Building Automation Specialist

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a highly skilled Building Automation Specialist Technician to operate and maintain automation systems in Biosafety Level 3 facilities. Responsibilities include facilitating preventative maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and managing contractors.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree, five years of relevant experience, and knowledge in mechanical and electrical maintenance fields. The role requires physical stamina and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in a related role.
• Ability to operate building automation systems and understand automation.
• Knowledge of regulations and compliance related to building systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the Building Automation System (BAS) for compliance.
• Assist with mechanical and structural repairs in high containment facilities.
• Generate reports about facility operations and maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing maintenance knowledge

Critical thinking under pressure

Siemens BAS software experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Siemens Apogee

ALC controls

Job description

Position Summary

This is highly skilled technical work involving operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting all building automated systems and components for campus high containment Biosafety Level 3, ABSL-3, and ABSL-3Ag facilities and laboratories. The Building Automation Specialist Technician will facilitate preventative and corrective maintenance on all mechanical systems, identify structural and mechanical repairs, assist with Annual Performance Verifications (APV), generate reports, escort contractors, assist with facility‑related alarms and emergency response, and help the FMD with Veterinary Biosciences Facility and Riverbend South APV, including facility decontamination. The position also assists in writing and editing standard operating procedures and works closely with FMD and AHRC Administration to maintain regulatory compliance and achieve facility goals.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain the Building Automation System (BAS) to comply with regulatory standards, assist with Annual Performance Verification, equipment validations, and preventative maintenance; consult with AHRC administration, OBS, and FMD on BAS modifications and adjustments.
• Report alarms or issues to the appropriate parties, assist with identifying, rectifying, and generating reports on alarms and/or issues, and stay current on new technologies, enforcement, and programs involving building automation systems.
• Facilitate mechanical and structural repairs throughout campus high containment facilities; collaborate with FMD on facility walkthroughs, carry the on‑call facility phone, and assist with after‑hours emergencies.
• Generate reports and archive them appropriately; decontaminate spaces as needed to assist FMD repairs or maintenance; help identify needed structural and mechanical repairs throughout the facility.
• Assist with re‑alignment of security camera feeds, update the document archival program, maintain and update floor plan layout maps, and retrieve data requested by OBS, AHRC administration, and FMD.
• Use software programs such as Microsoft Office, Siemens Apogee, and ALC controls; write and update facility SOPs as required.
• Contact, schedule, and escort contractors for regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and unscheduled repairs or installations; manage the Siemens contract and assist with Siemens repairs, upgrades, and maintenance as needed.
• Driving is required for the position.
• Position of trust: yes.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and five (5) years of professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Knowledge at the journeyman level of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and/or structural maintenance fields.
• Prior experience with Siemens BAS software and hardware.
• Ability to think critically under pressure.
• Ability to perform maintenance on building systems and their components and understand how automated building systems work.
• Ability to read, understand, and maintain paperwork, generate reports, and operate reporting software.
• Ability to maintain CDC/DSAT/DOJ registration.
• Maintain Occupational Health Enrollment.

Physical Demands

• Withstand sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting 75 pounds.
• Work under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta, and noise).
• Work involves exposure to bio‑hazards, chemicals, and/or physical risks, requiring adherence to established safety procedures.
• Job involves taking multiple showers each day, wearing PPE, and standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods.
• Operate and manage software and hardware components.

Legal & Compliance

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).