Building Automated System Specialist

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Building Automation System (BAS) Specialist is responsible for the reliable and efficient operation of all computerized building automation systems across HCPSS facilities. This role ensures optimal indoor environments by monitoring, scheduling, and adjusting HVAC systems while performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on HVAC equipment, control devices, and software. The BAS Specialist collaborates with HVAC technicians, vendors, engineers, and consultants to support system upgrades, resolve technical issues, and implement operational improvements. Additionally, this position provides training and technical guidance to HVAC technicians to strengthen their understanding of BAS functions. By maintaining dependable building systems, the BAS Specialist supports the HCPSS mission of creating safe, comfortable, and well-maintained learning environments. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education: 

• High school diploma or GED. 

Experience: 

• Ten (10) years of progressive work experience with a combination of post-secondary vocational school, apprenticeship program, and/or paid practical experience in the repair and maintenance of air-conditioning and heating equipment and control devices, including instruction in troubleshooting, and/or field experience related to building automation systems. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience in Tridium N4 and AX, Johnson Controls Metasys, and Schneider Electric EcoStruxure software. 

• Experience integrating building automation systems from multiple manufacturers. 

• Field experience related to building automation systems communication between local devices and the main supervisory controller, and communication of the supervisory controller to the Internet through the local area network. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Perform needed repairs to HVAC equipment and control devices. Troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic control systems, debug software, and troubleshoot installation problems with computers, building equipment, and systems. 

• Monitor the operation of HVAC systems connected to the computerized BAS to ensure proper operation and consistent indoor space temperatures.  

• Perform required maintenance of the computerized BAS located in the Building Maintenance office and site-based locations to ensure peak operating efficiency and continual operation of these systems. 

• Coordinate with HVAC technicians, control vendors, engineers, and consultants in the performance of work assignments and projects. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

• Knowledge: HVAC systems and equipment, controls systems and equipment, computerized building automation systems.  

• Skills: Adjusting, maintaining, and repairing controls systems and computerized building automation systems.  

• Abilities: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, and the ability to clearly articulate concepts both verbally and in writing. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Licensure  

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record with 2 or less points on your record.  

The person selected for this position will be required to provide a copy of their complete driving record. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for this position is 8 and a half hours including a half-hour duty-free lunch.  

• This position is classified as “essential” and requires the ability to be on call and respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Individuals in this position are issued an HCPSS mobile phone for these purposes.  Accepting this position would require that you meet these requirements during your tenure with HCPSS. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process. 

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 25 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $87,280 - $138,433. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.   

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt (philip_wentt@hcpss.org).  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.