Facilities Systems Technician

Facilities Systems Technician

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Facilities Systems Technician to join our team. The salary range for this position: $42.00 - 55.00 per hour.

Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

About ArtCenter

Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Facilities Systems Technicians are responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of critical building systems across all ArtCenter facilities. This position performs advanced diagnostics and repairs on HVAC, electrical, plumbing, Building Management Systems (BMS), energy management systems, controls, and associated infrastructure.

This is a full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 3:00 p.m., subject to change with department needs. The position is primarily based at Hillside Campus and will rotate shifts with staff at South Campus. This position is to be performed on-site as a condition of employment.

Work is performed primarily in a shop setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time using shop equipment including computers, viewing computer monitors, hand tools, saws, power tools etc.; interactions with other individuals. Due to the nature of the work environment, there is exposure to loud noises, chemicals, fumes, dust and heat with the HVAC equipment such as compressors and exhaust fans while utilizing issued safety equipment. This position may also require occasional exposure to outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions.

Essential Functions

Building Systems Operations and Maintenance 75%

• Provide complete and timely service on assigned tasks and work orders, which are received verbally, written or via electronic devices
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC equipment including air handlers, split systems, chillers, boilers, cooling towers and exhaust systems.
• Diagnose electrical issues involving motors, relays contactors VFDs and electrical distribution equipment. Provide complete and timely service on assigned tasks and work orders, which are received verbally, written or via electronic devices
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Analyze building control sequences and identify operational deficiencies
• Troubleshoot temperature, humidity, pressure and airflow issues
• Perform preventive maintenance on critical infrastructure systems
• Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for optimization and energy savings
• Coordinate and support life safety, fire alarm, and emergency power system testing
• Respond to complex system failures and emergency calls
• Document repairs and root cause finding
• Update preventative maintenance procedures
• Operate forklift, grounds vehicles, power tools, hand tools and related equipment to complete repairs
• Work with the Lead Facilities Mechanic to coordinate and escalate maintenance repairs that cannot be performed internally due to skill, licensing, or resource requirements
• Follow all College policies including safety protocols

Technical Support and Project Work 15%

• Serve as technical resource for Facilities Mechanics and Lead Facilities Mechanic
• Train staff on building systems and troubleshooting practices
• Participate in commissioning and startup of new equipment
• Assist with equipment replacements projects
• Recommend repairs and upgrades and replacement strategies

Other 10%

• Assist with regulatory compliance inspections
• Maintain system documentation and as-built information
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree or technical certification in HVAC, Electrical Technology, Building Automation, Industrial Maintenance or equivalent experience in related fields
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial, higher education or industrial facilities maintenance, with experience troubleshooting and repairing complex building systems.
• Possess a valid California Driver License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building automation systems.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing commercial HVAC equipment, including air handling units, package units, split systems, pumps, exhaust systems, and associated controls.
• Experience using Building Management Systems (BMS) and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS) for monitoring, diagnostics, scheduling, alarming, and system optimization.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical systems, including motors, relays, contactors, transformers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and low-voltage control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, control diagrams, sequence of operations, and technical manuals.
• Experience utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to document work orders, preventive maintenance activities, and asset records.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, proper use of hand and power tools, and general building maintenance procedures.
• Ability to independently diagnose building system failures and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability and willingness to work in confined spaces, at heights, outdoors, and to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and respond to emergency repair situations and campus operational needs as required.
• Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple assignments, and perform work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and contractors.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to interact with students, faculty, staff, vendors, and contractors.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in EPA Universal, HVAC, OSHA 10 or 30, and or Building Operator
• Building Automated Systems training and/or certification

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

This is a full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 3:00 p.m., subject to change with department needs. The position is primarily based at Hillside Campus and will rotate shifts with staff at South Campus. This position is to be performed on-site as a condition of employment.

Environment : Work is performed primarily in a shop setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time using shop equipment including computers, viewing computer monitors, hand tools, saws, power tools etc.; interactions with other individuals. Due to the nature of the work environment, there is exposure to loud noises, chemicals, fumes, dust and heat with the HVAC equipment such as compressors and exhaust fans while utilizing issued safety equipment. This position may also require occasional exposure to outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions.

Physical : Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an shop setting; to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time; including, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, squatting, and twisting; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight (50 pounds, or team-lift up to 100 pounds); to operate office and shop equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision : Must be able to have the visual capacity to perform activities such as preparing and reading reports, viewing a computer terminal and other normal office work with or without correction.

Hearing : Must be able to communicate effectively in the course of normal office communication or exchange ideas with or without correction.

Diversity Statement

ArtCenter is fully committed to fostering a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging not only in vision but in practice. Our path forward is predicated on our belief that multiple points of view, life experiences, ethnicities, cultures and belief systems are essential to academic and creative excellence. We strive to learn more about