HVAC Controls Specialist
Description
The HVAC Controls Specialist is part of our HVAC and Mechanical division with UG2. Due to our growth we are adding this position to our very talented team. This position will work in a college campus environment and will lead the campus controls group.
The ideal candidate will be participating in the day to day activities related to incorporating operations monitoring, correcting and dispatching in real time functionality of the building automation systems. Responsible for the monitoring of proper operation and scheduling of all building(s) systems and equipment. This includes but is not limited to: chillers, cooling towers, fans, boilers, pumps, heat exchangers, ancillary support equipment, controls, and BMS/EMS. Must be able to perform both big picture and detail-oriented tasks and participate in the broader mission of facilitating a collaborative work team with focused efforts across Controls, HVAC Systems and numerous projects.
UG2’s mission is to be the preeminent provider of comprehensive integrated facility services and solutions to the world’s most discriminating clients. In doing so, UG2 aims to be the benchmark that other service providers will be measured against.
The HVAC Controls Specialist will report to the Manager of Facilities – Trades Shop.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are listed below. Other duties may be assigned.
Customer Service & Relations
1. Promotes, builds, and maintains good relations with the campus community; keeps supervisor informed of campus needs, systems status, and actual or potential occupant problems.
• Follow up with customers on an as needed basis
• Being present, available and visible at all high-profile campus events, such as Commencement, reunions and Class Day for an “all hands-on deck” approach, as well as staying involved/keeping track of daily events on campus schedule
• Maintain and update work orders in CAFM system
• Performs other tasks as required or directed
HVAC/DDC Controls
• Operates building automation systems and air-conditioning controls, using various operator workstations, computers, digital interface units, and standard HVAC tools of the trade
• Monitors daily building schedules and adjusts as needed - pulling/reviewing all HVAC schedules including reservable buildings and buildings with special needs and functions
• Work with engineers, contractors and consultants in evaluating proper operation of building systems
• Conducts virtual building tours, maintains equipment loss, and report deficiencies for corrective action as required
• Inspects, monitors, evaluates, and adjusts mechanical systems performance for proper and efficient operation including pumps, fans, valves, dampers, terminal units, heat transfer equipment, fluid flow conditions, and air and water system balance
• Troubleshoot software problems within DDC systems
• Provides analytical assistance concerning campus mechanical systems in buildings, Chilled Water Plant, and general building systems on campus
• Provides technical guidance and support including set-up, check-out, operation, and troubleshooting complex building automation and control systems; verifies functional performance of systems provided
• Provides technical assistance to other technicians and personnel on basic theory, proper system operations, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, typical system failures, and corrections.
• Inspects, calibrates, repairs, and installs a wide range of control, sensing and actuating devices.
• Perform in-house training on operation of the DDC System.
Chilled Water Plant
• Inspects, monitors, evaluates, and adjusts mechanical systems performance for proper and efficient operation including chillers, heat exchangers, pumps, cooling towers and compressors and reports any deficiencies
• Maintains daily logs of equipment runtime, pressures, temperatures, etc.
• Implements and monitors campus Chilled Water Diversity protocol
• Implements and monitors campus Demand Reduction protocol
• Monitors alarms and performs emergency connections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation
• Acts as point person for chiller service contractors
Energy Conservation/Optimization
• Serves as field point person for Continuous and Retro Commissioning projects- responsible for completing repairs/work resulting from monthly reports
• Implements and monitors campus Demand Response Event protocol
• Provides recommendation on equipment/systems selection and on operation and modification for energy conservation, efficiency, and reliability
• Improve efficiency within existing operations – i.e. building schedules, change in sequences to maximize performance and savings, etc.
• Assist with Utility Reviews- review utility summaries to check schedules, problematic areas, and investigate changes in consumption/trends- attend bi-monthly meetings
Emergency Response
• Responds to emergency and routine service calls to provide restoration of mechanical systems operation and control with a minimum of downtime
Supervisory Responsibilities
Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience within the technical trades.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision. Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Strategic Thinking - Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Uses equipment and materials properly.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
Qualifications
• Experience with automation systems such as Johnson Controls, Andover Controls, TAC etc. Siemens or ENE experience a plus
• Knowledge of temperature control systems and commercial Heating, Ventilation/ Air Conditioning
• Knowledge of LON or BACnet protocols
• Five years related experience in the maintenance and operation of complex building system infrastructure.
• Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting ability, superior organization skills and effective written and oral communication skills are expected - skill in dealing with campus building occupants, contractors, and consultants.
• Candidate must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office programs
• Considerable knowledge of standard skilled trade operations and repair methods.
• Must be able to read and interpret detailed plans, specifications, operating manuals and other written materials associated with this trade.
• Ability to inspect building maintenance and construction work for adherence to plans, specifications, and work orders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates and other employees and customers
• Knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow and the application of mechanical devices used for delivery of ventilation, steam, chilled water, hot water, and humidification. Knowledge of air and water balance procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, flow charts, schematic, and ladder diagrams, and control sequences, which may also involve various software languages and formats
• Ability to analyze complex control sequences and resulting operations, and to develop innovations that solve difficult technical problems.
• Ability to acquire, through training and on the job experience, specialized knowledge in rapidly changing technology and applications.
• Skill in instrumentation and calibration techniques.
• Must be knowledgeable and experienced in the installation, operation, trouble-shooting, maintenance and repair of all types of commercial building heating and cooling systems.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices, perform work in accordance with recognized trade and University standards.
• Required to properly wear uniform and maintain a professional image at all times
• Required to wear/use appropriate safety gear as needed.
• May use chain falls and come-a longs for heavier lifting.
• Must have a valid state driver license.
• priorities and adapting to changes, in a time-sensitive, deliverable driven workplace.
Education and/or Experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of a technical or trade school mandatory
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Business Systems or Document Management Database software; Lotus Notes Internet software; MS Excel Spreadsheet software and MS Word Processing software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
None required.
Other Skills and Abilities
Must have strong comprehension of building systems and infrastructure.
Other Qualifications
Experience with operations and maintenance for a High-Tech Industry is preferred. Industry designation preferred.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, push or pull heavy loads and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and transport piping and equipment in excess of 200 lbs. with others. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to work alone and climb multiple sets of stairs, work on ladders, staging, lifts, etc.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; explosives; risk of radiation and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Some exposure to extreme degrees of heat, noise, dust and dirt, areas requiring infection control. Ability to meet deadlines and make sound decisions, sometimes under stress.
Work whatever hours are necessary to maintain facility in a safe manner including weekends and nights.
Work Location: Multiple / Boston, MA
Reports To: Manager of Facilities – Trades Shop
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt