Building Automation Specialist III

Job Title:  Building Automation Specialist III

Location:  Service Center, 4041 North 72nd Street, Omaha, NE  68134

Reports To:  Energy Systems Specialist, Service Center

Work Schedule/FLSA Status:  261 Duty Days/Exempt

Salary Schedule:  This is a full-time non-negotiated position.  Salary Plan 92C

Position Purpose:  Building Automation Systems Specialists install, repair, and maintain computer-based control systems that control and monitor a building's mechanical and electrical equipment, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and energy management systems.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:          

• Operates building automation systems and air conditioning controls, using various operator workstations, computers, digital interface units, and standard HVAC tools of the trade.
• 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.
• Provides analytical assistance concerning campus mechanical systems in buildings, Central Plant, and general campus distribution to other shops and campus departments.
• Responds to emergency and routine service calls to restore mechanical systems operation and control with minimal downtime.
• Promotes, builds, and maintains good relations with the campus community; keeps supervisor informed of campus needs, systems status, and actual or potential occupant problems.
• Provides technical guidance and support, including set-up, check-out, operation, and troubleshooting complex building automation and control systems; verifies the functional performance of systems provided.
• Provides technical instruction and training 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.
• Provides recommendations on equipment/systems operation and modification for energy conservation, efficiency, and reliability.
• Performs emergency connections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation.

Additional Duties:  Performs other related tasks as assigned by the manager, foreman, and/or administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Local travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Ability to climb ladders with tools and equipment weighing up to thirty pounds.
• Physical strength, flexibility, coordination, dexterity, and endurance.
• Regularly climb, kneel, stoop, walk, and engage in heavy physical activities.
• Ability to lift items weighing up to 75 lbs.
• The selected individual must pass a pre-employment assessment of abilities to meet these physical requirements, to be arranged by the school district.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools and departments to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Five years of controls/building automation systems experience; OR, four years of controls/building automation systems experience AND completion of a related technical training program equivalent to one year.
• Niagara N4 Certification preferred.
• Niagara N4 experience and experience with all or any BAS Systems - Trane SC, Honeywell Spyder, and Schneider Electric Eco System is preferred.
• Knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow and the application of mechanical devices to deliver 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 complex technical problems.
• Skill in dealing with campus building occupants, contractors, and consultants.
• Ability to acquire, through training and on-the-job experience, specialized knowledge in rapidly changing technology and applications.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Skill in instrumentation and calibration techniques.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 531-299-0240.