Building Automation Software Specialist

WMed; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life and long‑

Tuition discount for employee

Job summary

Western Michigan University is seeking a Building Automation Software Specialist to monitor and optimize HVAC control systems using BAS, focusing on energy management and indoor air quality.

The role requires advanced knowledge of control protocols (LON, ModBus, BackNet) and BAS software (Tridium, Niagara N4, AX, R2). It involves project collaboration, commissioning, and custom reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations; basic writing and math to prepare estimates.
• Ability to interpret complex blueprints and specifications.
• Completion of an apprenticeship or 8+ years journeyperson experience in the trade.
• Advanced understanding of building automation protocols (LON, ASD, ModBus, BackNet).
• Advanced knowledge of BAS software (Tridium, Niagara N4, AX, R2).
• Proficient troubleshooting and maintenance of BAS systems.
• Certification from one or more recognized control manufacturers.
• Michigan driver's license.
• Ability to perform essential functions with tools of the trade.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust HVAC equipment via BAS for energy and comfort balance.
• Diagnose, calibrate, maintain, and repair environmental control systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair HVAC and refrigeration components.
• Attend weekly readiness meetings to ensure systems are operational.
• Guide other trades in troubleshooting, overrides, and programming.
• Configure advanced BAS software including reports for trends and alarms.
• Install, commission, and troubleshoot controller software and comms.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on project startup and sequencing.
• Develop graphics in BAS and commission new systems.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Mathematical skills

Blueprint interpretation

Technical reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Registered apprenticeship or recognized training program (+8 years journeyperson)

Michigan Driver's License

Certification from control manufacturers

Tools

Tridium

Niagara N4

AX

R2

LON

ASD

ModBus

BackNet/BackNet IP

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

All University employees represented by AFSCME Local 1668, and non-AFSCME regular and temporary University employees, who have the present ability or required qualifications to satisfactorily perform the required work, may exercise bidding privileges on this position.

• Current AFSCME employees must complete the on-line WMU – AFSCME (bid) Sheet only.
• Non-AFSCME University employees must submit an on-line WMU – Internal Application only.
• Temporary University employees must submit an on-line WMU – Application only.

Posting Summary

College

College VP Business And Finance-DIV

Executive Area

Executive Area VP Business And Finance

Department

Department FacilMgmt-Maintenance Service

Posting Number

Posting Number S1758P

Job Type

Job Type Full Time, Regular

Pay Type

Pay Type Nonexempt/Hourly

Pay Grade

Pay Grade ST3

Campus Location

Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus

Salary Range

Salary Range $39.41per hour plus generous benefits.

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

General Summary

• Monitor and adjust the full range of heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment using the Building Automation System ( BAS ). Implements and facilitates the Building Automation System for HVAC controls and Indoor Air Quality.

Major Duties

• Configures, analyzes, troubleshoots, and enhances programs to balance energy management with comfort control. Monitors and adjusts computer-based Building Automation systems for proper HVAC comfort and energy management.
• Diagnoses, calibrates, maintains, and repairs environmental control systems.
• Troubleshoots, maintains, inspects, modifies, and repairs heating, ventilation systems, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and equipment.
• Attends ongoing Heating and Cooling readiness meetings weekly to insure all systems are up and running as needed.
• Provides guidance and assistance to other trades with troubleshooting, system overrides, and programming.
• Advanced Building Automation Software configuration, including systems integration, database customization, and specialty programming with the ability to configure custom reports for trends, alarms, schedules, and point lists.
• Installs, commissions, and troubleshoots controller software and communication bus issues for project needs.
• Works with Project Managers during construction projects to develop complete project programming, checkout, and project startup and sequencing of environmental control systems.
• Develops graphics in the Buildings Automation System and commissions new systems for operation.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties and have sufficient writing and mathematical skills to prepare estimates and supply requisitions.
• Ability to interpret complex blueprints, diagrams, written specifications, and operating instructions.
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program, or an established, certified training program recognized by the University, and/or written verification of a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience at the journeyperson level in the trade.
• Advanced understanding of various communication protocols (examples LON , ASD , ModBus, BackNet, BackNet over IP).
• Advanced understanding of various Building Automation Systems software (examples: Tridium, Niagara N4, AX, and or R2).
• Advanced troubleshooting, operation, programming, and maintenance of various communication protocols and Building Automation software systems.
• Possess certification from one or more recognized control manufacturers.
• Possession of a Michigan Driver’s License.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade.
• Complete a physical examination administered by the employer’s designated physician to determine the incumbent’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or identify the need for a reasonable job accommodation.

Additional Position Information

• Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-afscme
• Above is a summary of the description for the position of Building Automation Software Specialist. A complete description for this position may be reviewed upon request in the department of Human Resources, Room 1300, Seibert Administration Building or online at: https://wmich.edu/hr/descriptions-afscme
• This is a first (1st) shift position. The regular work hours for this position are 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The regular work days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

Physical requirements and working conditions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties and have sufficient writing and mathematical skills to prepare estimates and supply requisitions?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to interpret complex blueprints, diagrams, written specifications and operating instructions?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have completion of a registered apprenticeship program, or an established, certified training program recognized by the University, and/or written verification of a minimum of eight (8) years' experience at the journeyperson level in the trade?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have advanced understanding of various communication protocols (examples LON, ASD, ModBus, BackNet, BackNet over IP)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have advanced understanding of various Building Automation Systems software (examples: Tridium, Niagara N4, AX, and or R2)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have advanced troubleshooting, operation, programming, and maintenance skills of various communication protocols and Building Automation software systems.
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess certification from one or more recognized control manufacturers?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a valid Michigan driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Other

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.