Controls & Refrigeration Systems Specialist (Fume Hood)
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Job no: 522604
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Building Maintenance
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

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.
• Provides functional supervision 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

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure

• 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.
• Valid Class D Driver's license.

At least one 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.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to perform manual work for extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions.

Additional Details

• Metasys Facility Operator's Certificate must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Must wear university clothing when supplied.
• This position is essential. 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.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday - Saturday.
• 7:00am - 3:00pm.
• This position is designated on call.

Salary Information

• Grade 16.
• Special Recruitment Rate: Step 6.

Special Instructions to 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.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Mar 19 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 19 2024 Eastern Daylight Time