Building Systems Specialist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa State University BioCentury Research Farm is seeking a Building Systems Specialist II to support the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of facility infrastructure and equipment to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient environment for research and daily operations. This position combines technical expertise with hands-on operational support to maintain and optimize building systems, coordinate facility operations activities, and support safety and compliance programs. Working closely with staff, university service units, vendors, and facility users, this role helps maintain high-performing facilities while contributing to the long-term operational effectiveness of the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF). BCRF is the first-in-the-nation integrated research and demonstration facility dedicated to biomass production and processing and is internationally recognized for advancing bioeconomy science and engineering. Since 2009, BCRF has led and supported more than $85 million in grant funding and supports over 50 sponsored research and industry service projects annually. The facility plays an important role in supporting economic development across Iowa State University and the Midwest.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
Experience maintaining and optimizing building automation and control systems.
Experience working with mobile equipment and machinery, including inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
Working knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and safe industrial work practices.
Experience training, delegating, and guiding junior staff or students in a technical or operational environment.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot building systems including HVAC, boilers, chillers, air compressors, and related infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
Implement control adjustments and system improvements while maintaining operational and maintenance records.
Coordinate preventive maintenance, inspections, repairs, and service activities with university service units, contractors, and external vendors.
Support daily facility operations to maintain readiness of buildings, utilities, equipment, and outdoor research areas.
Coordinate grounds and operational services including landscaping, snow removal, recycling, and surplus activities.
Perform and coordinate inspections, routine maintenance, and upkeep of BCRF-owned machinery, mobile equipment, and supporting infrastructure.
Provide operational support to research activities and facility users through planning, coordination, scheduling, and documentation.
Support safety and compliance initiatives, including OSHA-related activities, life safety systems, and facility safety documentation.
Coordinate and deliver facility safety training programs and maintain associated training records.
Assist with identifying and implementing operational improvements that enhance facility reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of facility operations and research activities.