Skilled Trades Worker 2 HVAC Building Automations

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position. The starting wage rate is $22.13 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

About the role

Working as a member of a self-directed work team, repair, maintain, and optimize mechanical equipment and building automation controls in Case Western Reserve University buildings in accordance with blueprints, manuals, codes, and best practices. The skilled trades worker will troubleshoot and solve problems with building automation controls and systems associated with HVAC and HVAC controls, energy management controls, and mechanical equipment and controls in university properties.

Responsibilities

• Monitor building automation systems for alarms, equipment failures, and abnormal operating conditions. Respond to alarms by diagnosing issues, assigning work orders when appropriate, and restoring equipment to normal operation. Assist with system scheduling and occupancy programming. (20%)
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC mechanical equipment and associated control systems including air handlers, rooftop units, VAV boxes, fan coil units, pumps, compressors, exhaust systems, refrigeration equipment, and control devices. (25%)
• Independently diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctioning building automation controls, mechanical systems, and equipment. Recommend purchases for such systems and components. (25%)
• Perform preventive maintenance, functional testing, calibration, and startup of HVAC controls and mechanical systems. Verify proper sequence of operation and document repairs. (10%)
• Accurately maintain associated records. Be diligent in recording proper information into work order system (e.g., locations, hours worked, billable account numbers, contact names and numbers, etc.) for use by the management team. (10%)
• Transport and install equipment necessary for mechanical work throughout the university area. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Contacts

• Department: Frequent contact with department staff regarding workflow.
• University: Regular contact with all members of university to exchange information and resolve issues.
• External: Occasional contact with vendors and contractors to exchange information and resolve issues.
• Students: Contact with students in work Zone as it pertains to skilled trades maintenance.

Qualifications

Experience: 7 years of experience working on building automation controls as well as mechanical systems, including HVAC, steam, refrigeration in an institutional, heavy industrial or light commercial (but not residential) environment. Experience in more than one discipline is desirable but not required.

Education and/or licensing: High school education required. Accredited vocational training or completed an apprenticeship in mechanical system maintenance and repairs preferred. Must have formal training in one of the four disciplines (HVAC, steam, refrigeration, controls), or equivalent work experience. Valid driver's license free of significant violations.

Skills

• Ability to independently troubleshoot HVAC mechanical equipment and building automation controls.
• Ability to read blueprints, control drawings, wiring diagrams, sequences of operation, and mechanical schematics.
• Working knowledge of DDC controls, HVAC sequences, and control logic.
• Ability to replace and commission field devices including sensors, actuators, valves, controllers, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with BAS software for scheduling, alarm management, trend analysis, and basic programming modifications.
• Knowledge of electrical troubleshooting using multimeters and control instrumentation.
• Familiarity with networking concepts related to BAS communications (BACnet, Modbus, MSTP, IP) preferred.
• Ability to prioritize work independently while collaborating with maintenance staff and contractors.
• Strong computer skills and ability to document work electronically.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, contractors, and coworkers.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.

Benefits

University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Working Conditions

The employee is directly exposed to the following hazards in the work environment: animals, moving machinery, bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, commercial cleaning solvents and oils, confined space entry and/or restricted access, excessive noise, fumes, dust, pesticides or herbicides, radioactive materials, and repetitive motion. Personal protective equipment (gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, protective eyewear, safety shoes, and respiratory protection) is provided.

• Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs.
• Must be physically capable of reaching any area of facilities with tools and materials, including roofs, tunnels, and catwalks; this may involve frequent balance, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, crawling and climbing.
• Must be able to pass required physical examination.