Retro Commissioning & Lighting Controls Tech

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Nashville is seeking an HVAC Optimization professional responsible for enhancing HVAC and lighting system efficiency. This role involves evaluating energy performance, troubleshooting system issues, and implementing energy-saving measures. Applicants should possess a high school diploma, HVAC proficiency, and a valid driver's license. This position does not entail supervisory responsibilities but requires effective communication and teamwork skills to liaise with the Energy department.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is necessary.
• Proficiency in HVAC and lighting controls required.
• Valid Driver License is required.

Responsibilities

• Optimize HVAC and Lighting systems for performance.
• Evaluate and repair controls for peak energy efficiency.
• Calibrate HVAC systems to operate at optimal settings.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma

Completion of building automation trade school

Tools

Diagnostic software

Excel

Access

SQL

Job description

Position Summary

This position is directly responsible for the optimization of Vanderbilt’s HVAC and Control infrastructure, including the analysis of HVAC controls and efficient use of air flow and chill/hot water system through controls. This person will have ongoing responsibility for Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Lighting Controls accuracy and will be required to conduct comprehensive analysis of existing systems. This position requires proficiency with assessing building performance and troubleshooting systems and implementing energy‑saving measures.

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. Facilities manage 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 Facilities department, specifically in regard to the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Key Functions And Expected Performance

• Primarily responsible for returning HVAC and Lighting systems to original performance.
• Has responsibility to evaluate different systems and adjust or repair controls to reach peak energy performance.
• Use specialized tools and techniques to test the functionality and efficiency of systems. This includes checking airflows, temperature settings and equipment performance.
• Suggest upgrades to enhance building efficient equipment and work with Utility metering coordinator to lower energy consumption and reduce run times.
• Identify problems such as equipment malfunctions, incorrect settings and inadequate maintenance that contribute to energy waste or facility damage.
• Modify system controls, such as thermostats and sensors to enhance responsiveness and efficiency.
• Calibrate and adjust HVAC systems to operate at optimal settings to reduce waste and improve comfort.
• Responsibility to provide interface as needed with Building Logix to keep systems and software at optimal performance.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities, this position reports ad

Education & Experience

• High school diploma is necessary.
• Completion of building automation trade school or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in HVAC, Lighting controls, electrical and Building Management systems.
• Ability to use diagnostic software and tools used in retro commissioning.
• Problem‑solving and critical thinking abilities.
• 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.

Preferred Skills & Certifications

• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to monitor program and plant performance in order to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
• High computer skills in various applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated experience with Excel, Access, or SQL.
• Experience with building automation and lighting control systems specifically Johnson Controls, Automated Logic, Honeywell, Lutron, Encelium, InLight and Bluetooth Mesh.
• Ability to work as a team with the Energy department through communication, project management and share analytics to achieve departmental goals.