Building Operator

ISS•Ottawa, ON

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Building Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation, monitoring, maintenance, repair, and optimization of base building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, control systems, and related infrastructure. The role is responsible for identifying and developing appropriate corrective maintenance solutions, as well as executing those repairs. In addition, the position performs routine preventive maintenance activities, including scheduled inspections, deficiency assessment and resolution, and ensuring all building systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role also supports the continuous improvement of building operations. The position requires responding to service requests and taking immediate action to resolve emergency situations or system breakdowns, while maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant work environment. The building operator ensures that all managed utilities and building systems meet required operational specifications. This is a hands-on role involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and general building repairs. Responsibilities also include coordinating and overseeing contractors to ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with established standards, as well as communicating effectively with operations manager, Business Unit Stakeholders end users.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in building operations and maintenance.
Journeyman-level expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, hydraulics, or controls systems.
Proven ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain building systems.
Experience safely isolating hydronic and electrical systems.
Familiarity with auxiliary systems (e.g., vertical lifts, overhead doors).
Strong understanding of safe work practices and maintenance procedures.
Experience maintaining clean, safe, work environments.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Strong knowledge of building systems, including fire-life safety and emergency generators.
Ability to use hand tools, equipment, and perform physically demanding tasks safely.
Proficiency in brazing, soldering, and pipe threading.

Nice To Haves

At least one of the certifications listed below, or demonstrated progress toward obtaining one.
Familiarity with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and CMMS systems.
BES Level II or 4th Class Power Engineer.
Power Engineering certification or equivalent (e.g., Building Environmental Systems (BES) Certification, Power Engineer Certification (4th or 5th Class depending on jurisdiction)).
Technical Diploma in HVAC, facilities maintenance, or Building operations.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation, monitoring, maintenance, repair, and optimization of base building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, control systems, and related infrastructure.
Identifying and developing appropriate corrective maintenance solutions, as well as executing those repairs.
Performing routine preventive maintenance activities, including scheduled inspections, deficiency assessment and resolution.
Ensuring all building systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Supporting the continuous improvement of building operations.
Responding to service requests and taking immediate action to resolve emergency situations or system breakdowns.
Maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant work environment.
Ensuring all managed utilities and building systems meet required operational specifications.
Coordinating and overseeing contractors to ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with established standards.
Communicating effectively with operations manager, Business Unit Stakeholders end users.
Maintain high system uptime, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Effectively operate, monitor, and maintain HVAC and central plant systems (boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, Building Automation System(BAS)).
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, plumbing, and minor electrical systems.
Diagnose system issues and implement corrective actions proactively.
Ensure preventive maintenance tasks are completed on schedule.
Adjust systems to meet comfort, energy, and efficiency targets.
Read and interpret technical drawings (mechanical, plumbing and electrical diagrams, floor plans).
Deliver work safely, efficiently, and to a high-quality standard.
Work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Maintain strong attendance and performance standards.
Mentor and support development of maintenance technicians.
Review vendor work and challenge where necessary.
Adherence to safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Analyze system trends and respond to systems alarms.
Support lifecycle planning and capital forecasting.
Ensure alignment with preventive maintenance programs.
Perform preventative and solution corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems.
Complete all required documentation for PM's and RM's inside CMMS system of record.
Perform routine inspections, rounds, and readings on building systems.
Diagnose and repair system issues, including plumbing fixtures, lighting, doors, drywall, and minor HVAC components.
Replace components such as filters, bulbs and hardware.
Execute and prioritize preventive maintenance programs and work orders based on urgency and operational impact key.
Perform other duties as assigned by management to support operational and business needs.
Perform minor electrical, carpentry repairs, painting, and patching.
Repair or replace door hardware, locks, and related fixtures.
Perform pipe work including brazing/soldering copper and threading black pipe.
Safely isolate and prepare systems for maintenance (lockout/tagout where applicable).
Maintain optimal system performance through adjustments and monitoring.
Ensure compliance with maintenance standards and regulatory requirements.
Maintain and optimize chilled and hot water systems and HVAC equipment.
Maintain logs, records, CMMS updates, and equipment histories.
Track KPIs and system performance metrics.
Prepare reports and maintain documentation accuracy.
Maintain operation and maintenance manuals.
Identify and report deficiencies through routine inspections.
Respond to service requests and communicate status updates.
Collaborate with operations teams to ensure efficient facility performance.
Support customer satisfaction through timely communication.
Communicate with stakeholders and business units.
Coordinate and oversee work performed by external contractors.
Review completed work for accuracy and quality.
Requisition materials and maintain tools and supplies.
Support vendor scope validation.
Coordinate and oversee work perform by maintenance technician.
Follow HS&E policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
Maintain clean, organized workspaces and maintenance areas.
Handle hazardous materials safely and comply with storage/disposal requirements.
Safely use hand tools, power tools and test instruments to maintain, troubleshoot and repair various types of equipment.
Report unsafe conditions and ensure corrective actions.
Complete all mandatory safety trainings on time and participate in near miss reporting.
Use appropriate PPE and safety equipment.
Maintain awareness of emergency systems and procedures.
Maintain inventory of tools and materials; requisition supplies as needed.
Complete required administrative tasks (logs, reports, basic payroll/training inputs if applicable).
Provide reports as requested on equipment on assets and/or supplies.
Provide support to operation manager regarding operations and technical team growth and development.
Provide technical guidance to maintenance technicians.
Assist other trades with major repairs.