What are the responsibilities and job description for the Critical Facilities Technician - Data Center position at Wesco?
Ascent, now part of Wesco, is a leading provider of mission-critical facility solutions across North America. With deep expertise in data center development, engineering, and operations, Ascent supports thousands of sites for top-tier clients, delivering reliable performance and innovative technology. As part of the Wesco family, Ascent continues to set the standard for safety, service, and operational excellence in the critical infrastructure sector.
The Critical Facilities Technician supports the operation and maintenance of mission-critical infrastructure within a data center environment. This role assists in managing building systems—including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and life safety—ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and uptime. Responsibilities include performing preventative and emergency maintenance, coordinating with vendors and contractors, and supporting 24/7 on-call operations. The Critical Facilities Technician also contributes to procedural development, safety compliance, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Responsibilities
- Assist in maintenance of mission critical equipment used to operate and maintain a data center.
- Assist in management of systems and physical environment integration (life safety, mechanical, plumbing, and power related activities and issues).
- Report discrepancies and trends to the Assistant Critical Facilities Manager, Critical Facilities Manager, operations team and / or clients.
- Assist in managing preventative and emergency maintenance schedules and procedures for building systems; identify back-up and replacement inventory needs for critical systems.
- Assist in overseeing all maintenance schedules and providers.
- Provide on-call support (24x7).
- Assist in updates of standard practices consistent for data center operations and equipment.
Oversee and coordinate sub-contractors to assure proper installation of equipment and delivery of maintenance services. - Troubleshoot emergencies, equipment problems, and technical issues, organize and oversee resolutions.
- Provide ongoing technical support, management and oversight of vendors as necessary.
- Completes daily inspections.
- Complete inspections and maintenance. Scheduled maintenance may include, but is not limited to, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annual equipment maintenance.
- Self-perform numerous Electrical/HVAC preventative maintenance activities including but not limited to: Filter changes, Generator operating tests, UPS/ATS/STS transfer tests and operation
- Provide field technical support related to redundancy, reliability and maintainability for the data center including current needs, long-term objectives and strategic planning, primary focus shall be on uptime (99.9999%) and cost saving opportunities, supported by internal Corporate Engineering group
- Assist in development and implementation of Change Control Program
- Method of Procedure (MOP), Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and Emergency Recovery Procedure (ERP) development
- Assist CFM or ACFM as administrator for onsite Critical Facility Work Rules
- Assist with vendor onboarding and familiarization
- Safety inspections and adherence to company safety policies.
- Administrative policies/procedures
- Scope of Work standards
- Spare parts management
- Reporting development
- Life Cycle Replacement Strategy
Qualifications
- High school degree or equivalent
- Technical certification/license in Mechanical, HVAC or Electrical field, military training experience, or other related field preferred
- 3 plus years of experience as a Critical Facilities / Maintenance Technician in data center, mission critical environment, or other relevant experience.
- Knowledge of mechanical or electrical systems necessary, construction / project planning, building controls, fire systems, and security systems.
- Knowledge of building automation systems.
- Knowledge of CMMS, ticketing, work order systems preferred.
- Technically proficient in planning and scheduling, and exhibit excellent organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills, the ability to lead coordination meetings and actively facilitate progress in order to achieve scheduled goals.
- Ability to work cooperatively with internal administration groups, and effectively contend with customers and contractors to reach mutually acceptable terms and conditions.
- Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word, MS Project. Knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus.
The data center work environment is a highly secure, physically demanding, and structured operation, characterized by its loud, controlled temperature conditions and 24/7/365 uptime. The environment demands a high attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills to manage and troubleshoot critical equipment during regular operation and in emergency situations. Lifting up to 50 lbs, regular bending, stooping, climbing and long periods of walking / standing will be required.