Smart Building Technician : The Ultimate Guide Updated 2024

Introduction of Smart Building Technician

Automation is seen as the future of construction by both commercial and residential home builders. Smart Building Technicians assist them in putting together energy-efficient green businesses and houses, from lighting and security to heating and cooling.

Similar Job Titles

Intelligent Building Technician
Building Automation Systems Technician
Access Control Technician
Builder Installation Technician

Typical Job Responsibilities

What do Smart Building Technicians do?

A Smart Building Technician would typically need to:

Assess the performance of the building system against the intended operating parameters and make the required changes to ensure efficient and effective energy performance.
Troubleshoot, debug, monitor, and change building control software such as HVAC, utility meters, lighting, and internet-addressable thermostats.
Take flow and pressure measurements for air and water HVAC systems using appropriate equipment.
Solve difficult challenges involving the control systems that govern the operation of a building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and equipment.
Develop repair techniques to bring the building systems back within the control parameters that were designed for improved performance.
Programme advanced control equipment and building automation systems to make necessary changes to meet the needs of the facility and its occupants.
Maintain control systems for digital, electronic, pneumatic, lighting, and utility meters; identify defective equipment and initiate work orders/projects to fix or replace it.
Connect new equipment, components, and sensors to the building control system; execute daily operations
From project start-up to commissioning, interact with customers, architects, engineers, and contractors in the design of capital and repair/renovation activities.
After completing a project, participate in the building commissioning process to assure the appropriate operation of building control systems and equipment.
Train, help, or assign duties to others; provide feedback on colleagues’ performance reviews

Standard Work Environment

Smart Building Technicians design and develop smart building concepts and solutions in partnership with other experts at a computer in an office. They would need to spend time on-site to guarantee that their plans were carried out efficiently.

The job necessitates a lot of standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, crawling, and climbing. Consultants may be required to travel during the workday to their customers’ offices or work sites.

Work Schedule

Most Smart Building Technicians work during regular business hours, but they should be prepared to be on-call and return to the job site at any time.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Smart Building Technicians can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Smart Building Technicians are generally employed by:

Construction Companies
Hi-Tech Companies
Security Agencies
Government Agencies
Educational Institutions
Healthcare Facilities
Manufacturing Organisations
Equipment Manufacturers
Environmental Agencies

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and associations, such as the International Society for Automation, are essential for a Smart Building Technician who wants to further their professional growth or interact with other experts in their sector or trade.

Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

The need to lift and move around heavy equipment while on one’s feet or in awkward positions; constant focus required to overcome the high probability of injury
Exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, and chemicals
Interruptions beyond one’s control may offset externally imposed deadlines
Fast-paced and emotionally charged atmosphere which may require regular conflict resolution

Suggested Work Experience

Any academic program in which a potential Smart Building Technician enrolls usually includes a term of supervised experiences, such as an internship. It gives students the opportunity to acquire extensive hands-on instruction for over 350 hours before taking the field.

An internship will provide students with hands-on experience in everything from HVAC sensor wiring to lighting controls and bringing systems online for automation.

Because this is a relatively young industry with enormous potential, local and regional automation firms are increasingly collaborating with educational institutions to give students with highly sought-after internships.

Prior experience working in control systems, specifically HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or plant operations, will be beneficial. Employers may consider individuals with significant experience even if they lack the required academic degrees.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview/shadow specialists in smart building technologies.

Recommended Qualifications

A diploma or an associate degree in smart building technology, automation engineering technology, control systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, digital electronics, or energy management is required for aspiring Smart Building Technicians.

Students will learn about mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems. To guarantee that students flourish in their vocations, they will learn everything from computers to good communication.

In high school, take computer, math, and science classes to prepare for college. English and speech lessons will assist you in improving your research, writing, and oral communication abilities.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Automation engineering technology certification is obtained by Smart Building Technicians. Their area of expertise decides whether the program focuses on HVAC control and management or multimedia and security systems in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Certification from a reputable and objective body might help you stand out in a competitive employment market and allow you to work independently as a consultant. By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programs defend the public welfare.

Smart Building Technicians normally need an electrical journeyman’s license and a plumber journeyman’s license in addition to a valid driver’s license. An application, processing fees, an examination, and applicable education and experience are often required for licensure.

A background check may be preferred by some employers. A person’s job history, education, credit history, motor vehicle records (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, usage of social media, and drug screening are all examples of employment background checks.

Projected Career Map

Smart Building Technicians’ careers are driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications. One path to advancement is to become a Test & Balance Technician or a Senior Operations Systems Analyst.

You can become a consultancy Commissioning Specialist or a Stationary Engineer or Energy Analyst.

Smart Building Technicians with strong marketing, sales, and customer service abilities may be interested in positions such as Equipment Manufacturer Representative, Customer Sales Representative & Estimator, or Commercial Service Technician.

Those who want to train the next generation of Smart Building Technicians can become HVAC Instructors.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities are excellent for candidates with an associate degree in automation technology and extensive experience.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Smart Building Technician in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

A bachelor’s or master’s degree will allow you to specialize in a certain field and develop your career. Equipment manufacturer representatives, for example, will require specialist manufacturer training.

When applying for opportunities that combine your technical skills with sales or customer service, you will also benefit from further experience in those specialized industries.

CPD helps you to constantly improve your skills, regardless of your age, employment, or degree of expertise. It also contributes to meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements.

Conclusion of Smart Building Technician

Smart Building Technicians assist humanity in taking essential efforts to ensure their continued survival on our planet. They have the ability to meet the demand in a field that is only scraping the surface of what is viable.