Building Science Technician

RDH Building Science•Boston, MA

1d•$70,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Building Science Technician supports building enclosure projects through hands-on field work, testing, investigations, and site documentation. Working under the direction of senior engineers and technical staff, the Technician gathers field information and supports assessment of building enclosure systems and performance. This is a field-focused role involving significant time on project sites, tools, equipment, and practical problem-solving. The role does not include engineering design and offers the opportunity to develop building science knowledge and technical field skills alongside experienced engineers and consultants.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Mechanically minded, with strong hands-on problem-solving skills.
Comfort using hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and other field equipment.
Ability and willingness to spend significant time working in the field and outdoors in varying conditions.
Comfort working at heights and using ladders and other access equipment following required training.
Strong attention to detail when documenting field conditions, measurements, and observations.
Ability to follow technical instructions, established procedures, and direction from senior staff.
Safety-mindedness and ability to recognize and communicate potential hazards.
Reliability, organization, and ability to manage changing field priorities.
Clear communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineers, contractors, trades, and clients.
Curiosity and eagerness to learn about buildings, construction, and building enclosure systems.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of field work, including carrying equipment and working in active construction environments.
Professionalism, dependability, and comfort working as part of a field-based project team.

Nice To Haves

Trade school, technical training, or hands-on experience in construction, building maintenance, testing, mechanical work, or a related field.
Previous construction or field experience.
Previous certification as a HERS Rater, ENERGY STAR Rater, or Phius Rater/Verifier.

Responsibilities

Conduct site visits and field reviews under the direction of senior engineers and technical staff.
Support building investigations, including visual inspections, exploratory openings, moisture assessments, air leakage testing, and water testing.
Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot field testing equipment and tools.
Assist with opening building assemblies and exposing components for investigation, and support temporary protection or restoration of investigation areas as directed.
Document field conditions using photographs, thermography, measurements, notes, sketches, and other project records.
Assist with measuring and testing air leakage in duct systems, dwelling units, and whole buildings.
Assist with measuring and testing HVAC systems, including airflows and power measurements.
Assist with water testing of windows, walls, roofs, and other building enclosure components using established procedures and standards.
Inspect building exteriors and interiors using appropriate access equipment, including ladders, swing stages, and boatswain's chairs, following required training.
Collect, label, organize, and preserve samples, materials, and other field evidence as directed.
Support installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment used to collect environmental and building performance data.
Coordinate with engineers, contractors, trades, and other project team members while working safely and professionally on active job sites.