Central Washington University is recruiting a Control Technician to join our Environment Maintenance Control System team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-basedposition, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.
The Role: The Fire System Control Technician effectively maintains and performs diagnostics and logistical programming, both individually and in teams to maintain CWU Campus Fire Systems and Control Systems, while also assisting the rest of the Environment Maintenance Control System (EMCS) Shop employees in their day-to-day automated control system preventative maintenance. The incumbent works independently on tasks and monitors progress against defined parameters and campus system standards. The duties, specific tasks or combinations of tasks are to be performed in a professional and efficient manner incorporating both personal integrity and mutual respect. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.
Job Duties Perform work maintaining CWU Fire System and Control Systems. Work may include but not limited to: -Review new fire life safety system installs. Make recommendations based on your experiences and knowledge.
- Provide technical guidance, fire preventive resource and code interpretation to other Facilities Management Department (FMD) staff members and supervisors.
- Make recommendations for processes and procedures for all aspects of life safety systems. Recommend training and keep up on continuing education for required certifications.
- Inspect, test, service, maintain and repair various types of Fire Protection Systems, Alarm Systems, and uninterruptible power supplies.
- Work as a team to develop testing plans, Preventative Maintenance Plans, SOPs and related documents and documentation.
- Work as a team with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to conduct annual inspections with Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue. Work with supervisor to ensure deficiencies found during inspections are corrected.
- Inspect, test, service, maintain and repair various mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and electrical control systems on apparatus such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration systems, clock systems, low voltage lighting and intrusion systems. Maintain and operate electronic equipment such as multi-meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic counters; diagnose control equipment to component level, such as, amplifiers, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and electronic counters. Trouble-shoot and repair central supervisory control system components such as I/P, E/P transmitters and transducers, digital controllers and PLC's.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications - 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in fire protection systems, life safety systems and related code requirements and/or a Technology Degree in a related field and one (1) year of professional experience. Additional experience in fire protection engineering, or equivalent, may substitute, year for year, for educational requirements.
- One (1) year experience in HVAC controls and/or computer monitoring systems.
- Excellent professional, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Experience using Microsoft software suite or similar, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project.
- Demonstrated attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
- OR any combination of education and/or experience which clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Preferred Qualifications - A Bachelor's or Technical Degree in engineering; and two years of fire protection or closely related field.
- NICET Level 2 in Fire Alarm Systems and Water Based Inspection and Testing.
- Experience with any of the following: construction plan review, working with state level contracts, project management, scheduling of contractors, documentation of fire related activities, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) production, policy review and essential document review and creation.
- Experience with any of the following software: Allerton Building Automation, Yokogawa Centum, Acuity NLight Software, and Simplex True Site Workstation.
- Experience with Simplex Fire Alarm Systems.
- EL06 Electrical License.
- Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.
- Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values.
Competencies - Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
- Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
- Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
- Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.
- Perform our Best: Interact daily with faculty, students, staff, and others in the campus community in a professional manner. Treat others and be treated with respect; perform with integrity, honesty and professionalism; participate constructively in open communication; help to resolve issues and difficult situations in ways that reduce conflict and maintain good working relationships; improve work performance and take an active part in generating a mutually supportive environment.
Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule Salary : This position is based on the range 57G of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $76,608 and maximum annual salary of $88,788. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch) / May vary depending on needs of the department / WFSE Bargaining Unit 1
Working Conditions : This position may work indoors and outdoors, at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas such as mechanical rooms, manholes and excavations, and may need to physically access work areas with the equipment and tools necessary for completion of the job. This position may require working near or around extremely hot pipes and equipment. This position will require the frequent use of personal protection equipment such as ear plugs, safety glasses, and filtration masks. This position often requires standing/ crawling/bending/walking/climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required. May need to drive a service vehicle in congested areas. Scheduled hours and days off may vary depending on the needs of the department. May be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. This position is subject to unplanned overtime including emergency call back situations. Occasional travel may be required. The incumbent will work outdoors, including working in inclement weather during daylight and dark hours. In addition, this position will work with and be exposed to machinery, tools, and electrical equipment. Will work around all utilities during excavations, maintenance and installations and be exposed to insects that may be in the environment. Must maintain awareness of immediate vicinity in order to recognize, respond to and/or avoid potentially hazardous conditions/surroundings. Must possess dexterity of hands and fingers to operate tools, materials, and equipment necessary to perform functions of the job. This position is considered an essential position, and availability will be required to respond to University emergencies.
Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .
How To Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
- A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;
- Resume including work history, education, training; and
- Contact information for three professional references.
Screening Begins: October 22, 2026 **Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Contact Information Name: Jeremiah Eilers
Title: Building Energy Manager
Email: Jeremiah.Eilers@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-2357
Website: www.cwu.edu/about/offices/facilities/capital-planning-projects/index.php
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment Background Check/Reference Check Process: Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
This position is part of a Washington Federation of State Employees Bargaining Unit I.
