Controls Technician I

Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) is poised to become the preeminent research institution of the 21st century, and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC department of Facilities Planning & Management (FPM): Energy Services is seeking a Building AutomationControls Technician I to join its team.

The Work You Will Do

The Building Automation Controls Technician I provides user support for automated energy management systems and applications in buildings and spaces across the university (e.g., HVAC). The role monitors systems for data security, integrity, quality assurance, and conformance to standard procedures while collaborating with others to coordinate system enhancements and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains equipment (e.g., sensors, thermostats, valves). Commissions, installs and/or terminates various technical controls (e.g., wiring). Assists engineers, fellow technicians, and others with related work.

• Provides support for building controls/energy management systems. Develops and maintains relationships with relevant stakeholders to understand current/future business needs. Interacts with internal/external customers to refer and resolve problems as assigned. Reviews and analyzes system alarms for appropriate actions and protocols.

• Documents calls and resolutions in assigned database/systems. Records user calls and problem resolutions in existing computerized maintenance management system. Processes completed work orders and distributes to appropriate staff. Processes completed work orders and distributes to appropriate staff. Reviews and analyzes alarms received on the energy management system for proper action.

• Stays current with industry best practices and emerging technologies to ensure consistent, reliable services. Builds and maintains strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders by participating in governance boards, councils, and meetings. Participates in other related activities to further understand current and future business needs, and to ensure consistent, reliable service.

• Attends and/or participates in committee meetings as appropriate/assigned. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Job Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the position of Building Automation Controls Technician I meets the following preferred qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or professional certificate in Building Automation Systems (BAS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), or related fields

• 2 years of experience in Building Automation and/or Energy Management

• Experience with Building Automation Systems (e.g. Honeywell, Siemens, etc.) and local/state energy benchmarking regulations

• Familiarity with BACnet protocols and BAS controller wiring is a plus

• Technical proficiency navigating computer operating systems, BAS software, and related applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and flowcharts for BAS systems

All candidates for the position of Building Automation Controls Technician I must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 1 year of experience in energy management

• Knowledge of building systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; basic understanding of commercial HVAC controls theory as it applies to building automation and control systems (e.g. Honeywell, Siemens, etc.)

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Exemplary attention to detail

• Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Proficiency with computer operating systems and relevant applications/software (e.g., Windows, Apple, Adobe)

• Demonstrated interpersonal and critical-thinking skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, mechanical drawings, schematic diagrams, blueprints, and measurements

• Experience in diverse, collaborative, and high-performing teams

• Valid CA driver's license for past 2 years required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice system. For more information, please visit the policy website.

• In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.

The hourly rate range for this position is up to $22.57. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position may require on-call and weekend availability as needed. It offers valuable professional experience and development opportunities in cutting-edge building automation technologies, with strong potential for growth.

About Facilities Planning and Management (FPM):

FPM is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this diverse group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability. Come and join the FPM team – a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We invite you to apply today and join our journey toward innovation and excellence. Help us create transformative learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Submit your resume and application to be a part of our team!

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

#LI-BM1

Minimum Education: High school or equivalent Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Work Experience: 1 year in energy management. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Basics of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control theory as it applies to control systems. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and an exemplary attention to detail. Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, able to work independently with minimal supervision. Knowledge of building systems (e.g., HVAC). Proficiency with computer operating systems and relevant applications/software (e.g., Windows, Apple, Adobe). Demonstrated interpersonal and critical-thinking skills, able to review mechanical drawings, models, systems, and measurements. Experience with diverse, collaborative, and high-performing teams.