HVAC Controls Technician: Building Automation Specialist

HFC C; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403B/457B retirement plans

Vacation/PTO

Tuition waiver

Medical insurance

Vision and dental

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Professional development

Job summary

Henry Ford College in Michigan is seeking an HVAC Controls Technician to oversee the operation, diagnostics, and maintenance of campus HVAC and BAS systems. The role emphasizes monitoring performance, reducing downtime, and providing technical oversight of vendor work, with independence within established procedures.

Responsibilities include using MATASYS for monitoring, installing and commissioning controls, providing recommendations to Facilities Management, and supporting capital projects

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years Journeyman-level experience in HVAC.
• Journeyman license required.
• Ability to diagnose and monitor commercial building systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor HVAC system performance per the Integrated Energy Master Plan.
• Use building automation systems to monitor conditions, diagnose issues, and respond to problems.
• Troubleshoot HVAC and controls issues and escalate when needed.
• Install, test, calibrate, and commission mechanical systems and components.
• Provide technical recommendations to Facilities Management for review and approval.
• Support capital projects and participate in project walkthroughs and bid processes.
• Communicate system-related information clearly to stakeholders.
• Maintain records and report on system performance.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Diagnostics

Building automation systems

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Journeyman license

Driver’s License

Tools

MATASYS

Job description

Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for an HVAC Controls Technician.

The HVAC Technician is responsible for the ongoing operation, diagnostics, maintenance, and quality control of the College’s HVAC systems and building automation systems (BAS). This position provides in-house technical expertise to reduce reliance on external vendors, minimize system downtime, and ensure HVAC systems operate within the defined limits of the College’s Integrated Energy Master Plan.

The role focuses on advanced diagnostics, monitoring, and performance analysis of HVAC and BAS components, as well as technical oversight of vendor-performed work. The HVAC Controls Technician exercises independent technical judgment within established procedures and protocols and provides technical recommendations to Facilities Management for review and approval.

Hours: The generally scheduled workday is from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required based on departmental needs and approved in advance.

HFC benefits!

• Employee assistance program
• 403B and 457B saving and retirement plans with Roth contribution options
• Vacation time/PTO
• Holidays
• Tuition waiver
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Employer paid vision and dental
• Long/short term disability
• Flex spending and health saving accounts
• Professional Development opportunities

Any Education, experience, and training that demonstrates proficiency and the ability to perform the essential duties will be evaluated for equivalency to the education, competencies, and experience qualifications listed below.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Minimum five (5) years Journeyman-level experience in HVAC (Journeyman license required).
• Physical ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Demonstrated ability in the mechanical maintenance, operation, diagnostics, and continuous performance improvement of commercial building systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in the diagnostic and monitoring functions of building automation systems.
• Strong professional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with Facilities staff, Campus Safety and Security, Information Technology, contractors, and campus stakeholders.

Position-Specific Core Competencies:

• Facilities Systems Knowledge – Effective operation and monitoring of HVAC systems and environmental controls to support campus comfort and system reliability.
• Technical Judgment – Applies advanced technical knowledge to diagnose system issues, analyze data, and develop recommendations within established standards and protocols.

Additional Unique Competencies (Departmental & HFC Core Competencies):

• Attention to Detail – Performs work thoroughly and accurately; attends carefully to system data, diagnostics, and documentation.
• Dependability and Reliability – Demonstrates consistent follow-through, punctuality, and accountability in meeting operational needs and responding to system issues.
• Health and Safety – Complies with all safety requirements, including use of PPE; maintains assigned equipment; follows emergency and safety procedures; identifies and reports hazards.
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with others to support department goals and effective campus operations.

All positions at Henry Ford College are also expected to demonstrate the following HFC Core Competencies:

• Public Service Motivation – Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
• Respect – Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork; values diversity and inclusiveness; practices transparency; shows compassion and empathy; and remains engaged and committed to shared goals.
• Passion – Displays enthusiasm for teaching and learning; seeks diverse perspectives and ideas; creates a student-centered environment; and pursues excellence in all that we do.
• Ingenuity – Is agile, flexible, and responsive; pursues discovery and innovation; uses data and evidence to guide decisions; and continuously reimagines the future.
• Integrity – Upholds high ethical standards; maintains trust; and recognizes the impact of one’s actions on the institution and community.

1. Monitor and ensure HVAC system performance in alignment with the College’s Integrated Energy Master Plan.
2. Utilize building automation systems (including MATASYS) to monitor campus conditions, analyze system data, conduct diagnostics, and respond to heating, cooling, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
3. Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC mechanical, electrical, and controls issues, escalating issues as appropriate.
4. Install, test, calibrate, and commission mechanical systems and components using appropriate electronic testing equipment.
5. Provide technical recommendations to Facilities Management regarding HVAC system settings, operational adjustments, and equipment performance and selection; recommendations are subject to review and approval prior to implementation.
6. Support Facilities Management in capital projects, renovations, and major mechanical work by:
   • Participating in project walkthroughs and mandatory bidders’ conferences
   • Providing subject matter expertise to inform bid specifications and contractor understanding
   • Evaluating completed work to ensure it meets established standards and specifications
7. Serve as a technical liaison between Facilities Management, contractors, and campus stakeholders by communicating system-related information in a clear, end-user–friendly manner.
8. Coordinate and communicate logistical and safety-related information (e.g., crane placement, equipment access, and safety precautions) to affected campus areas and external vendors; this role does not direct or supervise staff from other departments.
9. Maintain current knowledge of College emergency procedures and respond independently to HVAC-related emergency situations using established protocols and professional judgment.
10. Perform and document routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and post-incident evaluations of HVAC systems and related infrastructure.
11. Conduct post-event investigations of system failures and prepare technical reports outlining findings and recommendations.
12. Maintain accurate records and routinely report on HVAC system performance and status.
13. Comply with all College and Facilities Department policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, push, pull, and work in physically demanding environments.
• May work in confined spaces and at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.
• Regularly required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Emergency response duties occur throughout the year and are more frequent for this role than for other Facilities positions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands	Not Applicable	Occasionally: <33%/day	Frequently: 34-66%/day	Constantly: >66%/day
Sitting	X
Standing	X
Pushing	X
Pulling	X
Climbing	X
Reaching	X
Walking	X
Lifting <10 lbs.	X
Lifting 10 lbs. to 20 lbs.	X
Lifting 20 lbs. to 50 lbs.	X
Lifting >50 lbs.	X
Kneeling	X
Twisting	X
Stooping	X
Other

Please upload the required licenses listed in the job posting for your application to be considered complete. This includes a copy of your valid driver's license and your Michigan Mechanical Contracts Licenses.

While we have attempted to capture the core functional responsibilities in the role, the statements contained in this job announcement reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Therefore, performing additional job-related duties not listed above may be required as assigned. For applicants viewing this ad from an external site, please go tohfcc.edu/jobs to apply.