Building Systems Maintenance Technician

Description

The Building Systems Maintenance Technician supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus facilities by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs across HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. This role services academic, residential, laboratory, dining, athletics, and administrative buildings, aligning work with academic calendars and events. The position works standard business hours and participates in a rotating on-call schedule for after-hours response.

Duties/Responsibilities:

HVAC Systems

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair boilers, chillers, air handlers (AHUs), rooftop units (RTUs), VAVs, fan coils, heat pumps, and split systems.
• Perform seasonal changeovers and optimize comfort/efficiency via Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Replace filters, belts, motors, bearings; conduct leak checks and manage refrigerants per EPA 608.
• Document setpoint adjustments and equipment performance.
• Complete all duties as assigned, including clean up after work order has been completed.

Electrical Systems

• Diagnose and repair circuits, panels, breakers, motor controls, VFDs, receptacles, and interior/exterior lighting (including emergency lighting).
• Replace lamps, ballasts, LED drivers; perform minor installations and device replacements.
• Ensure work practices and repairs meet NEC, NFPA, and campus EHS standards.

Plumbing Systems

• Repair/replace fixtures, valves, traps, pumps, PRVs, mixing valves, backflow devices, and piping (copper, PEX, PVC, cast iron).
• Maintain domestic hot water systems and circulating pumps; perform winterization and seasonal startups.
• Clear drain blockages; address leaks and water pressure/quality issues.

General Facilities Operations

• Complete preventive and corrective work orders in the CMMS; maintain accurate labor, parts, and asset records.
• Conduct routine building rounds, safety checks, and seasonal readiness tasks.
• Support event setups, planned shutdowns, and campus moves when required.
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for specialized services; provide escorts and site access.

Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability

• Follow OSHA, NFPA, NEC, EPA, and campus Environmental Health & Safety policies, including LOTO, arc flash, confined space, ladder, and fall protection.
• Participate in water quality, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, and energy conservation initiatives.
• Maintain clean, organized mechanical spaces and shop areas; practice proper waste and refrigerant handling.

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Communicate professionally with students, faculty, staff, and guests; minimize disruption to classes and research activities.
• Provide clear updates on work status, timelines, and shutdown impacts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across trades and assist teammates during peak demand.

On-Call and Emergencies

• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule; respond to after-hours emergencies (e.g., HVAC outages, water leaks, power issues, alarms).
• Support severe weather preparation and response (snow/ice, storms) and campus event needs outside standard hours.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• State/municipal journeyman license in HVAC, electrical, or plumbing.
• Experience with campus-scale BAS (e.g., Johnson Controls, Trane, Siemens, Schneider).
• Boiler operator license (where applicable); backflow tester certification; OSHA 10/30.
• CMMS proficiency and mobile work order tools experience.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent; completion of a trade school, apprenticeship, or technical program preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in commercial/institutional building maintenance with demonstrated skills in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
• EPA 608 Universal certification required (or obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Valid Missouri Class E driver’s license with acceptable driving record; ability to pass background check and meet campus driving requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, O&M manuals, and equipment documentation.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Proficiency with hand/power tools, test instruments (multimeters, manometers, refrigerant gauges), and basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets).
• Effective communication and customer service; ability to prioritize, document accurately, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements:

• Work at heights, on rooftops, and in mechanical rooms and confined spaces; exposure to varying temperatures and campus weather.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs; use of ladders and lifts required.
• Occasional use of strong chemicals to open drains and pipes.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.