Building Automation Specialist; Facilities, Real Estate & Planning

Wake Forest University•Winston Salem, NC

20d

About The Position

The Building Automation Specialist supports Wake Forest University’s Building Performance Improvement Initiative, which aims to reduce energy consumption, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions across the Reynolda Campus and surrounding properties. Working closely with utilities and maintenance teams, the specialist develops, monitors, and helps manage programs for HVAC Building Automation Systems (BAS), energy metering, and broader energy- and carbon-reduction efforts. The position identifies system inefficiencies and recommends practical, data-driven solutions to improve building performance. The role monitors and analyzes BAS data, troubleshoots HVAC controls and metering systems, and develops technical solutions such as control-sequence tuning and retro-commissioning. It supports building analytics and campus energy-conservation projects, conducts facility walkthroughs and energy audits, and maintains documentation of system changes, project progress, outcomes, and verified energy savings. The specialist collaborates with university teams and external contractors and may be designated essential personnel, subject to recall outside the normal schedule during campus emergencies or other special needs. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. The position is full time. A valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are required to meet University insurance requirements. The work may take place indoors or outdoors and involve varying environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, HVAC Technology, Building Automation, or a related field with 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of commercial building systems and control technologies, including HVAC systems, sensors, and control theory.
Proficiency operating and troubleshooting at least one major BAS platform, including related metering and software systems.
Strong analytical skills and ability to assess energy performance and recommend improvements.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation.
Proficiency with computer technology and software, including Microsoft Suites, Google Software, CMMs, and building system software tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
Strong customer service orientation and interpersonal skills.
Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to meet University insurance requirements.
May be designated essential personnel and subject to recall inside or outside the normal schedule during campus emergencies, disasters, or other special needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience in a higher education, hospital, or similar environment.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification.
Experience with advanced BAS control strategies and retro-commissioning.
Familiarity and hands-on experience with Johnson Controls Metasys, Schneider Electric/Yamas, and Alerton Control Systems.
Experience with energy management and sustainability programs.
Understanding of emerging technologies and the use of artificial intelligence.
Prior experience implementing energy analytics tools or platforms.

Responsibilities

Continuously monitor and analyze Building Automation Systems (BAS) data to identify HVAC performance degradation, operational inefficiencies, and programming defects.
Develop and implement technical solutions, including control-sequence tuning and retro-commissioning, to restore peak system performance.
Assist with design reviews, project oversight, and re-commissioning efforts for major HVAC systems.
Contribute to the development, deployment, and use of a Campus Building Analytics platform, such as Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD).
Collaborate with Facilities Maintenance teams, campus engineers, and external contractors to diagnose and resolve operational and energy-related issues.
Conduct facility walkthroughs and energy audits to identify high-consumption areas and wasted energy.
Propose and document data-driven corrective measures supported by cost-benefit analyses.
Serve as technical lead for the campus energy metering program, troubleshooting issues and maintaining accurate energy data and reliable metering infrastructure.
Support planning, design, and management of campus-wide energy conservation and management projects.
Maintain accurate documentation of system changes, project scopes, implementation progress, outcomes, and verified energy savings.
Report safety-related concerns to the appropriate Safety Director.
Adhere to University and departmental policies and procedures.