District Technician - Facilities Systems (HVAC Programmer/Controls/Low Voltage)

Job Category
Regular Support Staff
FVTC Worksite
Appleton Main Campus
Hours Per Week
40

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Job Description Summary
The District HVAC Programmer/Controls/Low Voltage Electrician is responsible for the installation, programming, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of the building automation system and low-voltage electrical throughout approximately 18 district facilities totaling more than 1.5 million square feet. This position serves as the district's technical expert for building automation systems (BAS), HVAC controls, life safety systems, fire alarm systems, electronic security, access control, video surveillance, and structured cabling infrastructure

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Primary Technical Skills

Maintain the HVAC controls Network along with supports access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, structured cabling, building automation (HVAC), Events2HVAC, 25Live, and related building systems to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

- Install, maintain, program, diagnosis, troubleshoot, and repair low voltage systems throughout the district, including but not limited to:

- Building Automation System (BAS) controllers including ACMs, 1188’s, VAV boxes and actuators
- VFDs as they relate to the HVAC systems (low voltage)
- Fire alarm systems
- Video surveillance cameras
- PA system
- Access control systems (card readers, door hardware, controllers)
- Intrusion detection and security alarm systems
- Structured cabling (Cat6/Cat6A)
- Installing conduit stub

- Diagnosis and troubleshoot network communication with the ACMs, 1188’s, VAV’s and all other associated HVAC controls.

- Remove and install ACM’s, 1188’s, VAV’s and all cabling associated with the BAS.

- Working closely with FVTC’s BAS contractor along with the HVAC technicians at FVTC, HVAC contractors on construction projects, other FVTCs departments with their equipment which is programmed through the BAS (e.g. compressors, skid pads, VFDs on equipment, etc.).

- Serve as program administrator of the College’s BAS program which requires the following:

- Knowledge of Alerton systems software and hardware
- Knowledge of ASHRAE BACnet standard and ability to utilize the standard to establish communication between different manufacturers’ equipment
- Ability to add and change schedules, develop trend logs, and monitor alarms on the BAS.
- Knowledge of HVAC event automation software (Events2HVAC) and its integration with room scheduling software (25Live) and the BAS and the ability to troubleshoot communication errors.

- Work closely with FVTC’s IT Department to manage the server hosting the BAS, including maintaining appropriate user access and ensuring the BAS contractor’s credentials remain active.
- Review work orders, read and interpret basic diagrams, schematics, and specifications: estimate time, materials and cost requirements, requisition materials, supplies, and equipment, and prepare materials, tools and equipment for work to be performed maintain associated records in maintenance software.
- Perform minor electrical work: terminating 120v connections on security devices and fire alarm devices.
- Support low voltage infrastructure including Cat6, fiber optic, and control cabling.
- Respond to service requests and emergency calls related to security systems, fire alarm systems, and the BAS.
- Maintain accurate documentation, as-builts, and asset inventories.
- Ensure systems comply with NEC, NFPA, and applicable state/local codes.
- Assist in planning system upgrades, expansions, and capital improvement projects.
- Coordinate with electricians, contractors, and other trades as needed.

Secondary Technical Skills

- Assist in preventive maintenance, repairs, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and installation of district equipment and building systems, including: Air handling and air conditioning equipment
- Boilers and pumps
- Elevators and motors
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Building envelope components, including roofs, fascia, siding, and doors

- Assist in design, build, repair parts, diagnose, and resolve HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building envelope system issues.
- Identify and specify parts, materials, and supplies required for repairs and obtain vendor quotations as needed.

Repairs and Construction Support

- Determine and implement solutions to routine and non-routine maintenance requests.
- Perform general facility repairs.
- Support mechanical maintenance team members with building system repairs, upgrades, and renovations.
- Actively collaborate with the Facilities Department on the 10-year Capital Facilities Plan.

Training

- Preferred Alerton training or equivalent building automation training.
- Scissors lift and forklift training.
- NFPA 70E training.
- OSHA 10 or 30.

Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities

- Assist with event setup and facility support activities.
- Participate in campus snow removal operations when requested upon by the Team Lead of Vehicle and Grounds Maintenance.
- Reconcile purchasing card transactions in a timely and accurate manner.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Required Requirements

- Minimum of 10 years of commercial or institutional controls, building automation, low-voltage wiring experience.
- Five years’ experience with fire alarm systems, access control, security systems, card readers, door strikes, surveillance cameras, and structured cabling.
- Five years’ Building Automation System programming experience (preferably Alerton).
- Knowledge of networking: Understanding of network protocols and the ability to work with network-based devices (e.g. IP cameras, access control systems, BAS controls (Alerton), fire alarm systems, etc.).
- Knowledge of NEC and life safety standards.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, wiring diagrams, and network layouts.
- Ability to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies.

Preferred Requirements

- Knowledge of HVAC event automation software (Events2HVAC) programming is preferred.
- Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology or related field.
- NICET Fire Alarm Certification (Level I, II, or higher).
- Manufacturer certification or factory training in BAS platforms.
- Experience programming BACnet, Modbus, and other building automation protocols.
- Experience working in K-12 schools, higher education, healthcare, or other large institutional facilities.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

- Valid Driver's License.
- Subject to FVTC's Motor Vehicle Records Check.
- BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) is required.
- NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.
- Building Operator Certification is preferred.
- Operating lifts and forklifts certificate or willingness to obtain (required).
- Operating snow removal equipment.

- Computer knowledge is required.

- On call rotation during weekends is required.

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In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Work Environment

- Work must be performed in person.
- Work is typically performed outdoors during both daytime and nighttime hours, and in all weather conditions in and around traffic, staff, and students.
- Multi-building campus environment (classrooms, labs, offices).
- Work in ceilings, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and secure areas.
- Occasional after-hours work during system upgrades or emergency response.
- Flexibility in work schedule is required.

Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

- Working at heights up to 50 feet.
- Sitting: This role requires some sitting for periods of time and utilizing computer systems.
- Mobility: This role requires a lot of bending, climbing, crawling, walking and standing while performing preventative maintenance on equipment.
- Lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with employees, candidates, and stakeholders, both in-person and through electronic means.
- Travel: This position will require off-site mechanical maintenance repairs on various equipment at various campuses throughout Fox Valley Technical Colleges District.

EOE/ADA Statement

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FVTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additional Information

Starting Range: $ 34.29 - 40.34 per hour.
Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data.  
Note: Internal applicants' wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines.

At Fox Valley Technical College, we recognize employees as key contributors to our mission and are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and excellence. Our total rewards philosophy ensures equitable compensation and benefits, supporting a highly engaged workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options. Employees enjoy paid time off, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods. We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage. Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs. Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, café, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities.
For questions regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown - [email protected] (Affirmative Action), [email protected] (sex-based discrimination or harassment), or Dan Squires - [email protected] (Disability related discrimination).