Cedarville University invites applicants for the position of HVAC Controls Technician. This is a full-time, non-exempt, on-site staff position in the Physical Plant – Operations Department within the Business Division. This position reports to the Designated Lead Maintenance Technician and works 2,080 annual hours.
Bring your HVAC controls expertise to a mission-driven campus where you'll work alongside a highly skilled maintenance team, enjoy exceptional benefits, and help maintain one of the region's premier university facilities. Your knowledge will play a key role in ensuring reliable, efficient building systems that support an outstanding learning environment.
The HVAC Controls Technician serves as the primary point of contact for campus HVAC controls systems and related issues across university facilities. This position is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, and supporting building automation and HVAC control systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation of campus mechanical systems. The ideal candidate will possess strong working knowledge of HVAC controls, BACnet and LonWorks communication protocols, and Niagara AX/N4 platforms. This role focuses on diagnostics, field repairs, device replacement, system support, and minor programming modifications rather than advanced system engineering or graphics development.
Essential Functions of the Position
- Serve as the lead technician and campus resource for HVAC controls-related issues.
- Troubleshoot and repair building automation system (BAS) components including controllers, sensors, actuators, relays, VFD interfaces, and communication devices.
- Diagnose and resolve HVAC controls network communication issues involving BACnet and LonWorks systems.
- Perform controller replacements, device commissioning, and point-to-point verification.
- Make routine programming modifications and adjustments to existing control sequences under established standards.
- Support operation and maintenance of Niagara AX and Niagara N4 systems.
- Monitor system performance and respond to alarms, trends, and occupant comfort complaints.
- Coordinate with HVAC technicians, electricians, engineers, contractors, and vendors to resolve controls-related issues.
- Maintain accurate documentation of repairs, system changes, and control configurations.
- Assist with startup and integration of new HVAC equipment into existing BAS infrastructure.
- Verify proper operation of HVAC systems including air handlers, chillers, boilers, pumps, VAV systems, and exhaust systems.
- Maintain cybersecurity and access standards related to BAS systems where applicable.
- Participate in on-call rotation or emergency response activities as required.
- Recommend system improvements and upgrades to improve reliability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
- Serve the University campus in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner.
Qualifications
- Associate degree in HVAC, Building Automation, Electronics, Industrial Controls, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with HVAC controls or building automation systems.
- Working knowledge of BACnet and LonWorks communication protocols and device functionality.
- Experience with Niagara AX and Niagara N4 platforms.
- Ability to troubleshoot HVAC control systems and BAS network communications.
- Experience performing controls repairs, controller replacements, calibration, and field diagnostics.
- Ability to make basic to intermediate programming changes within existing BAS systems.
- Understanding of HVAC mechanical systems and sequence of operation.
- Ability to read and interpret control drawings, wiring diagrams, and sequence documentation.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education, institutional, healthcare, or large campus environments.
- Niagara certification or factory training.
- Experience with Tridium-based systems and integration platforms.
- Familiarity with energy management and building optimization strategies.
- Knowledge of IP networking related to BAS systems.
- Experience working with multiple controls manufacturers and legacy systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple service requests.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance staff, contractors, and campus stakeholders.
- Proficiency using computers, BAS software, and mobile service technology.
- Commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Required Mental/Physical Abilities
- Refer to the Essential Functions of the Position.
Environmental Considerations
- Work performed in mechanical rooms, rooftops, occupied buildings, and outdoor environments.
- May require climbing ladders, lifting equipment, and working in confined spaces.
- Occasional after-hours or emergency response work may be required.
