Automation Systems Technician I-IV 637811

Oklahoma State University•Stillwater, OK

9d•$20 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Systems Technician (AST) supports, maintains, and advances campus-wide building automation systems to ensure efficient operation, occupant comfort, and energy optimization across university facilities. The role covers progressive levels of technical responsibility from AST I through AST IV, with increasing independence, complexity, and leadership. ASTs respond to automation system issues, provide customer service, resolve temperature-control concerns, and manage work orders for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of building automation systems and related equipment, including HVAC controls, pneumatic and hydronic systems, direct digital controls, laboratory exhaust and fume hood systems, and networked control devices. The position diagnoses mechanical, electrical, and network communication issues; installs and programs system hardware and controllers; integrates systems with centralized automation platforms such as Niagara; calibrates sensors, actuators, valves, and controllers; maintains documentation and records; and uses engineering schematics and software tools to support system operation and upgrades. With greater experience, ASTs optimize systems, design and modify control sequences, develop graphics and user interfaces, maintain network infrastructure, and commission controllers and building systems. Higher-level ASTs coordinate projects, review engineering designs, implement new technologies, and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to improve system performance and energy efficiency. ASTs also mentor and train less experienced technicians, support continuous improvement, and contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of campus automation systems. Overtime and stand-by duty are essential functions and may require work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The work environment is primarily mechanical equipment rooms, attics, basements, server rooms, and steam tunnels, with some office work. The job involves heavy manual labor, frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting of more than 50 pounds, and regular ladder climbing. Appropriate provided personal protective equipment must be used, and employees must follow and promote safe work practices. The position is part of a Career Development Plan. Placement in the plan depends on years of experience. Post-secondary education may substitute for years of required experience. A valid driver's license is required before hire and must be maintained for operation of an OSU vehicle as assigned. The listed work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends. The appointment is regular continuous/until further notice.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, conferred on or before the agreed-upon start date.
AST I: Two years of experience in any combination of automated systems, HVAC/R, mechanical/electrical maintenance, large-building temperature controls, IT systems including network communications, IP-based controllers, or building automation software platforms; or related vocational education.
AST II: Three years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls; or related vocational education.
AST III: Five years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls and local and network controller administration; or related vocational education and Tridium Niagara certification. Two years must include time as an OSU Automation Systems Technician I or II.
AST IV: Seven years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls, local and network controller administration and integration; or related vocational education and Tridium Niagara certification. Four years must include time as an OSU Automation Systems Technician I, II, or III.
Post-secondary education may substitute for required years of experience.
Have a valid driver's license before hire and maintain it after hire for operation of an OSU vehicle as required by assigned duties.
AST I skills: Foundational knowledge of HVAC systems, building automation systems, and temperature controls; basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and low-voltage systems; familiarity with pneumatic, hydronic, and simple control devices; general computer proficiency; ability to read and interpret basic technical documentation and schematics; understanding of safe work practices around electrical systems up to 480V; and strong customer service and communication skills.
AST II skills, in addition to AST I skills: Intermediate knowledge of building automation systems and HVAC control strategies; ability to independently troubleshoot and repair components and devices; familiarity with basic IP networking; basic controller and control-system programming and configuration; understanding of BACnet and LON protocols; growing proficiency in analytics, alarms, and trend data; and ability to manage assigned buildings with limited oversight.
AST III skills, in addition to AST I and II skills: Advanced knowledge of HVAC systems, automation platforms, and control-system integration; strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills across mechanical, controls, and network systems; proficiency in programming, graphics development, and configuration in platforms such as Niagara; ability to manage and maintain IP, BACnet, MSTP, and LON automation networks and related infrastructure; ability to install, wire, and configure automation equipment; capability to design, modify, and optimize control sequences; ability to interpret engineering designs and contribute to improvements; and demonstrated leadership in mentoring, coordination, and technical guidance.
AST IV skills, in addition to AST I, II, and III skills: Expert knowledge of building automation systems, HVAC controls, and system architecture; advanced system design, integration, and optimization skills, including complex control strategies; expertise in networked automation environments, server infrastructure, and enterprise platforms; ability to lead commissioning, major upgrades, and large-scale integration; strategic understanding of energy efficiency, system analytics, and long-term performance improvement; collaboration with engineers, contractors, and leadership on design and innovation; and leadership in mentoring, training, and guiding technical direction.

Responsibilities

Respond to building automation system issues and provide customer service, including resolving temperature-control concerns.
Manage work orders for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of building automation systems and associated equipment.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and network communication issues.
Install and program system hardware and controllers, and integrate new and existing systems into centralized automation platforms such as Niagara.
Calibrate sensors, actuators, valves, and controllers.
Maintain system documentation and records, and use engineering schematics and software tools to support system functionality and upgrades.
Optimize systems; design and modify control sequences; develop graphics and user interfaces; maintain network infrastructure; and commission controllers and building systems as experience increases.
Coordinate projects, review engineering designs, implement new technologies, and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to improve system performance and energy efficiency.
Mentor and train less experienced technicians, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of campus automation systems.
Perform overtime and stand-by duty, including work outside business hours when required.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow and promote safety requirements.