What Does a Building Automation Specialist Do?
A Building Automation Specialist is a key player in the electrical trades sector of the construction industry. These professionals install, maintain, and troubleshoot systems that control a building's lighting, heating, air conditioning and ventilation. They work hand-in-hand with HVAC teams and electricians to ensure a building is comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
As a specialist, you'd typically work in commercial buildings like offices, schools, hospitals, and high-rise apartments. But you might also work on smart homes, where the goal is to create a lifestyle-enhancing, energy-saving, automated environment.
Your main responsibilities would be to install and program automation systems, troubleshoot any issues, perform system upgrades, and ensure everything works together as it should. You would also regularly communicate with clients and building managers about their systems' performance. If you enjoy working with technology, solving problems, and constantly learning new things, then a Building Automation Specialist could be a perfect career path for you.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Building Automation Systems Knowledge
- Electrical Systems Understanding
- HVAC Systems Knowledge
- Troubleshooting
- Blueprint Reading
- Control Systems Design
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Project Management
- Customer Service
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
Technical Skills
- Building Automation Systems Knowledge
- Electrical Systems Understanding
- HVAC Systems Knowledge
- Troubleshooting
- Blueprint Reading
- Control Systems Design
Soft Skills
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Project Management
- Customer Service
- Attention to Detail
- Teamwork
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education with a focus in mathematics, physics and computing. Alternatively, earn a GED equivalent.
- Post-Secondary Training: Enroll in a trade school or community college technical program and obtain a certificate or Associate's degree in Electrical technology or a related field.
- General Industry Safety and Health Training: Obtain OSHA 10 and/or OSHA 30 certification for Construction Safety and Health.
- Electrical Apprenticeship Program: Apply and complete an Electrical Apprentice program through a recognized union or non-union organization. This will include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Journeyman Electrician License: After successful completion of the apprenticeship program, apply for and pass the Journeyman Electrician exam and obtain the license.
- Industry Certifications: Earn specialized certifications such as Control Systems Technician (CST), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS) Certification.
- Continuous Professional Development: Continually update and develop skills through on-going professional development and training to keep up-to-date with the latest industry technology and standards.
- High School Diploma: Complete high school education with a focus in mathematics, physics and computing. Alternatively, earn a GED equivalent.
- Post-Secondary Training: Enroll in a trade school or community college technical program and obtain a certificate or Associate's degree in Electrical technology or a related field.
- General Industry Safety and Health Training: Obtain OSHA 10 and/or OSHA 30 certification for Construction Safety and Health.
- Electrical Apprenticeship Program: Apply and complete an Electrical Apprentice program through a recognized union or non-union organization. This will include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
- Journeyman Electrician License: After successful completion of the apprenticeship program, apply for and pass the Journeyman Electrician exam and obtain the license.
- Industry Certifications: Earn specialized certifications such as Control Systems Technician (CST), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS) Certification.
- Continuous Professional Development: Continually update and develop skills through on-going professional development and training to keep up-to-date with the latest industry technology and standards.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Certification may be required in some areas