Building Controls and HVAC Manager

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Building Controls & HVAC Manager oversees the operation, maintenance, and optimization of campus or facility heating, ventilation, air conditioning ( HVAC ) systems, and building automation systems ( BAS ). This role reports to the Assistant Director, Mechanical Trades and will ensure reliable system performance, energy efficiency, regulatory compliance, and effective supervision of HVAC and controls technicians. The Building Controls & HVAC Manager serves as the technical leader for all mechanical controls systems portfolio-wide, providing strategic planning and oversight for all energy savings investments, troubleshooting expertise in equipment performance issues, and continuous improvement of system infrastructure at both the Orange and Rinker campuses.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5–7 years of progressive experience in HVAC operations, building automation systems, or mechanical trades.
2+ years of supervisory or lead technician experience.
Strong understanding of HVAC principles, controls logic, and BAS programming.
EPA 608 Certification (Universal preferred).
Ability to read mechanical drawings, sequence of operations, and control schematics.
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to manage complex technical systems.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally & in writing with internal and external constituents.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, with the ability to both think strategically while successfully managing and improving daily operations.

Responsibilities

Assist the Assistant Director of Mechanical trades in leading and supervising the HVAC team specifically in building control systems
Assist with hiring, professional onboarding, and ongoing training for all HVAC and Controls technicians. The Building Controls & HVAC Manager will provide mentorship, performance feedback, and Controls supervision of all HVAC staff.
Assist in establishing priorities and managing work orders assigned to the HVAC & Controls Technicians.
Supervise the inspection, preventive maintenance, cleaning, adjustment repair and replacement of all HVAC equipment and energy systems across campus to ensure air quality standards, circulation and exchange rates.
Develop, review, and manage HVAC and building controls service contracts. Ensure work is following regulatory standards, contract terms, and Chapman quality & performance standards.
Serve as the primary point of contact and interface with project coordinators, HVAC Technicians and Engineers on project controls plans during all stages of development design including attendance of meetings, ongoing construction project walks, and site visits as requested.
Oversee the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC equipment campus-wide, including chillers, boilers, air handlers, pumps, VRF , PTAC and related systems for both immediate and long-range University facility functions.
Manage the operation and tuning of Automated Logic Controls ( ALC ) Building Automation Systems ( BAS ) to ensure energy cost savings standards while ensuring user comfort levels.
Monitor and troubleshoot complex system issues, including mechanical, electrical, and software-related faults utilizing ALC software.
Maintain accurate documentation of all maintenance logs, service records, and system documentation.
Implement BAS programming changes to improve performance, energy savings, and occupant comfort.
Ensure proper integration of new HVAC equipment into existing controls architecture.
Manage the installation and testing of controls as new equipment is added/replaced.
Monitor system alerts, trends, and energy dashboards to identify inefficiencies.
Execute changes to setpoints, schedules, trends, etc. as needed to ensure comfort levels.
Develop strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve mechanical system efficiency.
Provide consultative and analytical energy assessments and program evaluations in collaboration with the Sustainability & Energy Conservation Manager and facilities teams to support sustainability initiatives.
Recommend system upgrades, capital improvement projects, and deferred maintenance priorities to the Assistant Director, Mechanical Trades.
Assist in the annual preparation and management of the deferred maintenance program by identifying priorities for all building controls related projects.
Monitor and adjust BAS as required to ensure optimal setpoints and comfort level standards for internal and external constituents during key university events and day-to-day programming while keeping energy savings top of mind for all of its facilities.
Plan and manage HVAC and controls projects from concept through completion as requested by the Assistant Director, Mechanical Trades.
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and internal stakeholders.
Review mechanical plans, specifications, and submittals for accuracy and compliance.
Manage project budgets, schedules, and quality assurance benchmarks.
Supervise and/or perform miscellaneous activities or projects as assigned by Facilities administration
Perform a variety of contracting and estimating related tasks including identifying the scope and requirements of anticipated projects, conducting pre-bid walkthroughs on internally developed projects, performing quality control inspections.
Provide, design and estimate time and material on both contracted and in-house work.
Ensure adherence to applicable codes, including mechanical, electrical, fire life-safety, and energy codes.
Maintain compliance with EPA regulations for refrigerant handling and reporting.
Support environmental health and safety audits.