Energy Management Technician I

The Energy Management Technician I at Western Kentucky University is responsible for maintaining, calibrating, and repairing campus heating and cooling systems. Key duties include troubleshooting electronic controls, monitoring power usage, and completing documentation. The role requires mechanical knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and effective communication. This position is based in Bowling Green, KY, and involves on-site work rather than remote capabilities.
Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Tue Feb 11 2025 Job Description:

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision of the Energy Management Supervisor or the Senior Energy Management Technician, the Energy Management Technician performs skilled work at the experienced trade level in the maintenance, calibration and repair of campus heating and cooling equipment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
• Performs computer work such as e-mails, spreadsheets, word processing, and internet parts research
• Calibrates electronic and pneumatic controls, sensors and devices
• Monitors daily power usage and status of campus heating and cooling equipment
• Troubleshoot and repair electronic and pneumatic controls, sensors, variable frequency drives, various building automation components, and other control interface devices
• Dismantles malfunctioning systems, tests components using meters, gauges and other test equipment
• Repair/Replace sensors, thermostats, controllers, control boards, and other control devices
• Completes work orders, calibration reports, time sheets and other necessary documentation

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintains excellent communication/customer service with Building Coordinators and all other DFM team members
• Communicates bi-laterally with other team members within DFM to coordinate work activities between groups
• Performs other duties as required

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success
• Mechanical & operational knowledge of all machines, tools and software related to Energy Management equipment, as well as the ability to interpret meter readings
• Installation skills for installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications
• Troubleshooting skills to determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it
• Skill to repair machines or systems using the needed tools
• Skill to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Ability to provide on-the-job training/coaching to Energy Management technicians regarding proper maintenance of HVAC equipment and controls
• Active listening skills by giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and engaging at appropriate times
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself in order to make improvements or take corrective action
• Ability to talk to others and convey information effectively
• Ability to manage one's own time effectively & efficiently
• Ability to continue training for next generation controls and devices
• Being reliable, responsible, dependable and able to fulfill obligations
• Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
• Ability to accept constructive criticism and react calmly and effectively in high stress situations
• Possess basic computer skills, familiar with web/internet navigation, and willingness to learn and utilize new technology based products as applicable
• Adhere to all University policies and regulations

Physical Abilities Required
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor, which includes heavy lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs., as well as standing, walking, reaching, carrying, stooping and kneeling
• Ability to work in noisy and high temperature mechanical spaces, climb ladders and stairs, and work in both indoor and outdoor working conditions in all types of weather
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Must be able to wear protective eye wear, gloves, ear wear and top of head during work times for one's safety as the task dictates

Job Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED equivalency
• Two years of training in vocational program in HVAC, electronics, or electrical OR two years of experience in electrical, electronic, microprocessor controls, HVAC controls.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.