Building Systems Control Supervisor

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Specialists Supervisor position is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing skilled work to ensure safe, effective, and energy efficient operation of building control, fire, security and access control systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety and comfort with energy efficiency) within Vanderbilt University’s buildings. This position is responsible for leading an internal team or project managing an outside vendor in the commissioning, retro-commissioning, testing, maintenance, modification, repairs and record keeping of building control, utilizing knowledge of pneumatic, electric, electronics, direct digital control, airflow, hydronics, refrigeration theory, control strategies, fire alarm systems, security systems, access control systems, emergency/egress/lighting, card readers, and sprinkler monitor panels. This includes such hardware as thermostats, humidistats, receiver controllers, pneumatic actuators, safeties, pilot positioners, relays, sensors, field panels, wiring, power supplies, interface modules, manual pull stations as well as system operating manuals and engineered drawings. The Controls Specialist Supervisor will work as a partner and in collaboration with all departments throughout the VU campus on a daily basis. Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Requirements

A High school diploma or GED is necessary.
Formal Electronics/Instrumentation training such as vocational/technical school, trade school, military, or apprenticeship desired.
Minimum of ten (10) years electronics/instrumentation work experience in all phases of pneumatic and DDC instrumentation, control systems, security systems, fire systems, access control systems, and building automation systems is necessary.
Experience in rough wiring, wiring of devices and panels, and layout and installation of alarm devices, security devices access control devices and other system components.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills is necessary.
Excellent customer service skills and basic computer user skills with Microsoft office products are required.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license is necessary; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Experience in team leadership or project management of the repair and troubleshooting of pneumatic controls, DDC controls, and control system programming desired.
Proven ability to work with a team of multi-crafted trades-people is preferred.
Knowledge and experience with Johnson Controls and Automated Logic systems is a plus.
Experience with a computerized service request system is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leading a team of Controls specialists or project managing outside vendors in the implementation of large-scale controls jobs.
Developing training materials and teaching others pneumatic controls, DDC controls, and control system programming.
End-to-end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and servicing on assigned projects.
Monitoring and calibrating building system controls to achieve better operation and energy efficiency as instructed.
Assisting in the accumulation of data necessary to facilitate improved operation of HVAC systems for effective Energy Management.
Determining nature and depth of malfunctions and initiating action to repair, or providing information to resolve and/or modify operating parameters.
Completing detailed test and repairs records and filing/storing as required.
Referring to and understanding engineering drawings and fire systems operating manuals.
Working with Campus Planning and Construction during new project and renovation design, vendor commissioning and Vanderbilt University acceptance to ensure controls, fire, security, and access control systems meet or exceed Vanderbilt specifications for performance, efficiency, and code compliance prior to hand-off to Plant Operations.
Working with HAR Group and Chilled Water Distribution Group to troubleshoot control systems which control chillers, AHU’s, boilers, hot water converters, cooling towers, etc. to facilitate correction of malfunctions and system failures.
Analyzing, diagnosing, and repairing direct digital control systems.
Performing preventative maintenance, site surveys, replacement, and modifications as needed to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Preparing for on-site installation and repairs by examining building layout, anticipating difficulties, gathering materials and coordinating on-site work, as necessary.
Using a variety of hand tools, interpreting control drawings, plans, and specifications, to mount, assemble, test, and program the system.
Completing reports on a daily basis to ensure accurate record management of labor, material, and cost.
Researching and recommending repair components and test equipment to assist management in calculating costs of repairs and upgrades.
Gathering building HVAC and mechanical field data to facilitate analysis of HVAC performance.
Assisting others as requested to help troubleshoot HVAC equipment to limit equipment downtime and resolve complaints and other problems related to campus HVAC equipment.
Providing sketches of field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings.
Providing mentorship to other team members on complex building control, fire alarm, security, and access control systems and strategies.
Conducting extensive self study to improve and maintain technical proficiency in building control systems and products.
Maintaining flexibility to work overtime/weekends, as required.