Building Automation Specialist-HVAC

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

Coordinate, direct, and assist with management of HVAC systems for University Housing & Dining residences and dining halls. The work includes construction project development, maintenance and repair coordination, troubleshooting building equipment and systems, and communicating the effects of project and repair work to stakeholders. The role establishes effective HVAC training for staff and ensures occupant and employee safety in the facilities. It analyzes, programs, and optimizes Housing Niagara-based Building Automation Systems (BAS), and may include supervision and leadership of staff. The specialist monitors, maintains, and optimizes BAS to support energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system performance. The role analyzes system data, commissions and retro-commissions BAS and HVAC systems, coordinates contractors and vendors, participates in project planning and execution, ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards, maintains system documentation, trains maintenance staff, manages BAS equipment inventory and procurement, and collaborates with stakeholders to support project outcomes and continuous system improvement. The position is part of the University of Iowa’s Division of Student Life, which works to foster student success through educationally purposeful services and activities. University employment offers health coverage, university-paid life insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, support and well-being resources, professional training and leadership development, and tuition assistance.

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 demonstrated professional experience programming and maintaining complex, integrated enterprise-level BAS systems.
Extensive AHU experience in design, operation, and maintenance.
Adaptive problem-solving skills for stressful and time-sensitive service-related issues.
Ability to work in the field and office 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 thermodynamics in relation to BAS systems.

Nice To Haves

Niagara N4 and AX licensed programmer.
Certification in refrigeration.
Experience working with chillers or similar equipment.
Ability to conduct regular staff training and development to increase institutional knowledge and provide a higher level of service.
Prior supervisory experience or experience leading staff in a positive, team-focused atmosphere.
Ability to pass and maintain university fleet safety standards.

Responsibilities

Monitor, maintain, and optimize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to maximize energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system performance.
Analyze system data and trends to identify equipment failures, performance drift, and opportunities for preventive maintenance.
Commission and retro-commission BAS and HVAC systems to ensure proper operation, safety functionality, and system 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 compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications for BAS-related projects and installations.
Maintain accurate system documentation, including control drawings, sequences of operation, and updates resulting from modifications or projects.
Train and develop maintenance staff on 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 to support project outcomes and continuous system improvement.
Coordinate, direct, and assist with HVAC system management for University Housing & Dining residences and dining halls.
Develop construction projects, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and troubleshoot building equipment and systems.
Communicate the effects of project and repair work to stakeholders.
Establish effective HVAC training for staff and ensure occupant and employee safety in assigned facilities.
Analyze, program, and optimize Housing Niagara-based BAS.
Provide supervision and leadership to staff as needed.