Automation Supervisor

California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 66,124 - 75,768; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks a Building Systems Supervisor to oversee Building Management Systems (BMS), Life Support Systems (LSS), and the CMMS work ticket system. You will support HVAC, central plant, and aquarium automation, collaborating with engineers, electricians, and science teams.

The role reports to the Director of Life Support and Facilities and requires coordinating a single technician, setting priorities, and driving improvement across multiple

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent with hands-on building controls experience.
• Three years managing control/automation projects and installations.
• Experience with life support, BMS, and CMMS environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop one Building Controls Technician in maintaining control systems.
• Manage BMS, LSS, CMMS programs and project work across departments.
• Coordinate priorities with Life Support, Facilities, and Aquarium teams.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and oversee system upgrades.

Skills

DDC programming

Automation systems

HVAC systems

Electrical wiring

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Technical degree in electrical/electronic/mechanical engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens Desigo BAS

Job description

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world‑class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission‑driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you’re working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Building Systems Supervisor is responsible for the management, programming, and maintenance of all Building Management Systems (BMS), Life Support Systems (LSS), and Limble CMMS work ticket system, including hardware and software. This position supports HVAC, building central plant, and aquarium automation systems and works closely with stationary engineers, electricians, and aquatic biology departments on operational priorities. One Building Controls Technician reports to this position. This position reports to the Director of Life Support and Facilities.

This position is based in San Francisco, California.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside and manage one Building Controls Technician in the maintenance of control system hardware and software, including Building Management Systems (BMS), Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS), CMMS databases, and other industrial hardware and software.
• Respond to after‑emergencies as required for critical life support in a timely manner.
• Apply depth of knowledge and best practices to automation maintenance and project work.
• Spearhead troubleshooting response for critical life support and central plant systems.
• Organize cross‑departmental work requests and positively interface with the Automation team and academy stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with other managers within Building Operations, Exhibits, and the Aquarium.
• Work closely with the Director of Life Support and Facilities to set priorities for the department, improve processes, complete projects, and set budget goals.
• Maintain relationships with consultants, contractors, and vendors, obtain bids, and coordinate work with outside contractors.
• Support other departments with troubleshooting of card‑key access systems, security systems, landscape irrigation controls, and stand‑alone aquarium devices.
• Manage the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and systems, including but not limited to upgrades to existing aging systems.
• Schedule and complete preventive maintenance tasks to ensure that automation systems are optimally maintained.
• Develop tools and methods for system calibration and maintenance, maintain documentation of equipment performance history, and implement performance improvements.
• Conduct training of in‑house service staff, including stationary engineers and electricians on automation systems and access levels as needed.
• Follow all Academy safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

• A technical degree in electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering or related, or equivalent work experience.
• Three (3) years of hands‑on experience with building control systems, automation systems management, and programming, including installations and maintenance.
• At least (3) years managing technical projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Design‑level understanding of Direct Digital Controls (DDC), automation programming and coding, ideally in Siemens Insight/Apogee PPCL and IEC61131‑3 Structured Text.
• Functional understanding of computer networking and communication protocols (Ethernet, BACnet, Modbus, RS‑485).
• Familiarity with Siemens Desigo BAS and RCK Controls LSS platforms is a plus.
• Installation, maintenance, and programming of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), specifically ABB and Schneider models.
• Experience creating electrical diagrams in AutoCAD is a plus.
• Experience in the operation of commercial HVAC and central plant systems and their sequences of operations.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fundamental understanding of low‑voltage electrical controls wiring best practices. Electrical regulations and code compliance familiarity is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, think on feet, and solve challenging problems.
• Solid technical support skills working in a multi‑user environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑starter willing to accept responsibility and drive projects forward.
• Ability to respond to critical situations on‑site within a set time frame after hours and holidays.
• Valid California Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Must be able to travel, work weekends/holidays, and evenings as needed.

Physical Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The job requires the ability to perform each duties satisfactorily.

Compensation and Benefits: The hourly range for this position is $48.08 - $55.28. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked.

Schedule: Full‑Time, 40 hours per week

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).