Building Automation & Controls Manager

Inside Higher Ed; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Amherst, MA is seeking a Building Automation & Controls Manager to oversee operations and maintenance of building automation systems. The successful candidate will manage a team, ensuring effective performance of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. This role requires strong communication skills, technical expertise in BAS, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments. Competitive compensation and benefits included.

Qualifications

• Valid Class D driver's license required.
• OSHA Construction Card—10 Hours needed within 1 year of employment.
• Strong knowledge of BAS and CMMS required.

Responsibilities

• Manage team of Controls Technicians responsible for BAS systems.
• Develop comprehensive BAS maintenance programs aligned with best practices.
• Mentor and train maintenance staff to ensure effective operations.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Knowledge of BAS

Knowledge of CMMS

Education

High school diploma and 9 years of experience

Associate's degree and 7 years of experience

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience

Tools

BAS software

CMMS platforms

Blueprint and schematic interpretation

Job description

Building Automation & Controls Manager

Job no: 529151

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Building Maintenance

Union: PSU

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Building Maintenance and Engineering, the Building Automation and Controls Manager is primarily responsible for the operation and the management of campus technicians in charge of the building automation system (BAS) operation and maintenance. This position partners with managers and other supervisors in charge on the HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other assets trades to maintain campus equipment and operational efficiency. The Building Automation and Controls Manager oversees the commissioning, repair, maintenance, calibration and upgrades of the BAS equipment on campus.

Essential Functions

• Manages a team of Controls Technicians responsible for operating and maintaining all campus BAS systems connected to HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment.
• Interacts with work management teams across campus to ensure requests and work orders are handled properly and executed in a timely fashion. Operates University vehicles to drive between multiple campus or facility locations to oversee BAS operations, perform site inspections, or manage teams across buildings.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive BAS maintenance program incorporating preventive and predictive maintenance aligned with industry best practices. Ensures preventive maintenance and calibration tasks are accurately programmed and executed through the CMMS.
• Processes and keeps track of key performance indexes (KPI) for team productivity and performance. Utilizes appropriate records and logs.
• Develops and implements quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff. Participates in the selection of maintenance staff; meets with and maintains harmonious relationships with building coordinators, customer service representatives and university stakeholders.
• Mentors and coaches staff through on-going training to maintain a high level of service to the campus community.
• Provides technical expertise to plant personnel using BAS and related tools to troubleshoot equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and assess whether equipment meets intended or current service conditions.
• Utilizes the campus DDC BAS to monitor equipment operation and performance, rotate equipment for serviceability, analyze data to predict failures, and optimize building comfort and energy use.
• Recommends, plans, and manages the repair or replacement of BAS controllers (supervisory controllers, field controllers, end devices) and other electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.
• Coordinates work performed by contractors and/or Facilities Management personnel. Supervises and instructs helpers from other trades such as in Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and pipe-fitting tasks.
• Ensures that all warranty documentation and design-intent information for new construction and renovation projects are properly delivered to Facilities Management. Verifies that installed equipment meets design requirements, is accessible for maintenance, and that Facilities Management staff receive appropriate training on all new systems.
• Provides oversight to ensure teams adhere to established safety protocols, preventive maintenance standards, and proper use of testing equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of and proficiency in the Physical Plant’s work management, job costing, and other computer software, as well as the policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines governing day-to-day operations of the Physical Plant and UMass Amherst. Additionally, maintains understanding of State purchasing policies, procedures, and contract regulations applicable to the Physical Plant and the university system.
• Responds to calls outside normal hours and dispatches staff as needed, especially in case of emergency.
• Participates in assigned learning and development activities and consistently meets established goals and expectations outlined in individual development plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma and nine (9) years of progressive experience working in Building Automation and Controls -or- an Associate's degree and seven (7) years of progressive experience working in Building Automation and Control -or- a Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of progressive experience working in Building Automation and Controls, of which:
• At least three (3) years of experience are with leading maintenance employees on teams.
• At least three (3) years of experience are within an instrumentation/technical controls' environment specifically for maintenance of large buildings.
• A valid Class D driver's license.
• An OSHA Construction Card—10 Hours, or must obtain successfully within 1 year of employment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities or trades independently.
• Demonstrated ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to analyze complex maintenance problems, define solutions and effectively delegate to direct reports.
• Strong working knowledge with complex building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and use of databases and spreadsheet software.
• Skill and knowledge to interpret blueprints, schematics, automated temperature control (ATC) drawings, logic diagrams associated with HVAC systems and Direct Digital Controls (Electronic Controls as they pertain to HVAC systems.)
• Working knowledge of the general and unique hazards and safety precautions associated with the Electrical, HVAC and BMS trades.

Preferred Qualifications

• A professional license (in BAS, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical trades.)
• Professional Engineering registration.
• Strong working knowledge of JCI Metasys and CMMS platforms. Knowledge of ALC BAS software.
• Operation and maintenance of building systems, on larger and complex university campuses, and/or related to academics and research.

Physical Demands/ Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, reach, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to engage in significant physical activity in the field and is capable of wearing a respirator.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• This position is designated as essential personnel. Must be able to work during campus weather and facility-related emergencies.

Salary Information

Level 29

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete online application and provide contact information for (3) three professional references. References will be contacted at the final stages of the selection process.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Nov 25 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 27 2026 Eastern Standard Time