Envision yourself in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that has a deep commitment to position our graduates for success in their professional and personal lives. Visualize applying your energy and skills for an organization that respects and cares about its employees enough to offer some of the best benefits of the industry while encouraging every team member to grow, collaborate, and provide input on how to consistently make the workplace a place people love to work. Imagine working at a college that welcomes everyone – students, faculty, staff, and community members – regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions. If what was just described is what you look for in a workplace, welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)!
UCCS is a leader in sustainability, integrating social justice, economic, and ecological values into institutional policies, programs, and practices. The Office of Sustainability has been leading sustainability efforts on campus for 18 years. The Office is seeking applicants for the Building Performance Specialist. This position will foster a culture of sustainability at UCCS by leading and executing a university-wide effort to prioritize, develop, and implement programs focused on green buildings, data analysis, and operational efficiency. The Building Performance Specialist will report to the Director of Sustainability and serve as the campus subject matter expert on building automation systems and metering. They will also support innovative student, faculty, and staff projects funded by the Green Action Fund and other grant programs.
Who We Are:
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of different offices and programs. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus. Find more information about working at UCCS here: https://hr.uccs.edu/work-at-uccs.
The city, which was recently ranked as the number nine Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful” and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state’s best recreation opportunities. Find out more about living in Colorado Springs through the Visit Colorado Springs page: https://www.visitcos.com/.
Job Duties:
- High Performance Building
- Drive the long-term strategic development of resource conservation, building performance, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Operates and maintains environmental systems to meet minimum indoor air quality standards recognized by the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning industry and safety standards for shops, art studios, laboratories, and other academic functions.
- Provides programming, adjustment, and fine-tuning of operating parameters and sequencing for conventional and micro-based direct digital controls.
- Monitors and inspects components of the Building Automation System (BAS), making necessary corrections and adjustments. Set up trending data collection through the BAS system for diagnostic monitoring, organize and interpret the data by creating formulas, charts, or graphs – primarily in Excel, but also with BAS software tools.
- Troubleshoots, repairs, schedules, and programs equipment operation from the central energy management computers; adjusts to meet minimum indoor air quality requirements.
- Installs, calibrates, and maintains a network of university submeters and associated dashboards.
- Perform TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing) work to make systems meet the engineering specifications for air/water distribution and flow rates through key system components.
- Collaborate with Facilities and Operations shops to develop, measure, and verify building operating plans, preventive maintenance schedules, and recommissioning and retro-commissioning plans according to LEED O&M building performance standards or other relevant sustainability frameworks.
- Partner with Planning, Design, and Construction project managers to identify, evaluate, and propose sustainable building and grounds strategies and measures to ensure new buildings and major renovation projects meet or exceed LEED Gold building performance standards.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with Colorado Springs Utilities on bills, rates, rebates, audits, technical issues, and conservation programs.
- Data Analytics
- Manage, and provide training on building automation dashboards and building web and software applications that monitor and report system-level building data and other sustainability indicators.
- Perform analyses and create data visualizations of sustainability indicators.
- Develop and maintain a process for data collection, storage, and accessibility for all datasets identified for the above databases. Establish a review system for the accuracy and validation of data and reports. Collaborate with other stakeholders who ‘own’ data and maintain existing databases.
- Collect, track, and analyze data, and complete and submit reports, for sustainability indicators based on databases for the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG), UCCS Sustainability Plan, and additional reports related to the campus’ commitments and reporting needs.
- Administrative
- Purchase materials or parts and solicit quotes where appropriate.
- Solicit contractor or consultant services as needed within project goals and budget.
- Request funding or other resources where needed or submit recommendations for projects along with financial or other justification.
- Manages project and program budgets and continuously pursues grants, donations, and interdepartmental funds.
- Aligns projects and programs with the UCCS Sustainability Strategic Plan, UCCS Facilities Master Plan, UCCS Strategic Plan, CU Strategic Plan, and AASHE STARS.
- Advise, critique, and support the development, implementation, and evaluation of sustainability plans, projects, and grants across departments and colleges on campus.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of student interns and staff.
- Performs other related work as needed.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Job Competencies:
- Thorough understanding of commercial HVAC, electrical, plumbing, resource metering, renewable energy, and building automation systems, technologies, and best management practices.
- Experience using software programs that monitor and report utility, building performance, greenhouse gas emissions data, and other sustainability metrics.
- Strong systemic analytical thinking skills for problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
- Ability to construct and test viable strategies (action plans) for interventions, transitions, and transformations toward sustainability.
- A basic understanding of construction and project management processes and workflow.
- Strong project management, multi-tasking, financial evaluation, and documentation skills.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, contract documents, control drawings, service bulletins, technical procedure manuals, equipment specifications, and governmental regulations.
- Ability to manage a complex and often competing set of priorities in a results-oriented environment.
- Experience working collaboratively to guide and co-learn with diverse stakeholders to improve the sustainability of buildings, infrastructure, and grounds.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusiveness, access, and belonging. Ability to work collaboratively, respectfully, and effectively with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to handle physical workload, work at heights on lifts and ladders, and work in confined spaces.
- Strong oral, written, listening, and analytical skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs
Work Location: On-Site
This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What We Offer:
Salary Range: Generally starting at $63,889 – $85,185 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits, some of which include:
- Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
- Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
- Generous paid vacation and sick time accruals (14.67 hours of vacation and 10 hours of sick accrued per month, prorated if part-time)
- Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
- Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
- Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
- Off Campus Housing Resources
Tentative Search Timeline:
- Priority will be given to applications submitted by August 16, 2023. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
- The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the weeks of August 14th & 21st, 2023.
- The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of August 21st, 2023.
- The potential employee start date is September 11th.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check.
UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.
Qualifications
Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, facilities management, construction management, sustainability, environmental, geography, or related field PLUS 3 years of experience in high performance building and/or building automation projects OR an Associate’s degree PLUS 5 years of professional experience.
- Valid Drivers license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, facilities management, construction management, sustainability, environmental, geography, or related field PLUS 7 years of experience in high performance building and/or building automation projects OR an Associate’s degree PLUS 9 years of professional experience.
- 3 years of experience working at an institution of higher education.
- 4 years of direct experience in high-performance building sub-metering and operations.
- Experience working on projects that followed ASHRAE standards.
- Achieved certifications from the Association for Energy Engineers (AEE), Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), or other technical sustainability accomplishments/certifications.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. Employee is occasionally required to move. Tasks may involve looking at computer screen continuously for long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.
Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.