Controls Specialist

Position Summary

The Controls Specialists position is part of Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing skilled work to ensure safe, effective, and energy efficient operation of building control, fire, security and access control systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety and comfort with energy efficiency) within Vanderbilt University’s buildings.

About The Work

Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Key Functions And Expected Performance

• End to end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and servicing on assigned projects.
• Maintains monitoring and calibration of building system controls to achieve better operation and energy efficiency as instructed.
• Aids in the accumulation of data necessary to facilitate improved operation of HVAC systems for effective Energy Management.
• Determines nature and depth of malfunctions and initiates action to repair or provide information to resolve and/or modify operating parameters.
• Completes detailed test and repairs records and files/store as required.
• Refers to and understands engineering drawings and systems operating manuals.
• Works with Campus Planning and Construction during new project and renovation design, vendor commissioning and Vanderbilt University acceptance to ensure controls, fire, security, and access control systems meet or exceed Vanderbilt specifications for performance, efficiency, and code compliance prior to hand-off to Plant Operations.
• Works with Zone Groups and Chilled Water Distribution Group to troubleshoot control systems which control chillers, AHU’s, boilers, hot water converters, cooling towers, etc. to facilitate correction of malfunctions and system failures.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs direct digital control systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance, site surveys, replacement, and modifications as needed to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
• Prepares for on-site installation and repairs by examining building layout, anticipating difficulties, gathering materials and coordinating on-site work, as necessary.
• Uses a variety of hand tools, interpreting control drawings, plans, and specifications, to mount, assemble, test, and program the system.
• Completes reports daily to ensure accurate record management of labor, material, and cost.
• Researches and recommends repair components and test equipment to assist management in calculating costs of repairs and upgrades.
• Gathers building HVAC and mechanical field data to facilitate analysis of HVAC performance.
• Assists others as requested to help troubleshoot HVAC equipment to limit equipment downtime and resolve complaints and other problems related to campus HVAC equipment.
• Conducts extensive self-study to improve and maintain technical proficiency in building control systems and products.

Education And Certifications

• A High school diploma or GED is necessary.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience And Skills

• 4 years electronics/instrumentation work experience in all phases of pneumatic and DDC instrumentation, control systems, and building automation systems is necessary.
• Knowledge and experience with Johnson Controls and Automated Logic systems is preferred.
• Experience with rough wiring, wiring of devices and panels, and layout and installation of control devices and other system components is necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills is necessary.
• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.