Building Automation Technician

University of North Dakota; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is seeking a Building Automation Technician to support operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of campus Building Automation Systems, including HVAC controls, metering, and integrated building systems.

This role installs, programs, troubleshoots, and maintains automation hardware and software, coordinates with Facilities Management and campus partners, provides technical support, and trains staff; weekend callbacks and 24/7 readiness apply.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in building automation, digital control, or HVAC control systems.
• Experience with installation, termination, or troubleshooting of controllers and sensors.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Criminal History Background Check required.
• U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship not provided.

Responsibilities

• Install, retrofit, and maintain campus BAS and controls.
• Perform daily and preventive maintenance of HVAC sensors and devices.
• Troubleshoot automation systems and interface with equipment.
• Coordinate projects with university departments and trades.
• Program, download, and maintain PLCs and automation programs.
• Provide technical support and train staff on automation.

Skills

Schematic interpretation

Communication

PC proficiency

Networking basics

MS Office (Word/Excel)

Reading control programs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in automation, HVAC or related field

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Salary/Position Classification

• $58,000+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, Campus

Purpose of Position

The Building Automation Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of campus Building Automation Systems (BAS), including HVAC controls, metering, and other integrated building systems. This position assists with installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and BAS front end support, working closely with Building Automation staff, Facilities Management, and campus partners to ensure reliable, efficient, and data driven system operation.
All Facilities Management positions are subject to callbacks seven day a week, 24 hours a day. Weekend work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Building Automation and Controls Field Maintenance and Installation Install, retrofit, and maintain the campus building automation systems (including pulling of wire).
  • Perform daily maintenance and scheduled preventive maintenance for HVAC sensors, pressure switches, transducers, steam pressures transmitters, totalizers, and other various automation sensors and devices.
  • Evaluate HVAC systems and other systems controlled by the automation for the purpose of troubleshooting the automation programs interface with the mechanical equipment.
  • Install, maintain, and troubleshoot automation communications plant (copper, fiber & Ethernet), controller bus communications, DDC controllers, programmable logic controllers, and all automation controllers.
  • Install, maintain, and troubleshoot surge suppression and battery backup systems to protect electronic equipment for low voltages and coordinate this work with the Electricians for high voltages.
  • Coordinate projects and maintenance with university departments and trades.
  • Use computers, software, oscilloscopes, meters, and other test equipment to analyze the automation system. Ordering associated with automation parts and stock items.
  • Maintain building automation installation/ maintenance policies and standards.
  • Create, maintain, and review archives and as-built drawings according to standards.
  • Provide technical support to other areas within the department.
  • Train and assist other department staffs who use automation.
• Downloading and Programming Program fire security and HVAC controls to be installed in PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and other systems for the purpose of control, monitoring, and energy management.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and correct programming items for mechanical building controls, system monitoring, and energy management.
  • Evaluate HVAC systems and other systems controlled by the automation for the purpose of troubleshooting the automation programs interface with the mechanical equipment.
  • Relay programming information in general terms to other departmental units within Facilities Management who use the automation systems to control equipment.
  • Download and install programs for the purpose of control, monitoring, and energy management.
  • Maintain programming databases according to set procedures.
  • Create and maintain proper documentation and as-builts according to standards.
  • Create, edit, update, and maintain information databases.
  • Edit programs for the addition and changes of descriptors, point offset values, alarm limits, and alarm priority.
  • Commission and review internal and external automation projects.
• Building Automation & Controls Front- End Equipment Maintenance and Installation Coordinate automation functionality with other departmental units Facilities Management and work with technicians and operators in those areas (Building Automation & Controls, Operations Center, Systems, Electricians, Plumbers, etc.) to facilitate the use and understanding of the campus automation system.
  • Install, upgrade, maintain, and perform preventive maintenance of building automation front-end equipment. Provide building automation monitoring, assistance, and technical support.
  • Review alarm summary logs and additional system reports and follow-up accordingly for each report.
  • Create, supervise, and review the creation of graphic displays, schematics, and browser screens.
  • Perform routine backups of automation databases according to set policy and provide for disaster recovery. Install servers, automation point servers, and bus communications hardware for automation systems.
  • Install network cards and network clients for automation computers and troubleshoot for automation systems.
  • Train other department staff that use automation.
  • Order associated automation parts and stock items.
  • Create, maintain, and review database, archives, and as-built drawings according to standards.
• Energy Management Evaluate, manage, and enter system time programs according to policies.
  • Assist with writing, implementing, and maintaining of energy management programs.
  • Assist with managing daily electrical load demands and electrical co-generation. Automating equipment for the purpose of cost efficiency and more efficient use of equipment.
  • Assist with conducting energy evaluations and cost analysis.

Required Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret control sequences, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and deal with students, faculty, staff, and co-workers.
• Knowledge of personal computers and good typing skills.
• Working knowledge of computer operating systems and applications.
• Knowledge of networking principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Ability to read computer programs to interpret sequences of operation for the equipment that is controlled.
• Ability to perform installing, retrofitting, and maintaining building automation systems as per written and/ or verbal directives and per blueprints/ schematics.
• Knowledge of meters and other test equipment to analyze the automation system.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma / GED
• One year of experience in at least one of the following three areas: building automation systems, digital control systems, or HVAC control systems and other electronically controlled building systems.
• Experience assisting with the installation, termination, or troubleshooting of controllers, field devices, sensors, actuators, or low voltage control wiring.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in automation, HVAC, electronics, electrical/controls technology, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting building automation systems for HVAC, metering, or lighting systems.
• Experience supporting HVAC equipment through BAS or control systems, including air handling units (AHUs), VAV systems, chillers, heat pumps, or heat exchangers.
• Experience with BAS programming tools, commissioning processes, or energy management strategies.
• Experience working in a campus, institutional, or large scale facilities environment.
• Experience supporting or mentoring students or entry level staff.
• Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).