Minimum of two years internal experience as a Service Mechanic - Level 3 or five years external HVAC&R mechanic experience.
Basic knowledge of building automation and controls systems.
Three years of experience with automated systems controls (e.g., Siemens, Johnson Controls).
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Proficient in navigating and interpreting building management systems (BMS).
Knowledge of safety standards and procedures, including OSHA regulations.
Responsibilities
Perform daily operations of campus building automation and controls systems.
Independently maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and systems.
Execute controls engineering assignments based on maintenance orders and supervisor directions.
Oversee and maintain mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems automation.
Conduct job-site inspections to ensure compliance with standards and codes.
Respond to HVAC and controls-related calls throughout the campus.
Provide guidance and training to junior personnel on operations and maintenance procedures.
Benefits
Regular full-time position with a standard 40-hour work week.
Union support and representation through TWU - B&G.
Opportunity for professional development and training.
Access to a collaborative work environment with diverse teams.
Engagement in a mission-driven institution focused on education and research.
Full Job Description
Job Type: Support Staff - Union
Bargaining Unit: TWU - B&G
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 40
Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Friday , 2:00pm - 10:30pm
Building: Manhattanville
Salary Range: $50.40 - $50.40
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Controls Engineer (CE) is a position in the facilities department providing high quality and effective work that will lead, perform and/or assist in any routine or emergency operations and functions of the District Energy System (DES) and the Distributed Systems throughout the Columbia University-Manhattanville Campus (CUMVC).
Responsibilities
Perform daily functions as required for the most effective and efficient operation of campus building automation and controls systems and associated auxiliary equipment and controls.
Independently or under limited/minimal supervision and/or direction; operate, inspect/round, maintain, troubleshoot/diagnosis, and repair equipment, systems, and machinery in good workmanlike manner, while maintaining a high level of safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
The CE will perform daily controls engineering assignments required by maintenance and/or job orders, by sketch, blueprint illustration, and supervisor's oral directions in operations.
Maintain, repair and operate system controls equipment, auxiliary systems and computer monitoring systems while working independently or under limited supervision and direction and in accordance with sound engineering practices.
Oversee, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain building automation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including control of its various pieces of equipment such as; chillers, boilers, air handling units, fan coil units, variable air volume boxes, lighting controls, shade controls.
May also provide guidance and support in regards to communication controls systems (e.g. power monitoring).
Understand fundamentals of electrical motors, controls, switches, fusing and wiring, including basic electrical controls troubleshooting.
Operate, service, and maintain associated equipment such as compressors, driers, controllers, sensors, and network terminals.
Make daily operating decisions and takes appropriate action in emergencies.
Remain current on all changes in operating procedures, new equipment, and related systems.
Perform (assist with) troubleshooting and initial root cause analysis on equipment failures and operational upsets and recommend proper corrective actions.
Assist and/or direct mechanics and technicians as required to troubleshoot issues, and properly repair, maintain, test, or inspect equipment and/or systems.
Diagnose operational problems, control, and equipment malfunctions, and initiate corrective action. Notify supervisor for major repairs, or events.
Conduct job-site inspections to determine compliance to standards and codes.
Respond to various calls throughout the CUMVC relating to HVAC controls, refrigeration controls, plumbing controls, electrical controls, and other communication controls issues.
Work alongside and assist other personnel, including licensed personnel, in completing assigned maintenance and service of controls and HVAC&R systems and their associated equipment.
Provide guidance, direction, and on the job training to all junior personnel in the proper procedures of operations, repair, and maintenance.
Monitor and respond to the building management system (BMS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) as needed or directed.
Fully utilize the BMS to operate and maintain systems efficiently and effectively; may include adjusting PID control loops, setpoints, and schedules.
Use, install, and inspect fire stopping materials.
Requisitioning of parts and supplies as necessary to maintain equipment and systems.
Process hot work permits and perform necessary fire watch procedures and inspections.
Process paperwork including but not limited to work orders, inventory, and preventive maintenance forms.
Perform work tasks, report deficiencies, and maintain and complete daily records of labor and materials used during work tasks via the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
Maintain completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of the work and work orders.
Continually and urgently communicate with supervisor regarding any apparent -operational deficiencies or system malfunctions.
Work with other disciplines and management to proactively solve complex, multi-discipline problems.
Must perform any duties assigned in an emergency as determined by management.
Attend and participate in all departmental trainings and meetings.
Attend and complete relevant on-the-job training as required.
Ability to perform all tasks and duties related to the Service Mechanic Level 3 position if required.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work herein.
Minimum Qualifications
HS diploma or GED
Must demonstrate minimum professional proficiency in the English Language; as defined by the U.S. Department of State.
Two (2) years internal experience as a Service Mechanic - Level 3; or external equivalent of five (5) years of experience as a HVAC&R mechanic.
Basic knowledge of building automation and controls systems.
Three (3) years of experience with automated systems controls; open loop and closed loop controls systems such (Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, etc.)
Must be a quick learner and exhibit self-motivational skills.
Adequate ability to discern colors for monitoring alarm conditions.
Strong team mentality (ability to work with others).
Well - refined interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, customers, clients, students, vendors, and management.
How to read and interpret SDS information.
Understanding of general vivarium, and laboratory rules and restrictions.
How to identify a fire rated barrier and properly install fire-stopping materials.
Must be able to work all shifts as assigned.
Proficient knowledge of how to operate, navigate, manipulate, and interpret building management systems (BMS).
Basic knowledge of microprocessor controls; e.g. OPTIVEIW.
Knowledge and understanding of Siemens Operating Systems (e.g. Desigo) and other controls systems that may be installed as the campus construction continues.
Demonstrates an understanding of the fundamentals of electrical motors, controls, switches, fusing and wiring, and circuit breaker coordination.
How to properly utilize lock out-tag out procedures for all energy sources (electrical, thermal, hydraulic, hydronic)
How to properly and safely operate all hand tools, power tools, and equipment utilized by facilities maintenance and repair including specialty HVAC, automated controls, and associated equipment.
Knowledge of and/or Training on the following:
General OSHA standards and requirements.
Use of portable fire extinguisher.
Hazardous waste awareness.
Asbestos hazards and safety.
Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (work order management system)
Must be capable of performing fire brigade duties as assigned.
Confined space entry procedures.
Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.
Description and use of fire stopping materials.
Communication etiquette including phone, radio, and customer service.
Hot work permits.
Must demonstrate knowledge of all CUMVC's safety policies and procedures.
Must demonstrate applicable institutional knowledge and practices of the facility and its operations.
Duties and requirements from Service Mechanic Level 3 position and prior still apply and must be maintained and current, as well as the knowledge applied to any future buildings coming on line.
Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Use strength to lift and transport items needed to perform the functions of the job, with the ability to lift 50 pounds independently and support team lift with reasonable accommodations.
Sit, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and squat for prolonged periods of time and/or repeatedly over a required period of time.
Reach with and work with hands and arms overhead.
May work in an environment where a variety of pathogens, chemical substances, and gases are used for research.
Ability to work while wearing a full-face respirator.
Required to be Tuberculosis (TB) negative, submit to periodic TB testing, and a chest x-ray if a positive TB test is read.
Able to perform work in power plant and campus environments.
Employee will be required to practice the use of proper PPE when exposed to the conditions above including participating in pulmonary testing for the ability to wear respirators.
Preferred Qualifications
Hold and maintain an active Motor Vehicle Class D License.
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Fire Guard (F-60)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Using Powder Activated Tools (E-21)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Torch Operations (G-60)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness To Operate and Maintain Air Compressors (A-35)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Bulk Oil Plants (P-12)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Supervise Fuel-Oil Piping and Storage in Buildings (P-98)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Handling, Use, and Storage of Flammable Compressed Gases (G-98)
Hold and maintain Certificate of Fitness for Storage, Handling and Use of Hazardous Materials (C-91)
Responsible for obtaining and maintaining other applicable NYC Certificates of Fitness as required by the FDNY and/or other authorities having jurisdiction.
Hold and maintain PBS (Petroleum Bulk Storage) Class B Operator
Hold and maintain EPA 608 Universal Technician Certification
Hold and maintain two (2) of the NATE Service Specialty certifications listed below or equivalent certification accepted by CUMVC Management
Air Conditioning Service
Air Distribution Service
Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service
Responsible for obtaining and maintaining other applicable Certifications as determined by management as the facility develops.
This may include additional NICET Certifications, PBS Certifications, etc.
Hold and maintain OSHA 10 Certification
About Columbia University
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It is one of nine colonial colleges founded prior to the Declaration of Independence, seven of which belong to the Ivy League. Columbia is ranked among the top universities in the world by major education publications.
Columbia was established by royal charter under George II of Great Britain. It was renamed Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolution, and in 1787 was placed under a private board of trustees headed by former students Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. In 1896, the campus was moved to its current location in Morningside Heights and renamed Columbia University.
Columbia scientists and scholars have played a pivotal role in scientific breakthroughs including brain-computer interface; the laser and maser; nuclear magnetic resonance; the first nuclear pile; the first nuclear fission reaction in the Americas; the first evidence for plate tectonics and continental drift; and much of the initial research and planning for the Manhattan Project during World War II. Columbia is organized into twenty schools, including four undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools. The university's research efforts include the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and accelerator laboratories with Big Tech firms such as Amazon and IBM. Columbia is a founding member of the Association of American Universities and was the first school in the United States to grant the MD degree. The university also annually administers the Pulitzer Prize. With over 14.5 million volumes, Columbia University Library is the third-largest private research library in the United States.
