeople in a team environment.

Metasys Facility Operators Certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

At least one (1) of the following:

HVAC Training Certificate from an accredited school and three (3) years experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial commercial or institutional operations; OR

Johnson Controls Metasys or equivalent BAS training certificate and three (3) years experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial commercial or institutional operations; OR

A valid Refrigeration Technician license and three (3) years experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial commercial or institutional operations; OR

A Journeyman Plumber or Electrical license and three (3) years experience including substantial experience with HVAC/R systems preferably in industrial commercial or institutional operations; OR

An Associates degree or higher in an HVAC or DDC related technical discipline and three (3) years experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial commercial or institutional operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education.

Safety-related training in mechanical electrical plumbing painting carpentry and other schedulable trades.

Ability to functionally supervise and instruct apprentices.

HVAC Certificate from a trade school.

Confined space training.

Asbestos awareness.

Entry-level thermography.

OSHA 10 training.

Additional Details

Must wear university clothing when supplied.

This position is designated as essential and subject to on call. This includes the obligation to work overtime to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed and to report to work during any delays early departures and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments and requires frequent lifting bending tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Tuesday - Saturday 7:00AM - 3:00PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 16

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Required Experience:

IC