Building Automation Specialist-HVAC

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

19h

About The Position

The Building Automation Specialist coordinates, directs, and assists with management of HVAC systems for University Housing & Dining residence and dining halls. The work includes developing construction projects, coordinating maintenance and repairs, troubleshooting building equipment and systems, and communicating the effects of project and repair work to stakeholders. The position establishes effective HVAC training for staff, supports occupant and employee safety, and analyzes, programs, and optimizes Housing Niagara-based Building Automation Systems (BAS). It may also include supervision and leadership of staff. The specialist monitors, maintains, and optimizes BAS to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system performance. The role analyzes system data and trends, commissions and retro-commissions BAS and HVAC systems, coordinates contractors and vendors, and participates in project planning and execution. It ensures applicable code and specification compliance, maintains system documentation, trains maintenance staff, manages BAS equipment inventory and procurement, and collaborates with engineers, contractors, maintenance staff, and campus partners. The University of Iowa’s Division of Student Life works to foster student success through educationally purposeful services and activities. The position contributes to the university community and its education, research, and student-success mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to facilities management of BAS systems and energy-efficiency initiatives.
Typically 3–5 years of professional experience programming and maintaining complex integrated enterprise-level BAS systems.
Extensive air-handling unit (AHU) experience in design, operation, and maintenance.
Ability to problem-solve adaptively during stressful and time-sensitive service issues.
Ability to work in both field and office settings with stakeholders ranging from building occupants to engineering design staff.
Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Extensive knowledge of airflow, hydraulics, and thermal dynamics in relation to BAS systems.
Ability to pass and maintain university fleet safety standards.
Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File.”
Successful candidates must self-disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
The position is not eligible for U.S. visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Niagara N4 and AX licensed programmer.
Refrigeration certification.
Experience working with chillers or similar equipment.
Ability to conduct regular staff training and development.
Prior supervisory experience or experience leading staff in a positive, team-focused atmosphere.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, direct, and assist with management of HVAC systems for University Housing & Dining residence and dining halls.
Develop construction projects and coordinate maintenance and repair work.
Troubleshoot building equipment and systems and communicate the effects of project and repair work to stakeholders.
Establish HVAC training for staff and support occupant and employee safety.
Analyze, program, monitor, maintain, and optimize Housing Niagara-based Building Automation Systems (BAS) for energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system performance.
Analyze BAS data and trends to identify equipment failures, performance drift, and preventive maintenance opportunities.
Commission and retro-commission BAS and HVAC systems to ensure proper operation, safety functionality, and reliability.
Coordinate and oversee contractors and vendors performing BAS, controls, and HVAC-related work.
Participate in project planning and execution, including design reviews, specifications development, commissioning, and cost estimating.
Ensure BAS-related projects and installations comply with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
Maintain system documentation, including control drawings, sequences of operation, and updates resulting from modifications or projects.
Train and develop maintenance staff in BAS operation, troubleshooting, and best practices.
Manage BAS-related equipment inventory and procurement, including sourcing and purchasing automation components.
Communicate and collaborate with engineers, contractors, maintenance staff, and campus partners.
May supervise and provide leadership to staff.