Controls Specialist

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Controls Specialist in Plant Operations to maintain and improve building control, fire, security, and access systems across campus, ensuring safe, energy-efficient operation of facilities.

The role covers commissioning, retro-commissioning, testing, maintenance, and documentation of pneumatic and direct digital control hardware, with collaboration across campus planning and operations to meet performance and code requirements.

Qualifications

• 4 years electronics/instrumentation work experience required.
• Experience with pneumatic and DDC instrumentation and building automation.
• Knowledge of Johnson Controls and Automated Logic systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end testing, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and servicing on projects.
• Monitor and calibrate building system controls for energy efficiency.
• Assist in data collection to improve HVAC operation and energy management.
• Analyze malfunctions and repair or adjust operating parameters.
• Prepare detailed test and repair records and maintain documentation.

Skills

Electronics experience

Instrumentation

DDC systems knowledge

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Johnson Controls

Automated Logic

Electrical wiring tools

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Controls Specialists position is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing skilled work to ensure safe, effective, and energy efficient operation of building control, fire, security and access control systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety and comfort with energy efficiency) within Vanderbilt University's buildings. This position is responsible for the commissioning, retro-commissioning, testing, maintenance, modification, repairs and record keeping of building control, utilizing knowledge of pneumatic, electric, electronics, direct digital control, airflow, hydronics, refrigeration theory, control strategies, This includes such hardware as thermostats, humidistats, receiver controllers, pneumatic actuators, safeties, pilot positioners, relays, sensors, field panels, wiring, power supplies, interface modules, as well as system operating manuals and engineered drawings. Reporting directly to the Controls Specialist Supervisor, the Controls Specialist will work as a partner and in collaboration with all departments throughout the VU campus on a daily basis.

About the Work Unit

Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Responsible for end to end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and servicing on assigned projects.
• Monitors and calibrates building system controls to achieve better operation and energy efficiency as instructed.
• Assists in the accumulation of data necessary to facilitate improved operation of HVAC systems for effective Energy Management.
• Determines nature and depth of malfunctions and initiate action to repair or provide information to resolve and/or modify operating parameters.
• Completes detailed test and repairs records and file/store as required.
• Refers to and understands engineering drawings and systems operating manuals.
• Works with Campus Planning and Construction during new project and renovation design, vendor commissioning and Vanderbilt University acceptance to ensure controls, fire, security, and access control systems meet or exceed Vanderbilt specifications for performance, efficiency, and code compliance prior to hand-off to Plant Operations.
• Works with Zone Groups and Chilled Water Distribution Group to troubleshoot control systems which control chillers, AHU's, boilers, hot water converters, cooling towers, etc. to facilitate correction of malfunctions and system failures.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs direct digital control systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance, site surveys, replacement, and modifications as needed to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
• Prepares for on-site installation and repairs by examining building layout, anticipating difficulties, gathering materials and coordinating on-site work, as necessary.
• Uses a variety of hand tools, interpreting control drawings, plans, and specifications, to mount, assemble, test, and program the system.
• Completes reports daily to ensure accurate record management of labor, material, and cost.
• Researches and recommend repair components and test equipment to assist management in calculating costs of repairs and upgrades.
• Gathers building HVAC and mechanical field data to facilitate analysis of HVAC performance.
• Assists others as requested to help troubleshoot HVAC equipment to limit equipment downtime and resolve complaints and other problems related to campus HVAC equipment.
• Provides sketches of field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings.
• Conducts extensive self-study to improve and maintain technical proficiency in building control systems and products.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively to the Controls Specialist Supervisor.

Education and Certifications

• A High school diploma or GED is necessary.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• 4 years electronics/instrumentation work experience in all phases of pneumatic and DDC instrumentation, control systems, and building automation systems is necessary.
• Knowledge and experience with Johnson Controls and Automated Logic systems is preferred.
• Experience with rough wiring, wiring of devices and panels, and layout and installation of control devices and other system components is necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills is necessary.
• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.