Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist

Full-time, onsite position within the Building Maintenance department of Facilities Management.

About the role

The Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician) is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of HVAC-R automation systems and other controls systems. This role involves working with the Building Automation System (BAS) to perform calibration, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of Direct Digital Control (DDC) controls and pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and electronic components. The specialist assists various trades in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing system components.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the Metasys Extended Architecture BAS and legacy Metasys PMI functions to analyze and diagnose equipment issues, respond to customer requests, and address construction, maintenance, and emergency needs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and controls issues directly with customers, explaining BAS functionality, local control options, and limitations.
• Monitor spaces and equipment connected to the BAS for alarms, failures, or trouble, and initiate corrective actions.
• Adjust set-points, parameters, schedules, and alarms in the BAS under supervision to improve performance and respond to changing conditions.
• Apply overrides on BAS points to diagnose equipment, sensors, and software limitations, ensuring proper equipment function.
• Maintain, calibrate, diagnose, repair, and replace components of pneumatic systems, including valve and damper actuators, thermostats, PE/EP devices, pilot positioners, solenoid air valves, and related equipment.
• Maintain, calibrate, diagnose, repair, and replace electro-mechanical devices such as electric valve and damper actuators, thermostats, sensors, transducers, flow meters, and power supplies.
• Maintain, calibrate, diagnose, reprogram, and replace BAS field controllers, including DX-9100, FEC, FAC, IOM, AHU, UNT, VAV, and VMA controllers.
• Monitor supervisory controllers (NCMs, NCEs, NAEs) for alarms, replace batteries, and reboot controllers as needed.
• Troubleshoot BAS programming issues and, under supervision, modify or repair using GX-9100, HVACPRO, CCT, and LCT programming tools.
• Add new hardware points to the BAS for small renovations or improved operation of existing equipment under supervision.
• Lead and support other trades (plumbers, electricians, HVAC mechanics, refrigeration technicians) in control system installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Assist electricians with diagnosis, repair, and replacement of line voltage electrical components, including variable speed drives.
• Support HVAC mechanics with diagnosis, repair, and replacement of belts, dampers, and mechanical components of HVAC and air compressor systems.
• Assist refrigeration and chiller mechanics with diagnosis, clearing control faults, restarting, and maintaining chillers and refrigeration equipment, including pneumatic air dryers.
• Support plumbers and pump mechanics with diagnosis, repair, and replacement of valves and components in steam, hot water, and chilled water systems.
• Support Physical Plant and outside contractors during planned and emergency service interruptions by starting, stopping, and ramping equipment.
• Maintain and repair chemical fume hoods, including regular testing and calibration of fume hood face velocity.
• Assist with programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of non-BAS automatic equipment, such as RO/pure water systems, domestic water booster systems, stand-alone ventilation, and lighting control systems.
• Operate a motor vehicle to travel to work sites.
• Promote excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment to diverse customer needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid Class D Driver’s license.
• One of the following:
  • HVAC Training Certificate from an accredited school and three years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
  • Johnson Controls Metasys or equivalent BAS training certificate and three years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
  • Valid Refrigeration Technician license and three years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
  • Journeyman Plumber or Electrical license and three years' experience, including substantial experience with HVAC/R systems, preferably in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
  • Associate’s degree or higher in an HVAC or DDC-related technical discipline and three years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial, or institutional operations.
• 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, including air-handling systems, hydronic systems, cooling systems, and pneumatic, electronic, and software-controlled systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment and control systems.
• Ability to function independently under routine and emergency conditions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other skilled tradespeople in a team environment.
• Metasys Facility Operator’s Certificate must be obtained within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education.
• Safety-related training in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, or other schedulable trades.
• Ability to functionally supervise and instruct apprentices.
• HVAC Certificate from a trade school.
• Confined space training.
• Asbestos awareness training.
• Entry-level thermography certification.
• OSHA 10 training.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Pay

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 16.