Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Deferred Maintenance Team)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Technician to join their Deferred Maintenance Team. This role involves testing, certifying, installing, and repairing critical instrument and control systems that ensure the integrity of research facilities. The technician will work with advanced building management systems, troubleshoot complex control systems, and collaborate with other technicians to maintain operational excellence. If you have a passion for technology and a commitment to safety and quality, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment dedicated to educational access and innovation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as an instrumentation technician with troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Electrical & NFPA Codes and HVAC systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair building management systems and control systems.
• Diagnose and repair PLC-based control systems and related equipment.

Skills

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Electrical theory application

HVAC knowledge

Control systems maintenance

Safety practices

Supervision and instruction

Education

Associate degree in electricity/electronics

Graduation from accredited technical institute

Certification from ISA or equivalent

Tools

PLC-based control systems

Diagnostic equipment

Manual and power tools

Test instruments

Job description

Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Deferred Maintenance Team)

Apply now Job no: 526728
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Building Maintenance
Union: AFSCME
Categories: AFSCME A

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors.

Job Summary

The Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Deferred Maintenance Team) is responsible for testing, certifying, installing, repairing, and inspecting instrument and control systems. They maintain instruments that measure, record, and operate the process-controlled systems used in research buildings and supports the campus with instrument calibrations. Key responsibilities include:

• Installing, maintaining, monitoring, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing building management systems (BMS), including electric, electronic, low-voltage electrical wiring, electro-mechanical controls, HVAC, field points, and communication wiring.
• Repairing and initiating repairs on control systems, variable frequency drives, motor controls, and related equipment.
• Using specialized testing, monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
• Working with other technicians/trade personnel to maintain building systems integrity.

Essential Functions

• Diagnose and repair fault conditions in PLC-based control systems, motor controls, AC drives, and industrial controls.
• Apply electrical theory to electronic and power circuits, wiring circuits, transformer connections, electrical recorders, and instruments.
• Maintain burner management systems.
• Assemble, disassemble, and maintain major rotating equipment such as synchronous condensers, motors, and generators.
• Perform construction work safely, following work orders and drawings.
• Interpret circuit maps, work orders, and electrical diagrams.
• Perform rigging associated with equipment installation and removal.
• Maintain and repair temperature, pressure, and flow measuring devices.
• Troubleshoot instrument and control malfunctions and select proper corrective actions.
• Use manual and power tools, test instruments, and equipment, including personal computers, micro-processors, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, watt meters, oscilloscopes, and relay test equipment.
• Follow safety precautions regarding occupational hazards in the electrical trade.
• Install, maintain, and test control systems, high-speed data and telemetering systems, communication systems, load control systems, protective relays, and instruments.
• Work from drawings and document field changes.
• Calibrate transducers and indicating meters.
• Document test results.
• Test and calibrate pneumatic and electronic equipment, including pressure, temperature, level, and flow transmitters, recorders, relays, universal power supplies (UPS), and positioners.
• Maintain lab safety supervisory instrumentation.
• Test combustion control systems.
• Maintain records and an inventory of spare parts.
• Respond to emergency service calls.
• May supervise 1-5 employees on a project basis.
• Operate a motor vehicle to travel to work sites.
• Promote excellent customer service and meet with customers and Customer Service Representatives to determine needs and implement quality improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least four (4) years of full-time technical experience as an instrumentation technician with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair, or similar military duties, and one of the following:
  • An associate degree covering electricity, electronics, and/or industrial instrumentation and controls.
  • Graduation from an accredited technical institute with an instrumentation curriculum covering electricity, electronics, and both mechanical and electronic instrumentation and controls.
  • Completion of an instrument electronics apprentice program, including work on electronic/electrical and mechanical control systems.
  • Applicable military training and education.
  • Certification from ISA (International Society of Automation) or equivalent institution.
• Valid class D driver’s license.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Electrical & NFPA Codes and their applications.
• Ability to supervise and instruct helpers in Electrical, HVAC, and BMS tasks.
• Knowledge of HVAC equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of safety practices, preventative maintenance, and standard testing equipment.
• Ability to work from drawings, diagrams, and oral and written instructions.
• Ability to make job-related decisions, work in high places, confined spaces, and perform heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical sketches, diagrams, schematics, and instruction books.
• Ability to repair, adjust, and calibrate instruments, controls, and other mechanical or electrical devices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to follow and give technical instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing and troubleshooting Commercial Controls Systems and PLC controllers.
• Experience as an instrument and controls technician.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to frequently lift and carry objects of 20-100 lbs.
• Ability to stand and work for long periods, work in enclosed, hot, moist spaces, work with a respirator, climb ladders, and work on scaffolding.
• Ability to drill or cut holes through floors, walls, or ceilings.
• Ability to drive a motorized vehicle around campus.
• Ability to bend and install EMT and rigid conduits up to ¾”.
• Ability to bend and install soft copper tubing and vinyl tubing up to ½”.
• Ability to build uni-strut racks and panel and trough mounting.
• Ability to work safely in sensitive research laboratory environments.
• Must be willing to take an annual pulmonary function physical test.
• This position is essential and includes the obligation to work overtime, return to work between scheduled shifts, and report to work during delays, early departures, and closures.
• This position is designated on call.
• Receives supervision from the Zone management team and/or other higher-grade employees who provide training, instruction, and performance reviews for compliance with procedures, codes, rules, and regulations.

Work Schedule

• Ability to provide off-shift coverage as requested.

Salary Information

AFSCME Grade 24

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.

Advertised: Mar 25 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 27 2025 Eastern Daylight Time