Jeremy Evans, Controls Specialist III at UCF Utilities and Engineering Services, shares the importance of planning, teamwork, and communication to be successful in his role. He emphasizes UCF's support for professional growth and being part of a team that makes a direct impact on the quality of life for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
A Day in the Life of Jeremy Evans, Controls Specialist III for UCF Utilities and Engineering Services
A Successful Day Means Planning, Teamwork, and Communication!
Jeremy Evans is the Controls Specialist III for UCF Utilities and Engineering Services takes some time out of his busy schedule to share insight into a typical day and just how detailed it is to be successful in his role at the university.
The start of the day means creating a plan! Jeremy begins by reviewing any possible work orders that might have been submitted overnight as well as any outstanding tasks that may have rolled over from the previous day. Typical maintenance requests are submitted through a specific system; however, for urgent requests, his department is contacted directly to ensure any issues are given special attention.
Once he has a better grasp on the overall workload, he then creates a plan of action to delegate to his team. “I coordinate with other technicians to ensure that we are aligned and that each team member is aware of their responsibilities for the day.” But not all tasks are easy. “In some cases,” Jeremy says, “tasks may require the assistance of an additional technician.” Of course, delays can occur if they must wait for an available team member, but this is important so his team can provide the necessary support to get the job done.
Responsibilities and Current Projects Underway
Although the start of Jeremy’s day begins with coordinating workloads and delegating tasks to his team, that is only the beginning. After learning about his duties, his tasks go way beyond just managing and planning. He also creates interactive graphics for frontend user interfaces as well as other tech-based duties. “Additionally, I am tasked with writing CGL+ code, which is essential for operating the equipment. This code integrates with various sensors and relays to ensure the equipment operates in the most effective and efficient way possible.”
Jeremy also shares that he and his team are currently working on the controls for UCF Ferrell Commons buildings 7A and 7D. “This project involves replacing outdated HVAC controls with new, more efficient systems.” For those who may not know, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and for Florida residents, Jeremy and his team play a vital role for the University.
Wrapping Up the Day
As a Controls Specialist (III), communication is vital. This is no different for Jeremy when he wraps up at the end of the day. “We conduct a debrief to discuss the day’s accomplishments and identify any outstanding tasks.” Being able to discuss outstanding tasks means they can get a head start toward planning the next workday, but this isn’t the only reason why debriefs are important. Jeremy points out that “it also provides an opportunity for the team to inform (him) of any materials or resources that need to be ordered to support their work.”
When Collaborating or Working on Larger Projects, Having a Process is Key.
When it comes to collaborating with other Facilities staff or contractors on larger projects, implementing a process on how to stay organized throughout the different stages of certain projects is vital to making sure everyone is informed, stays on task, and completes the job. Jeremy’s process consists of three main steps: the Initial Project Meeting, the Internal Team Briefing, and the ongoing coordination and communication.
With larger projects, Jeremy participates in the initial project meeting to get a full overview of the job and look at any specific requirement that may arise. “During this meeting, I will address any potential concerns related to UCF building standards to ensure compliance and project feasibility.” After all the details are finalized, he provides his UES BAS team a comprehensive overview. “This briefing will focus on key objectives, potential challenges, and critical points for monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.” Finally, holding weekly meetings until the project is complete is vital to make sure each stage of the job stays on schedule. Jeremy says, “these meetings serve as a platform for status updates, issue resolution, and ensuring that all team members are informed and synchronized.
How has UCF supported you with your career aspirations? How Does UCF make you feel like you are part of something “more”?
“UCF has played a significant role in supporting my career aspirations by providing access to a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment,” Jeremy says. “The university’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation has allowed me to advance my skills and contribute meaningfully to the projects I’m involved in.”
When working on projects to improve the university buildings, he and his team are directly impacting the well-being of UCF students, faculty, staff, and visitors. “UCF makes me feel like I’m part of something greater,” he says. “The university’s focus on positively impacting the broader community--through education, research, and outreach--aligns with my personal values and motivates me to contribute to initiatives that make a real difference.”
What would you tell someone who may be interested in working at UCF?
For those who are interested in a role at UCF, Jeremy shares that the university is a great company to work for. Not only does it promote growth from a professional standpoint, but a personal one as well. The university is a champion of innovation, and he continues to say the university also “values the contributions of every team member, making it a place where you can truly make an impact.” The difference Jeremy and his team make in the quality of life on the campus for the students, faculty, and visitors make his job a fulfilling one. “It’s an environment where you’ll feel part of something bigger, contributing to the meaningful initiatives that extend beyond the campus.”
