Research Lab Controls Technician III

Facilities and Business Operations:

Facilities and Business Operations at UCF is dedicated to fostering a conducive educational environment for our faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. We are committed to excellence, providing unparalleled expertise, and maintaining a world-class standard in service.

Please visit us at https://fs.ucf.edu/ or on Facebook and Instagram: UCF Facilities

The Opportunity:

The Utilities and Engineering team within Facilities and Business Operations is seeking a Research Lab Controls Technician III to support controlled research environments across lab and cleanroom spaces. This role is essential for maintaining and optimizing HVAC systems, building automation controls, and laboratory gas delivery systems to meet the specific needs of faculty and research operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with BAS (Building Automation Systems), lab environmental controls, and research equipment, ensuring all systems operate efficiently and safely.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Faculty and Lab Managers to maintain stable, controlled environments for laboratory and cleanroom research spaces.

• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize HVAC air-side systems and BAS controls, including sensors, drives, motors, dampers, air valves, louvers, and controllers.

• Repair or replace critical HVAC and BAS-integrated components such as VFDs, compressors (reciprocating, scroll, screw, oil-less), air dryers, and vacuum pumps.

• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance on laboratory fume hoods, gas delivery systems, vacuum systems, and associated research infrastructure.

• Calibrate and maintain lab control systems and equipment; provide strategic input on repair and replacement (R&R) planning and capital expenditures.

• Advise and support lab personnel with equipment, troubleshooting, and best practices to ensure operational continuity.

• Evaluate new lab spaces, reviewing feasibility, equipment specifications, and layout designs.

• Coordinate with internal Facilities teams to address issues efficiently, generate after-action reports, and communicate updates with FBO stakeholders.

• Support the Research Maintenance Program (RMP) by generating work orders, maintaining system functionality, and assisting with ongoing performance assessments.

• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, inventory, and supply usage.

• Monitor and enforce lab safety protocols in coordination with UCF’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department; conduct safety audits and drills.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in HVAC systems, BAS (Building Automation Systems), or laboratory environmental control systems within research, cleanroom, or medical environments.

• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior technicians, coordinating cross-functional teams, or leading technical projects in a facilities or research support setting.

• Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining complex BAS controls and integrated HVAC components such as VFDs, air compressors, air dryers, and vacuum systems.

• Experience working directly with laboratory and research faculty to support controlled environments, including cleanrooms and specialized lab spaces.

• Proficiency in the calibration and maintenance of lab sensors, gauges, and control equipment.

• Familiarity with laboratory gas delivery systems, fume hoods, and vacuum systems, including preventive and corrective maintenance practices.

• Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, and other applicable safety regulations, hazardous material handling protocols, and lab safety compliance standards (including coordination with Environmental Health & Safety teams).

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics, technical diagrams, and construction plans related to HVAC and controls.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to generate technical documentation, maintenance records, and stakeholder reports.

• Experience supporting research maintenance programs (e.g., RMP) and contributing to facilities condition assessments or capital improvement planning.

• ASHRAE 110 Certification or equivalent experience, including NEBB Fume Hood Testing Certification, and familiarity with UL 1805 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 standards.

Health Assessment Required:  

UCF policy requires completion and passing of a physical exam for this position.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $30.90 to $42.49. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

This position requires the completion of a Level II background check.

Schedule may vary as required.

Position requires a valid Class E driver’s license. The position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Classification Title: Controls Specialist III

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!  UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program 

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions 

• Education assistance 

• Flexible work environment 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

#LI-ONSITE

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

Job Posting End Date

Veteran’s Preference:   

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and their eligible spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Applicants claiming preference are responsible for providing required documentation by the closing date of the position. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit http://hr.ucf.edu/files/VeteransPreference.pdf

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.