Building Automation Specialist

Building Automation Specialist

Provides journey level craft labor, working with tools to install, repair, replace and perform preventive maintenance for environmental control systems in all campus facilities.

Installs, repairs and maintains valves up to ¾ inch in diameter, thermostats, sensors, dampers, and other components of pneumatic, electric and electronic systems controlling the delivery of heat/hot water and/or air conditioning/chilled water to University facilities in order to maintain proper environmental temperatures.

Installs control valves in building heating and cooling systems; rebuilds valves operated by hydraulic, electric or pneumatic controllers; removes and replaces damaged or deteriorated packing in valves; and changes and adjusts diaphragms in valve activators.

Repairs, replaces, adjusts and calibrates thermostats and sensors controlling individual rooms and large air handlers. Visually inspects and observes pressure and vacuum gauges, and adjusts controls to insure proper operation.

Installs pneumatic and electronic control systems, including sensors, thermostats, receiver controllers, valve and damper actuators, electric and pneumatic relays, and DDC controllers.

Determines inventory requirements for supplies, construction materials and replacement parts, and notifies supervisory personnel when (re) ordering is necessary.

Organizes assigned work so as to minimize materials and manhours required for proper completion of work, and instructs others in the operation of and preventive maintenance for all related tools and equipment.

Maintains the work area, all tools, all equipment, all supplies and any assigned vehicle(s) in a neat, clean and orderly condition and performs all work in accordance with established safety practices.

This position performs additional duties as requested by supervisory personnel.

High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution. Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties, and must have sufficient writing and mathematical skills to prepare estimates and supply requisitions. Experience with Windows programs. Basic understanding of various communication protocols. Basic understanding of Building Automation System (BAS) software. Experience with troubleshooting, operation, programming and maintenance of variable frequency drives.

Ability to interpret complex blueprints, diagrams, written specifications and operating instructions. Ability to familiarize themselves with electronic communication devices for work orders and other communication. Completion of a registered apprenticeship program, or an established, certified training program recognized by the University and/or written verification of a minimum of five (5) years experience at the journeyperson level in the trade. Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license.

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade. Ability to complete a physical examination administered by the employer's designated physician.

Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents.

This is a first (1st) shift position. The regular work hours are 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The regular work days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

Must wear MIOSHA approved safety shoes at all times and must wear a hard hat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. When working in vaults and tunnels, and confined spaces, the incumbent uses confined space air quality monitoring meters to monitor for the presence of toxic gases. A face shield, leather apron and MIOSHA approved leather gloves are required when using welding equipment.

Other protective gear must be worn as required by MIOSHA Rules. Must wear no loose-fitting clothing which might become entangled in equipment or machinery, posing a hazard to incumbent's safety.