Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician)

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a skilled Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist to oversee HVAC-R automation systems. This role involves hands-on operation and maintenance of advanced controls systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. You will work closely with various trades to troubleshoot, repair, and enhance HVAC systems, contributing to a safe and efficient environment. If you are passionate about technology and enjoy problem-solving in a dynamic setting, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant community focused on innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Valid Class D Driver's license required.
• Ability to read blueprints and control schematics essential.
• Experience with safety practices and preventive maintenance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain HVAC-R automation systems and controls.
• Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and controls issues for customers.
• Calibrate and repair pneumatic and electro-mechanical components.

Skills

HVAC systems diagnosis

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Blueprint reading

Preventive maintenance

Customer service

Education

HVAC Training Certificate

Journeyman Plumber or Electrical license

Associate's degree in HVAC

Tools

Metasys

GX-9100 programming

HVACPRO

CCT

LCT

Job description

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Fume Hood) position primary responsibility for the operation and maintenance of HVAC-R automation systems and other controls systems. Works with the Building Automation System (BAS) and performs calibration, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of Direct Digital Control (DDC) controls and pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and electronic components. Assists plumbers, pump mechanics, electricians, HVAC mechanics, refrigeration technicians, and other trades in the diagnosis, repair, and replacement of their system components.

Essential Functions

1. BAS Operation: Works with the Metasys Extended Architecture BAS programs and the legacy Metasys PMI functions to analyze and diagnose issues with equipment on the BAS. Uses these functions to respond to customer requests, construction and maintenance needs, equipment failures, power limitations, and planned and unplanned events, including emergencies.
2. Works directly with customers to troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and other controls issues. Informs customers on how the BAS works, what local control they have over their space, and what limitations there are to their local control.
3. Monitors spaces and equipment connected to the Building Automation System for trouble, failures, alarms, etc. Initiates responses to resolve these issues.
4. Under supervision, adjusts set-points and parameters for BAS-connected equipment to improve performance and to respond to changing conditions and customer needs.
5. Under supervision, programs and adjusts schedules on equipment and alarms in the BAS. Puts overrides on BAS points as needed to overcome functional issues including diagnosing equipment and sensors, understanding the limitations in the software, following the sequence of operations, and ensuring the proper functions of equipment.
6. Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, repairs, and replaces pneumatic valve and damper actuators, thermostats, pneumatic-electric (PE) devices, pilot positioners, electro-pneumatic (EP) devices, solenoid air valves, flow restrictors, pressure gauges, piping and tubing, and other pneumatic system components from the pneumatic system air supply onwards.
7. Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, repairs, and replaces electric valve and damper actuators, thermostats, temperature sensors, pressure and humidity transducers, flow meters, position prove switches, freeze-stats, fuses, power supplies, and other associated electro-mechanical devices.
8. Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, re-programs, and replaces BAS field controllers including DX-9100 controllers, FEC, FAC, and IOM controls, and Application Specific Controllers such as AHU, UNT, VAV, and VMA controllers.
9. Monitors supervisory controllers, including NCMs, NCEs, and NAEs for low battery and other alarms. Replaces batteries and reboots controllers.
10. Troubleshoots issues in existing BAS programming and, under supervision, modifies or repairs using GX-9100, HVACPRO, CCT, and LCT programming.
11. Under supervision, adds new hardware points to the BAS for new equipment in small renovations and for better operation of existing equipment.
12. Provides functional supervision to other trades such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC mechanics, and refrigeration technicians in support of control system installation, operation and maintenance.
13. Supports and assists electricians (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair, and replacement of line voltage electrical components of the HVAC system, including variable speed drives.
14. Supports and assists HVAC mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair and replacement of belts, dampers, and other mechanical components of HVAC systems and air compressor systems.
15. Supports and assists refrigeration and chiller mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, clearing package control faults, restarting, repair and maintenance of chillers and refrigeration equipment including pneumatic air dryers.
16. Supports and assists plumbers and pump mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair and replacement of valves and other components of steam, hot water and chilled water systems.
17. Supports Physical Plant and outside contractor maintenance and repair work by starting, stopping, and ramping equipment for planned service interruptions, (including filer replacement, lubrication, bearing replacement, motor and pump repair, etc.), and emergency service interruptions.
18. Maintains and repair chemical fume hoods. Tests and calibrates fume hood face velocity on chemical fume hoods on a regular basis.
19. Assists with programming troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of other automatic equipment that is not integrated into the BAS, including RO and pure water systems, domestic water booster systems, stand-alone ventilation equipment, lighting control systems, etc.
20. Operates motor vehicle to work sites.
21. Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

1. Valid Class D Driver's license.
2. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, control schematics, wiring diagrams, and ladder logic diagrams.
3. Knowledge and experience with safety practices, preventive maintenance, and standard testing equipment.
4. Knowledge and experience with cooling equipment including chillers and Direct Expansion (DX) systems.
5. Knowledge of building control systems related to HVAC as used on campus, including air-handling systems, hydronic systems, all manner of cooling systems and including pneumatic, electronic, and software-controlled systems.
6. Ability to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment and control systems.
7. Ability to function independently under routine and/or emergency conditions.
8. Ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral).
9. Experience with computer application programs such as Work and Excel.
10. Ability to cooperate with other skilled craftspeople in a team environment.
11. Metasys Facility Operator's Certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

At least one (1) of the following:

1. HVAC Training Certificate from an accredited school and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR
2. Johnson Controls Metasys or equivalent BAS training certificate and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR
3. A valid Refrigeration Technician license and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR
4. A Journeyman Plumber or Electrical license and three (3) years' experience including substantial experience with HVAC/R systems preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR
5. An Associate's degree or higher in an HVAC or DDC related technical discipline and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

1. Requires the ability to perform manual work for extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions.
2. Requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.

Additional Details

1. Must wear university clothing when supplied.
2. This position is designated as essential and on call. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

Work Schedule

1. Schedule varies.
2. This position is designated on call.

Salary Information

1. Grade 16.
2. Special Recruitment Rate: Step 6.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Feb 26 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: May 23 2025 Eastern Daylight Time