HVAC Controls Specialist

Under limited supervision, the Facilities Control Specialists are responsible for the installation, maintenance and adjustment, and repair of electric, electronic, pneumatic, and digitally controlled building automation systems which manage the most complex HVAC and refrigeration systems. This position monitors, troubleshoots, designs, modifies, calibrates, and programs system features and responds to technical and mechanical problems, either remotely or on-site. The individual must be thoroughly conversant in the software operation of the applicable building automation system and have the journey-level skills and experience to allow for the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of complex HVAC systems and their components. 

The incumbent acts independently and responds with acquired skills, exercising Institute and professionally established safety precautions.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Installs, modifies, adjusts, and repairs computer-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and systems, including air-handling units, fan coil units, hydronic heating systems, variable frequency drives (VFD), ultrasonic flow meters, various direct digital control (DDC), and pneumatic controls components. Suggest and implement, as necessary, methods for better control of systems to optimize control of systems, comfort and/or energy savings.
• Fabricates and implements programs or building control strategies for digitally controlled or global supervisory controlled systems.
• Troubleshoots, designs, modifies programs, and monitor and collect data for building automation systems.
• Repairs and maintains individual hardware and software components of applicable
• Performs minor-to-major overhauls, which include, but are not limited to: disassembling and inspecting of all parts, replacing worn and defective parts, reassembling of all equipment and controls, and testing to ensure proper function.
• Performs major-to-minor repairs of microprocessor-based automation system that monitors and controls building environments.
• Installs electrical conduit, power feeds, and controls for a wide range of systems and various equipment.
• Installs network cables and terminations.
• Utilizes plans and own knowledge to determine how and where to fabricate, assemble and install sheet metal products such as air ducts, reheat systems, supports and control boxes.
• Installs gauges, valves and various types of pipes which may require soldering, brazing, threading and gluing.
• Replaces air filters and water filters.
• Responds to service requests and diagnose and troubleshoot system problems and correct as necessary.
• Serves as department specialist on building automation systems.
• Observe functioning of equipment to detect hazards, adjusts, relocates, and replaces as necessary.
• Performs a variety of routine manual duties as required, such as moving supplies, furniture, equipment, removing trash, scrap material, sweeping and mopping, etc.
• Provides work direction to lower-level technicians, and act as supervisor in the absence of the Supervisor of Facility Services as directed and prioritize own work schedule.
• Prepare routing reports, schematics, and diagrams in laying out work areas and make estimates of time and materials needed for task.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Performs work in other skilled trades as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of training and experience in Building Automation Systems plus at least 1 year of trade/vocational education or apprenticeship.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• 1 year of trade/vocational education or combination of progressively responsible training and experience which demonstrates achievement of journey-level skills equivalent to those acquired through completion of a standard electrician’s apprenticeship program.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office; Project Management Software.
• Other skills required:
  • Demonstrated ability to read construction drawings and documentation.
• Certificates, licenses, and registrations required: Must be willing to maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification.
• Satisfactory completion of the post-offer physical required.
• Must be able to use ladders to provide access to work areas and work from heights.

The expected pay range for this position is $32.45 to $36.50 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

 COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Frequently work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work in high, precarious places
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Occasionally exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds / frequently lift and/or move up to 20-50 pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 0-20 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.