Controls Technician

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation, sick, and holiday pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

No-cost life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Tuition assistance for employees and…

Employee discounts

Professional development

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Controls Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls within campus facilities. The role involves reading blueprints, balancing rooms, and assisting with commissioning across multiple levels while adhering to safety and campus standards.

Opportunities exist for progression through Levels I–IV with increasing responsibilities and mentorship duties.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent experience.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Thinking and reasoning skills.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Familiar with and able to operate tools and machinery.
• Basic computer skills.
• 2+ years of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
• Strong analytical thinking and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, maintenance, and repair of low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls.
• Assist with commissioning and balancing of HVAC control systems.
• Learn to interpret schematics and blueprint drawings for installation and troubleshooting of electrical systems.
• Complete work orders and utilize an electronic time keeping system daily.
• Train, mentor, and verify work of others in installation and commissioning (higher levels).

Skills

HVAC controls

Blueprints

Electrical theory

Troubleshooting

Testing devices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Multimeter

Energy Management System (EMS)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Department

Department UO Building Systems Maintenance-1004

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260766

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/24/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/02/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska and certified as a Lincoln Family-Friendly workplace, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.

We invest in our employees:

• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• No-cost life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Parental leave.
• Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
• Exclusive employee discounts.
• Professional development through training and education.
• And many more!!

This position is part of a career ladder with pay commensurate with each level. Job duties are cumulative by level. Positions at higher levels are expected to perform the duties identified for that level as well as those established for preceding levels.

As a Controls Technician I, you will:

• Assist with installation, maintenance, and repair of low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls.
• Assist with commissioning and balancing of HVAC control systems.
• Assist with common electrical activities.
• Learn to interpret and use schematics and blueprint drawings to complete the installation and troubleshooting of electrical conduit systems, wiring, and device termination.
• Complete work orders and utilize an electronic time keeping system daily.

As a Controls Technician II, you will:

• Install, maintain, and repair of low voltage electrical systems and HVAC controls.
• Use schematics to rough-in, wire, and terminate room controls, lab controls, and air handling and hydronic system controls.
• Perform room controls commissioning and room balancing (non-lab).

As a Controls Technician III, you will:

• Perform common electrical activities.
• Train, mentor, and verify work of other staff, students, temp, and/or on-call personnel in the installation and commissioning of HVAC room and system controls and service work.
• Confirm scope, schedule, and budget requirements of work assignments and coordinate changes.
• Test and diagnose circuits in low voltage electrical and building automation controls wiring, equipment, and fixtures utilizing testing devices to ensure compatibility and functionality of the system.

As a Controls Technician IV, you will:

• Perform commissioning and balancing of room, hydronic and air handling control systems (non-lab).
• Assist with project development and safety coordination.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ .

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school or equivalent experience.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Thinking and reasoning skills.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Familiar with and able to operate tools and machinery.
• Basic computer skills.
• 1+ year of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
• Good analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Thoroughness and high attention to detail.
• Understanding of building and construction principles.
• Understanding of electrical systems, applicable codes, and supporting electrical systems.
• Knowledge, experience, and ability to operate a variety of tools and machinery.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic understanding of electrical theory.
• Ability to research, read, interpret, and work with project blueprints and specifications.
• Knowledgeable in balancing and commissioning HVAC systems.
• Skilled in operating testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and ammeters to test and diagnose circuits in low voltage electrical fire life safety equipment.
• Knowledgeable of and skilled in the processes, procedures, and codes required of the trade.
• 2+ years of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
• Ability to comprehend and follow complex and technical information.
• Strong analytical thinking, reasoning, and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of building and construction principles.
• Strong understanding of electrical theory, electrical systems, applicable codes, and supporting electrical systems.
• Knowledgeable of operational building, electrical, and fire codes.
• Intermediate skills utilizing computers and an Energy Management System.
• Basic understanding of NFPA 70/72 National Electrical Code.
• 4+ years of experience performing room balancing, commissioning, installing, and servicing HVAC controls.
• 2+ years of experience performing air and hydronic mechanical systems balancing and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of advanced electrical theory and NFPA 70/72 National Electrical Code.
• Knowledgeable of card access, fire alarm systems, lighting control, and HVAC controls including installation and troubleshooting.

This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., work from ladders and/or aerial equipment, be available by phone to assist with campus emergencies, and participate in regular rotations on the weekend and after-hours on-call schedule.

*Qualifications are cumulative. Candidates considered for placement at higher levels must meet the qualifications for that level as well as the qualifications established for the preceding levels.

Preferred Qualifications

Controls Technician I, II, III , and IV:

• Associate’s degree in electrical technology, other related field of study, participation or completion in an apprenticeship program, and/or equivalent experience.
• Type I, II, III or Universal EPA refrigeration license.
• 6+ months experience performing room balancing and commissioning.
• 6+ months experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
• 6+ months experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.
• 6+ months experience certifying and/or decontamination of biosafety cabinets.
• Familiar with an CMMS or EMCS .
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of or experience with building, electrical, and fire codes.
• 1+ years experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
• 1+ years experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.
• 6+ months experience certifying and/or decontamination of biosafety cabinets.
• Completion of all UNL and BSM required training courses.
• Proficient using an CMMS or EMCS , access controls, and/or fired alarm system interface programs.
• 2+ years experience installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical and low voltage systems.
• 4+ years experience of Building Automation Systems front-end and/or back-end programming.

*Preferred qualifications are cumulative by level and are not required for consideration.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Yes

Physical Required

Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Posted Salary

Salary commensurate with experience

Job Category (old)

Office/Service

Job Type

Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Some evenings/weekends/on-call work will be necessary.

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least one year of experience performing HVAC room balancing and commissioning?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have at least one year of experience installing and servicing HVAC controls?
  • Yes
  • No