Building Automation Services Assistant

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, is seeking a Building Automations Services Assistant to help monitor, operate, maintain, modify, troubleshoot, and replace campus HVAC building and chiller controls. The role requires an associate degree or current enrollment, experience with direct digital control systems, and the ability to read drawings.

Strong computer skills and a valid driver’s license are essential. Hours are set with potential overtime; the position is regular and non-visa sponsored.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or current enrollment in relevant program.
• Experience with programming, startup, modification, troubleshooting of direct digital control systems.
• Experience verifying readings on building HVAC systems.
• Ability to read drawings, schematics, blueprints and layouts.
• Experience with a variety of hand tools.
• Strong computer skills (Excel and Word).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to analyze complex interrelationships between mechanical and electrical systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lift/move heavy objects and work from ladders/scaffolds; withstand weather conditions.
• Emergency Personnel designation; overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians to monitor, operate, maintain, modify, troubleshoot, and replace pneumatic, electric, and direct digital control systems.
• Support a healthy work environment and uphold Virginia Tech Principles of Community.
• Read and interpret drawings, schematics, and job layouts to support installations.
• Use hand tools and software to aid building automation tasks.
• Work safely in all weather conditions and readiness for extended shifts if needed.

Skills

Programming/BD control systems

HVAC readings verification

Drawings/blueprints interpretation

Hand tools

Excel/Word

Interpersonal communication

Physical stamina

Education

Associate degree or current enrollment in Instrumentation & Control Automations Technology or related field

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the BAS Operations Supervisor, the Building Automations Services Assistant will assist technicians to monitor, operate, maintain, modify, troubleshoot, and replace pneumatic, electric, electronic, and direct digital controls systems associated with campus HVAC building controls and chiller controls.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

• Associates Degree or current enrollment in Associates Degree program for Instrumentation & Control Automations Technology, or directly related field.
• Experience or successful coursework experience with programming, startup, modifying, troubleshooting and repair of one or more direct digital control systems.
• Experience or successful coursework experience verifying readings and measurements on building HVAC systems
• Experience or training/education to work from drawings, schematics, blueprints and job layouts.
• Experience working with a variety of hand tools.
• Must have strong computer skills with software such as Excel and Word.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to comprehend and analyze complex interrelationships between multiple mechanical and electrical systems
• Must have strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Must have the ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 50 pounds or more; maneuver materials up and down stairs; climb and work from elevated workstations such as ladders and scaffolds; work for long periods of time standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling.
• Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• This position is designated as Emergency Personnel. May be required to work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.

Preferred Qualifications

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$19.50-$22.00 per hour

Hours per week

No more than 1500 hours a year

Review Date

September 4, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.