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Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist

University of Massachusetts Amherst • Full-time • Amherst, Massachusetts, United States • 4d ago

509540

Amherst, Massachusetts, United States

AFSCME
Facilities Maintenance & Trades
Full Time
On Site

Staff

Opening on: Aug 5 2026
Closing on: Nov 6 2026

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Building Maintenance

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Building Automation Technician) position primary responsibility for the operation and maintenance of HVAC-R automation systems and other controls systems. Works with the Building Automation System (BAS) and performs calibration, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of Direct Digital Control (DDC) controls and pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and electronic components. Assists plumbers, pump mechanics, electricians, HVAC mechanics, refrigeration technicians, and other trades in the diagnosis, repair, and replacement of their system components.

Essential Functions

BAS Operation: Works with the Metasys Extended Architecture BAS programs and the legacy Metasys PMI functions to analyze and diagnose issues with equipment on the BAS. Uses these functions to respond to customer requests, construction and maintenance needs, equipment failures, power limitations, and planned and unplanned events, including emergencies.

Works directly with customers to troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and other controls issues. Informs customers on how the BAS works, what local control they have over their space, and what limitations there are to their local control.

Monitors spaces and equipment connected to the Building Automation System for trouble, failures, alarms, etc. Initiates responses to resolve these issues.

Under supervision, adjusts set-points and parameters for BAS-connected equipment to improve performance and to respond to changing conditions and customer needs.

Under supervision, programs and adjusts schedules on equipment and alarms in the BAS. Puts overrides on BAS points as needed to overcome functional issues including diagnosing equipment and sensors, understanding the limitations in the software, following the sequence of operations, and ensuring the proper functions of equipment.

Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, repairs, and replaces pneumatic valve and damper actuators, thermostats, pneumatic-electric (PE) devices, pilot positioners, electro-pneumatic (EP) devices, solenoid air valves, flow restrictors, pressure gauges, piping and tubing, and other pneumatic system components from the pneumatic system air supply onwards.

Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, repairs, and replaces electric valve and damper actuators, thermostats, temperature sensors, pressure and humidity transducers, flow meters, position prove switches, freeze-stats, fuses, power supplies, and other associated electro-mechanical devices.

Maintains, calibrates, diagnoses, re-programs, and replaces BAS field controllers including DX-9100 controllers, FEC, FAC, and IOM controls, and Application Specific Controllers such as AHU, UNT, VAV, and VMA controllers.

Monitors supervisory controllers, including NCMs, NCEs, and NAEs for low battery and other alarms. Replaces batteries and reboots controllers.

Troubleshoots issues in existing BAS programming and, under supervision, modifies or repairs using GX-9100, HVACPRO, CCT, and LCT programming.

Under supervision, adds new hardware points to the BAS for new equipment in small renovations and for better operation of existing equipment.

Leads to other trades such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC mechanics, and refrigeration technicians in support of control system installation, operation and maintenance.

Supports and assists electricians (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair, and replacement of line voltage electrical components of the HVAC system, including variable speed drives.

Supports and assists HVAC mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair and replacement of belts, dampers, and other mechanical components of HVAC systems and air compressor systems.

Supports and assists refrigeration and chiller mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, clearing package control faults, restarting, repair and maintenance of chillers and refrigeration equipment including pneumatic air dryers.

Supports and assists plumbers and pump mechanics (who have primary responsibility) in diagnosis, repair and replacement of valves and other components of steam, hot water and chilled water systems.

Supports Physical Plant and outside contractor maintenance and repair work by starting, stopping, and ramping equipment for planned service interruptions, (including filer replacement, lubrication, bearing replacement, motor and pump repair, etc.), and emergency service interruptions.

Maintains and repair chemical fume hoods. Tests and calibrates fume hood face velocity on chemical fume hoods on a regular basis.

Assists with programming troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of other automatic equipment that is not integrated into the BAS, including RO and pure water systems, domestic water booster systems, stand-alone ventilation equipment, lighting control systems, etc.

Operates motor vehicle to work sites.

Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid Class D Driver’s license.

At least one (1) of the following:

HVAC Training Certificate from an accredited school and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR

Johnson Controls Metasys or equivalent BAS training certificate and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR

A valid Refrigeration Technician license and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR

A Journeyman Plumber or Electrical license and three (3) years' experience including substantial experience with HVAC/R systems preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations; OR

An Associate’s degree or higher in an HVAC or DDC related technical discipline and three (3) years' experience with HVAC/R systems using related DDC controls, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional operations.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, control schematics, wiring diagrams, and ladder logic diagrams.

Knowledge and experience with safety practices, preventive maintenance, and standard testing equipment.

Knowledge and experience with cooling equipment including chillers and Direct Expansion (DX) systems.

Knowledge of building control systems related to HVAC as used on campus, including air-handling systems, hydronic systems, all manner of cooling systems and including pneumatic, electronic, and software-controlled systems.

Ability to diagnose and repair HVAC equipment and control systems.

Ability to function independently under routine and/or emergency conditions.

Ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral).

Experience with computer application programs such as Work and Excel.

Ability to cooperate with other skilled craftspeople in a team environment.

Metasys Facility Operator’s Certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education.

Safety-related training in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and other schedulable trades.

Ability to functionally supervise and instruct apprentices.

HVAC Certificate from a trade school.

Confined space training.

Asbestos awareness.

Entry-level thermography.

OSHA 10 training.

Additional Details

Must wear university clothing when supplied.

This position is designated as essential and subject to on call. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday; 7:00AM - 3:00PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 16

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.