Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Building Maintenance) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524636

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Building Maintenance

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, AFSCME A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offering a rich cultural environment close to major urban centers. Additionally, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region).

Job Summary

This position is responsible for testing, certifying, installing, repairing, and inspecting instrument and control systems. It maintains instruments that measure, record, and operate the process-controlled systems used in research buildings and supports the campus with instrument calibrations. Key responsibilities include:

• Installing, maintaining, monitoring, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing building management systems (BMS), including electric, electronic, low-voltage electrical wiring, electro-mechanical controls, HVAC, field points, and communication wiring.


• Repairing and initiating repairs on control systems, variable frequency drives, motor controls, and related equipment.


• Using specialized testing, monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.


• Working with other technicians/trade personnel to maintain building systems integrity.

Essential Functions

• Diagnose and repair fault conditions in PLC-based control systems, motor controls, AC drives, and industrial controls.


• Apply electrical theory to electronic and power circuits, wiring circuits, transformer connections, electrical recorders, and instruments.


• Maintain burner management systems.


• Assemble, disassemble, and maintain major rotating equipment such as synchronous condensers, motors, and generators.


• Perform construction work safely, following work orders and drawings.


• Interpret circuit maps, work orders, and electrical diagrams.


• Perform rigging associated with equipment installation and removal.


• Maintain and repair temperature, pressure, and flow measuring devices.


• Troubleshoot instrument and control malfunctions and select proper corrective actions.


• Use manual and power tools, test instruments, and equipment, including personal computers, micro-processors, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, watt meters, oscilloscopes, and relay test equipment.


• Follow safety precautions regarding occupational hazards in the electrical trade.


• Install, maintain, and test control systems, high-speed data and telemetering systems, communication systems, load control systems, protective relays, and instruments.


• Work from drawings and document field changes.


• Calibrate transducers and indicating meters.


• Document test results.


• Test and calibrate pneumatic and electronic equipment, including pressure, temperature, level, and flow transmitters, recorders, relays, universal power supplies (UPS), and positioners.


• Maintain lab safety supervisory instrumentation.


• Test combustion control systems.


• Maintain records and an inventory of spare parts.


• Respond to emergency service calls.


• May supervise 1-5 employees on a project basis.


• Operate a motor vehicle to travel to work sites.


• Promote excellent customer service and meet with customers and Customer Service Representatives to determine needs and implement quality improvements.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least four (4) years of full-time technical experience as an instrumentation technician with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair, or similar military duties, and one of the following:
  
  
  • An associate degree covering electricity, electronics, and/or industrial instrumentation and controls.
  
  
  • Graduation from an accredited technical institute with an instrumentation curriculum covering electricity, electronics, and both mechanical and electronic instrumentation and controls.
  
  
  • Completion of an instrument electronics apprentice program, including work on electronic/electrical and mechanical control systems.
  
  
  • Applicable military training and education.
  
  
  • Certification from ISA (International Society of Automation) or equivalent institution.
  
  
  
  


• Valid class D driver's license.


• Knowledge of Massachusetts Electrical & NFPA Codes and their applications.


• Ability to supervise and instruct helpers in Electrical, HVAC, and BMS tasks.


• Knowledge of HVAC equipment and systems.


• Knowledge of safety practices, preventative maintenance, and standard testing equipment.


• Ability to work from drawings, diagrams, and oral and written instructions.


• Ability to make job-related decisions, work in high places, confined spaces, and perform heavy lifting and strenuous activities.


• Ability to read and interpret electrical sketches, diagrams, schematics, and instruction books.


• Ability to repair, adjust, and calibrate instruments, controls, and other mechanical or electrical devices.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.


• Ability to follow and give technical instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing and troubleshooting Commercial Controls Systems and PLC controllers.


• Experience as an instrument and controls technician.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to frequently lift and carry objects of 20-100 lbs.


• Ability to stand and work for long periods, work in enclosed, hot, moist spaces, work with a respirator, climb ladders, and work on scaffolding.


• Ability to drill or cut holes through floors, walls, or ceilings.


• Ability to drive a motorized vehicle around campus.


• Ability to bend and install EMT and rigid conduits up to ¾".


• Ability to bend and install soft copper tubing and vinyl tubing up to ½".


• Ability to build uni-strut racks and panel and trough mounting.


• Ability to work safely in sensitive research laboratory environments.


• Must be willing to take an annual pulmonary function physical test.

Additional Details

• This position is essential and includes the obligation to work overtime, return to work between scheduled shifts, and report to work during delays, early departures, and closures. It is your responsibility to update the service desk with your current phone numbers.


• This position is designated on call.


• Receives supervision from the Zone management team and/or other higher-grade employees who provide training, instruction, and performance reviews for compliance with procedures, codes, rules, and regulations.

Work Schedule

• Schedule varies.


• Ability to provide off-shift coverage as requested.

Salary Information

Grade 24

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Nov 19 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 7 2025 Eastern Standard Time