A BMS Controls Specialist is a professional who plays a critical role in managing and maintaining Building Management Systems (BMS) for various facilities. BMS Controls Specialists are responsible for ensuring that the systems controlling a building's mechanical and electrical equipment operate effectively and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for BMS Controls Specialists.

Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.

Main Responsibilities of a BMS Controls Specialist

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a BMS Controls Specialist:

Assist in

• Assist in control design and implementation under project integration leads.

• Assist in maintaining up to date As-Built documentation throughout project lifecycle.

• Assist in the development of budget plans for system upgrades and maintenance.

• Assist in troubleshooting HVAC mechanical equipment operation.

Balance

Balance Support and Troubleshooting.

Collaborate

• Collaborate with design teams to ensure BMS integration during construction or renovation projects.

• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate BMS systems with other building technologies.

• Collaborate with project teams to ensure BMS integration with building systems.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and implement system improvements.

Communicate

• Communicate technical issues to management, project managers and / or more senior level technicians.

• Communicate with customer upon arrival and before leaving the work site.

• Communicate with job site personnel from other trades to complete project objectives.

Complete

• Complete assigned system commissioning and perform device verification.

• Complete certifications as required by the company.

Conduct

• Conduct feasibility studies for system enhancements and upgrades.

• Conduct regular system inspections and maintenance.

• Conduct system audits to identify opportunities for optimization.

• Conduct system performance analysis and optimization.

• Conduct system retrofits and upgrades to improve efficiency and functionality.

• Conduct system testing and commissioning activities.

Consult with

Consult with the customer through data gathered and site assessments.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and collaborate with clients, internal / external, and subcontractors.

• Coordinate with external contractors for system repairs and upgrades.

• Coordinate with facility managers to address occupant comfort issues.

• Coordinate with project management and customers, including job progress and issues.

Create

Create thorough daily reports to submit to EMS project team and supervisor.

Deliver

Deliver technical support and training to end users.

Develop

• Develop and implement energy management strategies.

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs.

• Develop and maintain documentation, including system drawings and specifications.

Diagnose

Diagnose and complete emergent service repairs, upgrades, adjustments and calibrations.

Diagnostic

Diagnostic and repair Smoke Control Systems.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Ensure the security and integrity of BMS systems and data.

Evaluate

Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions for BMS systems.

Fulfill

Fulfill warranty service and preventative maintenance work orders.

Identify

Identify opportunities for system improvements, enhancements and upgrades.

Initial

• Initial start up and checkout of Air Handling Unit Controls.

• Initial start up and checkout of Fan Coil Units.

• Initial start up and checkout of Variable Air Volume Box Controls.

Install

Install and configure BMS hardware and software.

Keep

Keep up-to-date with industry standards and best practices in BMS technology.

Load

Load and update software on network controllers, field controllers, computers, and servers.

Maintain

• Maintain company tools, test equipment, and material.

• Maintain field markups, and coordinate field markups from lower level techs.

Manage

• Manage assigned work to meet professional and efficient execution of time and customer satisfaction.

• Manage assigned work to meet professional and efficient execution of time and project execution.

Mark up

Mark up controls documentation to capture field changes and discrepancies.

Meet

Meet regularly with customer to become familiar with operating problems.

Mentor

Mentor and sets a good example for lower level technicians.

Monitor

• Monitor and analyze system performance and energy consumption.

• Monitor and respond to alarms and system alerts.

Participate in

Participate in project meetings and provide technical expertise.

Perform

• Perform and execute assigned work efficiently and professionally.

• Perform necessary database tasks such as backups, clippings, troubleshooting and exporting of files.

• Perform point to point check out to verify that controls systems have been installed properly.

• Perform system programming and develop control strategies.

• Perform work from ladders, lifts and scaffolds.

Prepare

Prepare reports on system performance, energy consumption, and cost savings.

Promote

Promote the sale of add-on work.

Provide

• Provide emergency service and response to customer sites as dispatched.

• Provide sketches of field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings.

• Provide training and support to end-users on BMS functionality.

• Provide training to Service Technicians.

Report

• Report problems or changes to management immediately.

• Report to work on time and ready to perform assigned tasks.

Respond to

• Respond to and solve customer issues to completion.

• Respond to service calls.

Stay informed about

Stay informed about emerging trends and advancements in BMS technology.

Support

• Support emergency response procedures and contribute to disaster recovery efforts.

• Support field startup and commissioning efforts.

• Support programming, installation, start-up, and commissioning of small scale DDC automation.

Train

• Train customers in control systems operations.

• Train the customer in control systems operations.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot and repair all facets of Building Automation Systems.

• Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC and other building automation controls problems.

• Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC mechanical, electrical, and controls problems.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with BMS systems.

Understand

Understand various protocols that may be integrated into the building automation system.

Work with

Work with commissioning agent to demonstrate system functionality.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a BMS Controls Specialist:

1. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.

2. Knowledge of BACnet, LonWorks, or Modbus protocols.

3. Expertise in BMS software platforms like Niagara, Tridium, or Honeywell EBI.

4. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

5. Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems.

6. Familiarity with energy management and sustainability principles.

7. Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and industry standards.

8. Experience with data analysis and system optimization.

9. Ability to perform system integration and configuration.

10. Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment for troubleshooting.

11. Understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.

12. Knowledge of automation and control systems.

13. Familiarity with network infrastructure and communication protocols.

14. Experience with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.

15. Competence in using calibration tools and equipment.

16. Understanding of fire and life safety systems.

17. Knowledge of electrical circuits and wiring.

18. Expertise in energy-efficient technologies and strategies.

19. Ability to use testing and measurement instruments.

20. Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a BMS Controls Specialist:

1. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Analytical mindset and attention to detail.

4. 4. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

5. Time management and organizational skills.

6. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment.

7. Strong customer service orientation.

8. Collaboration and teamwork.

9. Effective decision-making skills.

10. Continuous learning mindset.

Conclusion

A BMS Controls Specialist plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing Building Management Systems. Their responsibilities span from installation and maintenance to system optimization and troubleshooting. To excel in this role, BMS Controls Specialists require a combination of technical expertise, including programming skills, knowledge of BMS software and protocols, and a solid understanding of building systems. Additionally, soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are essential for effective collaboration and delivering quality results.