Controls Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Hawaii; On-site; USD 44,083 - 50,971; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition benefits

Medical and Dental

Disability benefits

Paid parental leave

Relocation Package

Job summary

A higher education institution located in the United States, Hawaii, is seeking a Controls Specialist to oversee the management and operation of their Building Management System (BMS). The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge in HVAC systems and building automation, with 5-7 years of experience in related fields. Responsibilities include installation, troubleshooting, and documentation of system performance. The position offers a competitive hourly rate and a robust benefits package including 401(k) matching and tuition benefits.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in BAS/DDC controls, HVAC/R, or energy systems experience.
• Experience in system optimization and integration projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee installation and maintenance of HVAC systems.
• Monitor the BMS to identify performance issues.
• Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Read and interpret technical drawings for work planning.
• Document systems performance for compliance.

Skills

Strong understanding of HVAC/R systems

Proficiency with building automation software

Ability to read mechanical and electrical blueprints

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Familiarity with network protocols

Excellent communication skills

Commitment to safety and accuracy

Education

Associate’s degree or technical certification

Job description

Controls Specialist – Inside Higher Ed

Join to apply for the Controls Specialist role at Inside Higher Ed.

Job Summary

The Controls Specialist provides leadership and strategic oversight of the campus Direct Digital Control (DDC) Building Management System (BMS), which monitors and controls the university’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems through the Niagara N4 open-protocol platform using Honeywell and Distech hardware. This position manages the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the BMS and associated systems including electrical metering, lighting, solar monitoring, and irrigation controls to support the university’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The Controls Specialist supervises technical staff, oversees vendor contracts, leads system integration projects, and ensures all automation systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Primary Responsibilities

System Installation and Maintenance

• Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of HVAC, lighting, metering, and irrigation control systems, including sensors, controllers, and other related equipment.
• Ensure all systems are properly tested, calibrated, and optimized for operational reliability and energy efficiency.
• Program and optimize automated control sequences to improve energy efficiency and system performance.
• Conduct routine and preventive maintenance to ensure reliable systems performance.
• Integrate new systems with existing equipment, including wiring and setup.
• Provide oversight for the operation and maintenance of the central chiller plant.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of system settings, wiring diagrams and maintenance activities for reference and compliance.

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

• Monitor the BMS and related software daily to identify and confirm performance issues.
• Use diagnostic tools and instruments to evaluate components and communication networks.
• Collaborate with the mechanical engineer and HVAC, electrical, and irrigation teams to identify and resolve complex issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend corrective actions for long‑term reliability.
• Verify system performance after repairs or upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Document findings, repairs, and resolutions for tracking and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications to plan and execute work.
• Maintain detailed service logs, inspection reports, repairs and system performance records for compliance and future planning.
• Collaborate and communicate clearly with engineers, supervisors, technicians, contractors, and campus personnel to ensure efficient facility operations and maintenance support.
• Participate in an on‑call rotation to respond to after‑hours emergencies.
• Follow OSHA safety standards, building codes, and university policies.

Minimum Qualification and Experience

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in a related field like electrical or mechanical engineering preferred.
• 5–7 years in BAS/DDC controls, HVAC/R, or energy systems, with experience in system optimization and integration projects.

Skills

• Strong understanding of HVAC/R systems, mechanical controls, and electrical principles.
• Proficiency with building automation and energy management software tools.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with network protocols (e.g., Niagara N4 platform).
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Commitment to safety, accuracy, and continuous learning.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Tuition benefits for employee and qualified dependents
• Medical and Dental
• Short‑ and Long‑term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Relocation Package

Approximate Starting Hourly Rate

32.00 – 37.00

The wage offered could be above or below range based on education and experience as it relates to the job description.

As an educational institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, BYU‑Hawaii prefers to hire qualified members of the Church in good standing, as authorized under 41 C.F.R. 60‑1.5(a)(6). To be eligible for employment, applicants who are members of the Church must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend and receive a clearance from the Church’s Ecclesiastical Clearance Office. Job applicants must be able to meet these conditions to advance through the hiring process successfully. An expired temple recommend will prevent consideration for hire.