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, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, 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

Installs, maintains, operates, repairs and/or initiates repairs on building systems such as; electric, electronic, electro-mechanical controls, card access/security, fire alarm, communication equipment and their related devices and performs other related work as required, including but not limited to, repairs and/or initiates repairs on building systems such as; control systems, heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems, cooling towers, pumps and related equipment.  Employing the use and need of specialized testing and monitoring, diagnostic equipment; works synchronously with Control Technicians/trade personnel maintaining the building systems integrity, exercises functional supervision of other employees of lower grade performing related repair and maintenance activities.  

Essential Functions

• Inspects, maintains, repairs, instructs, advises and mentors employees, technicians and journeyman, in the operation and maintenance of the Campus electrical systems, Security Card Access and Fire Alarm systems and their related components including but not limited to, electric controls, electronic controls, electro-mechanical controls, and computer software programs.
• Acts as a first responder inspecting, testing, trouble-shooting, repairing and initiating repairs for all control systems, including but not limited to electric: electronic, electro-mechanical, software program controls in context with the building's Electrical, Security Card Access and Fire Alarm systems and their related controlled devices. This requires using electrical, electronic testing, and micro-processor diagnostic equipment. Interacts with contractors and campus customers relating to the operation, maintenance, and repair of various Electrical, Security and Fire Alarm controls.
• Provides preventive maintenance and preventive maintenance services on electric, electronic, and electro-mechanical controls.  Documents work performed in the equipment maintenance history file. Utilizes computer programs that operate, maintain, and adjust building Electrical, HVAC, Fire Alarm, and Card Access systems.
• Maintains and develops operational, procedural and emergency response standards for Electrical, HVAC, Security Card Access and Fire Alarm systems and their related equipment to provide timely systems failure notification and repair response, minimizing equipment down time. This requires using micro-processor and diagnostic equipment.
• Assists Engineering staff in drawing review, inspection, trouble-shooting as part of the acceptance of new Electrical, HVAC, Security Card Access and Fire Alarm Systems, equipment, upgrades and equipment replacement, and associated software support.
• Drives a motorized vehicle around campus to various campus buildings.
• Installs, repairs, alters, and maintains pumps; estimates labor and materials needed to do the work.
• Cuts and threads pipe, using stocks and dies, power threading machines, wenches, power saws, safety equipment, and other related tools.
• Drills or cuts holes through floors, walls, or ceilings containing asbestos in performance of work assignments.
• Performs related duties such as erecting scaffolding, riggings, and/or ladders, laying out drop clothes, fabricating miscellaneous metal products; sharpening and tempering various tools; cleaning tools and equipment; preparing work reports; and training other employees on the job.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Current, valid Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician's License.
• Possess a current, valid Class D driver's license.
• Experience as a journeyman Electrician.
• Working knowledge of Massachusetts Electrical & NFPA Codes and their applications.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, practices, materials, and tools used in the Electrical, Card Access and Fire Alarm trade.
• Working knowledge of the general and unique hazards and safety precautions associated with the Electrical, Fire Alarm and Card Access trades.
• Ability to read, interpret and work from plans, sketches and oral instruction.
• Ability to make basic assessments of time and materials required to work assignments.
• Ability to supervise and instruct helpers in Electrical, Fire Alarm and Card Access tasks.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, etc.
• Skill and knowledge to interpret blue prints, schematics, elementary diagrams, logic diagrams associated with HVAC systems; the ability to generate, implement, understand, and respond to verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of safety practices, preventative maintenance practices and the operation of standard testing equipment.
• Skill in using the hand, power, and measurement tools of the trade.
• Skill and ability to work independently.
• Must be willing to take an annual pulmonary function physical test.
• Ability to provide off-shift coverage as requested.
• Direct Digital Controls (Electronic Controls as they pertain to HVAC systems).
• Massachusetts Public Safety Certificate of Clearance (Applicant has 6 months from date of hire to obtain).
• Metasys Facility Operators Certificate (Applicant has 6 months from date of hire to obtain).
• Asbestos Abatement Worker Certification (Applicant has 6 months from date of hire to obtain).
• Basic knowledge of the Electrical, Fire Alarm and Card Access trades (Applicant has 6 months from date of hire to obtain training).

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to frequently lift and carry objects of 50-100 lbs.
• Ability to stand and work for long periods of time, in enclosed, hot, moist spaces, working with a respirator on, climb ladders, and work on scaffolding.
• Drive a motorized vehicle around campus to various campus buildings.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 6:00am - 2:00pm.
• Required to work overtime and return to work between shifts when directed or called. Employee is responsible for updating the service desk with their phone number. 

Salary Information

Grade 17; special recruitment rate: step 6.

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, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.