Inside Higher Ed
Building Automation & Controls Manager
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Building Maintenance and Engineering, the Building Automation and Controls Manager is primarily responsible for the operation and the management of campus technicians in charge of the building automation system (BAS) operation and maintenance. The manager partners with administrators in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other asset trades to maintain campus equipment and operational efficiency. The manager oversees commissioning, repair, maintenance, calibration, and upgrades of the BAS equipment on campus.
Responsibilities
Manage a team of Controls Technicians responsible for operating and maintaining all campus BAS systems connected to HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment.
Interact with work management teams across campus to ensure requests and work orders are handled properly and executed in a timely fashion.
Operate University vehicles to drive between multiple campus or facility locations to oversee BAS operations, perform site inspections, or manage teams across buildings.
Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive BAS maintenance program incorporating preventive and predictive maintenance aligned with industry best practices.
Ensure preventive maintenance and calibration tasks are accurately programmed and executed through the CMMS.
Process and keep track of key performance indices (KPI) for team productivity and performance, and utilize appropriate records and logs.
Develop and implement quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff.
Participate in the selection of maintenance staff and maintain harmonious relationships with building coordinators, customer service representatives, and university stakeholders.
Mentor and coach staff through ongoing training to maintain a high level of service to the campus community.
Provide technical expertise to plant personnel using BAS and related tools to troubleshoot equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and assess whether equipment meets intended or current service conditions.
Use the campus DDC BAS to monitor equipment operation and performance, rotate equipment for serviceability, analyze data to predict failures, and optimize building comfort and energy use.
Recommend, plan, and manage the repair or replacement of BAS controllers (supervisory controllers, field controllers, end devices) and other electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.
Coordinate work performed by contractors and/or Facilities Management personnel, and supervise and instruct helpers from other trades such as Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and pipe‑fitting tasks.
Ensure that all warranty documentation and design‑intent information for new construction and renovation projects are properly delivered to Facilities Management.
Verify that installed equipment meets design requirements, is accessible for maintenance, and that Facilities Management staff receive appropriate training on all new systems.
Provide oversight to ensure teams adhere to established safety protocols, preventive maintenance standards, and proper use of testing equipment.
Maintain knowledge of the Physical Plant’s work management, job costing, and other computer software, as well as the policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines governing day‑to‑day operations.
Respond to calls outside normal hours and dispatch staff as needed, especially in case of emergency.
Participate in assigned learning and development activities and consistently meet established goals and expectations outlined in individual development plans.
Minimum Qualifications
A high school diploma and nine (9) years of progressive experience working in Building Automation and Controls, or an Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of progressive experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of progressive experience, of which:
At least three (3) years of experience are with leading maintenance employees on teams.
At least three (3) years of experience are within an instrumentation/technical controls environment specifically for maintenance of large buildings.
A valid Class D driver’s license.
An OSHA Construction Card—10 Hours, or must obtain successfully within 1 year of employment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
Ability to analyze complex maintenance problems, define solutions, and effectively delegate to direct reports.
Strong working knowledge of complex building automation systems (BAS), CMMS, and use of databases and spreadsheet software.
Skill and knowledge to interpret blueprints, schematics, automated temperature control (ATC) drawings, logic diagrams associated with HVAC systems and Direct Digital Controls.
Working knowledge of general and unique hazards and safety precautions associated with the Electrical, HVAC and BMS trades.
Preferred Qualifications
A professional license (in BAS, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical trades).
Professional Engineering registration.
Strong working knowledge of JCI Metasys and CMMS platforms. Knowledge of ALC BAS software.
Operation and maintenance of building systems on larger and complex university campuses, and/or related to academics and research.
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
Requires ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
Ability to engage in significant physical activity in the field and is capable of wearing a respirator.
Work Schedule
Monday‑Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
This position is designated as essential personnel and must be able to work during campus weather and facility‑related emergencies.
Salary Information Level 29 PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants Please complete the online application and provide contact information for three professional references. References will be contacted at the final steps of the selection process.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
Advertised Nov 25 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Application Close Feb 27 2026 Eastern Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Manage a team of Controls Technicians responsible for operating and maintaining all campus BAS systems connected to HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment.
Interact with work management teams across campus to ensure requests and work orders are handled properly and executed in a timely fashion.
Operate University vehicles to drive between multiple campus or facility locations to oversee BAS operations, perform site inspections, or manage teams across buildings.
Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive BAS maintenance program incorporating preventive and predictive maintenance aligned with industry best practices.
Ensure preventive maintenance and calibration tasks are accurately programmed and executed through the CMMS.
Process and keep track of key performance indices (KPI) for team productivity and performance, and utilize appropriate records and logs.
Develop and implement quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff.
Participate in the selection of maintenance staff and maintain harmonious relationships with building coordinators, customer service representatives, and university stakeholders.
Mentor and coach staff through ongoing training to maintain a high level of service to the campus community.
Provide technical expertise to plant personnel using BAS and related tools to troubleshoot equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and assess whether equipment meets intended or current service conditions.
Use the campus DDC BAS to monitor equipment operation and performance, rotate equipment for serviceability, analyze data to predict failures, and optimize building comfort and energy use.
Recommend, plan, and manage the repair or replacement of BAS controllers (supervisory controllers, field controllers, end devices) and other electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.
Coordinate work performed by contractors and/or Facilities Management personnel, and supervise and instruct helpers from other trades such as Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and pipe‑fitting tasks.
Ensure that all warranty documentation and design‑intent information for new construction and renovation projects are properly delivered to Facilities Management.
Verify that installed equipment meets design requirements, is accessible for maintenance, and that Facilities Management staff receive appropriate training on all new systems.
Provide oversight to ensure teams adhere to established safety protocols, preventive maintenance standards, and proper use of testing equipment.
Maintain knowledge of the Physical Plant’s work management, job costing, and other computer software, as well as the policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines governing day‑to‑day operations.
Respond to calls outside normal hours and dispatch staff as needed, especially in case of emergency.
Participate in assigned learning and development activities and consistently meet established goals and expectations outlined in individual development plans.
Minimum Qualifications
A high school diploma and nine (9) years of progressive experience working in Building Automation and Controls, or an Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of progressive experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of progressive experience, of which:
At least three (3) years of experience are with leading maintenance employees on teams.
At least three (3) years of experience are within an instrumentation/technical controls environment specifically for maintenance of large buildings.
A valid Class D driver’s license.
An OSHA Construction Card—10 Hours, or must obtain successfully within 1 year of employment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
Ability to analyze complex maintenance problems, define solutions, and effectively delegate to direct reports.
Strong working knowledge of complex building automation systems (BAS), CMMS, and use of databases and spreadsheet software.
Skill and knowledge to interpret blueprints, schematics, automated temperature control (ATC) drawings, logic diagrams associated with HVAC systems and Direct Digital Controls.
Working knowledge of general and unique hazards and safety precautions associated with the Electrical, HVAC and BMS trades.
Preferred Qualifications
A professional license (in BAS, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical trades).
Professional Engineering registration.
Strong working knowledge of JCI Metasys and CMMS platforms. Knowledge of ALC BAS software.
Operation and maintenance of building systems on larger and complex university campuses, and/or related to academics and research.
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
Requires ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
Ability to engage in significant physical activity in the field and is capable of wearing a respirator.
Work Schedule
Monday‑Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
This position is designated as essential personnel and must be able to work during campus weather and facility‑related emergencies.
Salary Information Level 29 PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants Please complete the online application and provide contact information for three professional references. References will be contacted at the final steps of the selection process.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
Advertised Nov 25 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Application Close Feb 27 2026 Eastern Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr