Building Automation Technician

American University•Washington, DC

53d•$35 - $49•Onsite

About The Position

The Building Automation Technician position requires a solid understanding of both HVAC equipment and Building Automation Systems (BAS) and the electrical circuits that power them. This position is designed to enhance EMS team’s customer service through enhanced communication, application and technical understanding of Direct Digital Controlled Building Automation and Energy Management systems to assist departmental staff with the safe, efficient, proper operation of HVAC systems providing managing the comfort for 2.7 Million square feet of the “conditioned” living and learning environment. At the entry level this position supports the Energy Management Systems team’s operations splitting time between field and operations center, learning the BAS Software, AU Campus facilities and systems, and acting as an intermediary between the operators in the EMS operations center working collaboratively in the field with the Central Plant Operators and Building Maintenance Staff assigned with assigned work orders trouble-shooting more difficult HVAC terminal equipment issues where needed. As this individual achieves journeyman status they will have developed an in depth understanding of AU’s various BAS software/systems, their capabilities (alarms, energy management programs, equipment modes/sequences of operations, equipment scheduling, operational trends data collection and troubleshooting tools) and integration with third party equipment, controllers, HMI’s. A journeyman BAS Technician will be familiar with all BAS system components (analog and digital I/O’s, system safeties, system design standards, and systems commissioning. A journeyman technician can assist or guide troubleshooting, investigation, repairs and has a strong understanding of and capability regarding Building Automation System operations and preventive maintenance. At more advanced stages this position will begin to gain more familiarity with the underlying BACnet and Internet communications/protocols. More experienced technicians will develop skills to review and make minor modifications to system programming, graphics, and will be capable of reviewing system designs and standards, advanced troubleshooting and scoping/scheduling/managing/coordinating BAS projects. This position is one of five in the Energy Management Systems team, reporting directly to the Building Automation Supervisor. The position is intended to collaboratively enhance energy efficiency associated with energy systems and the operations and troubleshooting of the same (inc. but not limited t0 HVAC systems). The position supports the EMS supervisor and works closely with Central Plant Operators and BMO maintenance teams in their efforts to effectively operate and maintain safe, functional, clean and efficient building automation, HVAC and electrical systems to provide attractive living, learning and working environment throughout the university. This position is also expected to work collaboratively with other FM and University units including but not limited to Customer Response Center (CRC), Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance (CRDM), Resident Housing & Dining (RH&D), Risk Management & University Police Department (AUPD).

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Building Automation System Certification in hardware, software, system architecture layout/ requirement and application front/ back end operation.
2 to 3 years operation experience on computerized building automation/BAS field devices troubleshoot experience, capable to read BAS system control diagrams/shop drawings.
Working knowledge of BACnet network architecture & protocols and familiarity with typical IT security measures/requirements.
3 to 5 years of experience in HVAC system operation, repair and component trouble shooting.
Working understanding of HVAC system principles, sequences of operations.
Ability to read and understand Engineer’s drawings, specifications and Manufacturer’s Installation, Operation and Maintenance manuals.
Working knowledge of BAS point’s types (Analog & Digital Inputs & Outputs), FLN devices, BLN modular control components.
Working understanding of IP based networks & communications, relational databases, Excel, Access and MS word.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree or equivalent technical school training. Such as industrial automation and controls, or general IT, i.e., a Certificate in MS Operating System, Computer Information System, Computer Science, Database Management Systems.
LEED or applicable Association of Energy Engineers Certification.
3rd class or higher Stationary Engineer’s license or HVAC license or vocational school certification.
Strong knowledge of BACnet protocols, networking and security.
Capable to read/understand Engineer’s HVAC Sequences of Operations and associated BAS programming language/code.
Extensive Building Commissioning experience or Building MEP commissioning certification.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Performing preventative and corrective maintenance work orders phases associated with the building automation systems.
Monitors building automation screens, check Alarms & find obvious / potential issues with HVAC & misc. equipment including AHUs, VAVs, & FCUs.
Troubleshoot Sequence of Operation & abnormalities such as temperature/pressure extremes.
Make adjustments when needed to schedule, set points, operational parameters to ensure proper operation, energy efficiency and policy/code compliance.
Tracking Work Order time, labor, materials and documenting progress and status in FM’s Integrated Work Management System per Department SOPs.
Providing focused internal support to departmental energy/reliability goals, programs, projects.
Energy program support involving energy metering, monitoring, data collection/communication, analytics and reporting as necessary for utility usage and cost management, building energy performance reporting and compliance, etc.
Supporting necessary policies and procedure development/documentation efforts.
Supporting FM strategic needs, projects, training, meetings, events or providing technical expertise, recommendations and otherwise with other teams/peers as required by manager (e.g. for occasional project/commissioning support or collaborating with field/physical troubleshooting e.g. with thermostats, actuators, and safety circuits, etc.).
Tending to administrative/logistics needs, attending AU (FM external – e.g. HR, OFT, IT, RM) training, meetings, events and other corporate/strategic duties as required by management.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.

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