Electrical Controls Technician - Facilities Services - UTK

The Utility Automation & Fire Group within Facilities Services manages campus control systems, including electrical and electronic equipment. Their responsibilities include installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance testing of electrical and electronic equipment. They support routine inspections, develop preventive maintenance procedures, manage scheduling, and complete reports. They oversee, install and maintain life safety systems such as fire alarms, suppression systems, traffic signals, generators, utility meters, clocks, PA systems, scoreboards, and gate controls. During special events, they manually operate and monitor critical systems. All work complies with NFPA, IMSA, MUTCD regulations, and Facilities Services' SOPs. A strong emphasis is placed on providing exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

• Perform comprehensive evaluations of fire alarm systems to verify full compliance with local, state, and federal fire safety regulations. This involves functional testing of all alarm components, including initiating devices, notification appliances, control panels, and communication pathways.
• Identify and document any deficiencies, malfunctions, code violations, or potential safety hazards.
• Findings are to be thoroughly analyzed and repaired and detailed reports are generated and presented to the Foreman to support timely resolution and continuous system reliability. 
• All inspections and assessments are conducted in strict alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards, ensuring the highest level of fire safety and regulatory adherence.
• Installation, maintenance, and repair of complex traffic signal systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient traffic flow throughout the campus and surrounding roadways. 
• Responsibilities include thorough inspection, diagnostic testing, troubleshooting, and precise adjustment of traffic control devices, signal cabinets, electrical wiring, sensors, and associated infrastructure. 
• Utilizes specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to perform both reactive and preventive maintenance, including real-time response to system failures or emergencies that impact public safety.
• Ensures all systems are installed and maintained in strict adherence to regulatory standards set forth by the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), upholding legal compliance and supporting optimal operational performance at all times.
• Evaluate, maintain, repair, upgrade, and integrate critical infrastructure systems including generators, utility meters, clocks and bells, public address systems, scoreboards, and gate access controls in accordance with university standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Perform thorough diagnostics, conducting functional testing, and verifying performance to identify operational deficiencies, safety risks, or compliance issues.
• Must assist in developing and implementing strategies to integrate these systems with the Building Automation System (BAS). The goal is to ensure continuous reliability, enhance system efficiency, and maintain full compliance with relevant codes and institutional policies.
• Respond promptly to system alarms and a wide range of emergency situations, assessing conditions in real time and taking immediate corrective action to protect life safety, property, and critical infrastructure.
• Coordinate the procurement and delivery of tools, equipment, and materials necessary for timely maintenance and repair operations. 
• Provide technical support and on-site system oversight during special events on campus, ensuring reliable operation of essential systems such as life safety, security, and communications throughout the duration of each event.
• Assist Electricians during power outages. Assist BAS Technicians pulling wire and installing equipment, VFD's and controllers.  Layout of traffic signage and construction work zones per MUTCD.

Required Qualifications

• Education:  
  • Vocational or technical training in Industrial Electrical, Security Systems, Control Systems, and/or Electronic Systems.
• Experience: 
  • Understanding of the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 
  • International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Level I certification, 
  • Understanding of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 
  • Understanding of regulatory compliance, traffic control standards. 
  • Familiarity with these Fire codes and regulations.
  • Five (5) years’ experience in electrical and/or electronics, fire alarms or signalization
• Knowledge, Skills, Abil