What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Automation Specialist-HVAC position at Jobs@UIOWA?
Position Specific Summary:
Coordinate, direct and assist with the management of HVAC systems for University Housing & Dining Residence and Dining Halls. Work includes construction project development, maintenance repair coordination, troubleshooting of building equipment and systems as well as communicating information regarding the effects of project and repair work to stakeholders. Establish effective HVAC training for staff. Ensure occupant and employee safety in all facilities listed. Analyze, program, and optimize Housing Niagara based Building Automation Systems (BAS). This position may also be responsible for providing supervision and leadership to staff.
Specific Job Tasks:
Monitor, maintain, and optimize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to maximize energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system performance.
Analyze system data and trends to identify equipment failures, performance drift, and opportunities for preventive maintenance.
Commission and retro-commission BAS and HVAC systems to ensure proper operation, safety functionality, and system reliability.
Coordinate and oversee contractors and vendors performing BAS, controls, and HVAC-related work.
Participate in project planning and execution, including design reviews, specifications development, commissioning, and cost estimating.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications for all BAS-related projects and installations.
Maintain accurate system documentation, including control drawings, sequences of operation, and updates resulting from modifications or projects.
Train and develop maintenance staff on BAS operation, troubleshooting, and best practices to strengthen institutional knowledge.
Manage BAS-related equipment inventory and procurement, including sourcing and purchasing automation components to support ongoing operations.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, maintenance staff, and campus partners to support successful project outcomes and continuous system improvement.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu.
About the Division of Student Life:The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to facilities management of BAS systems and energy efficiency initiatives.
Demonstrated professional experience (typically 3 – 5 years) programming and maintaining complex integrated enterprise level BAS systems.
Vast AHU experience in design, operation, and maintenance.
Adaptive thinking to problem solve during stressful and time sensitive service-related issues
Ability to work in field and office with a variety of stakeholders from building occupant to engineering design staff
Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Extensive knowledge in airflow, hydraulics, and thermal dynamics in relation to BAS systems
Desirable Skills:
Niagara N4 and AX licensed programmer.
Certification in Refrigeration.
Experience working with chillers or similar equipment.
Ability to conduct regular staff training and development to provide increased institutional knowledge and provide a higher level of service for our customers.
Prior supervisory experience or experience leading staff in a positive team-focused atmosphere.
Ability to pass and maintain university fleet safety standards
Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
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