Building Operator I

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Job Requisition ID:
2026-03338
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Group:
Union
Job Category:
Plant Operations - Mechanical
Employment Type:
Permanent
Department:
Facilities - HVAC and Controls
Hiring Range:
$40.46
Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
The internal posting deadline for this position is October 29, 2026, at 11:59PM.
Job Description:
Primary Purpose
The Building Operator I is assigned to the preventative, demand and corrective maintenance of mechanical operating equipment, all building systems, building envelope and grounds of the University buildings. The incumbent will triage and respond to client requests as well as provide job instruction/work direction to lower classifications.
University of Waterloo infrastructure comprises of over eight million square feet of space powered by a large 1st Class Central Power plant feeding a sophisticated district energy system connecting over eighty major academic buildings supporting state of the art teaching and ground-breaking research.
Responsibilities will align with the Plant Operations goal of contributing towards providing a safe and accessible, invitingly clean, and comfortable, functionally enriched, and well-maintained campus environment through service excellence.
Key Accountabilities
Operations
General operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), associated water treatment systems, air handling and exhaust systems, hot water boilers and related equipment, chillers and cooling towers, emergency generator units, sump and sewage systems, building security, fire and life and safety systems
Performs demand, corrective, emergency and preventative maintenance on all building mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems within the limits of applicable regulations
Logs equipment operating parameters and reports deficiencies to the supervisor
Coordinates the work of contractors and service personnel as well as employees assigned to assist in tasks
Performs facility condition assessments and writes summary reports when necessary
Performs fire panel/sprinkler system and emergency generator monthly inspections
Schedule and complete inspection of HVAC, mechanical, electrical, life safety equipment as directed by Supervisor
Assist with testing and record keeping for chemical treatment of fluid systems
As directed, assist with the monitoring of the Building Automation System for operating trends and revision to set points and operating schedules
Assist with coordinating access for Third Party service providers, and shut down of building systems
Respond to client calls (faculty, student, staff) regarding heating, cooling problems and building emergencies
Assist in identifying and developing more efficient building operating procedures, safe work policies, and standards
As directed, assist with seasonal shutdown/startup of heating/cooling systems, chillers and cooling towers
Health And Safety
In consideration of the University’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all faculty, support staff, students, and visitors, responsible for ensuring University facilities and departmental activities are compliant with all applicable legislation, regulations, codes and standards related to facilities operations as well as occupational health and environmental safety.
Active in health, safety, and incident prevention by adhering to departmental policy, procedures and safe work practices required by the University health, safety and environment management system (HSEMS), and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, developing and enhancing a safety culture among support staff.
Other
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and supports departmental activities, including performing work of other classifications within scope of trade practice, level of incumbent’s capability/ competency/ skills, and/ or regulatory requirements.
May perform work of a lower classification/ pay band.
Works cooperatively with other trades, service providers and contractors.
Assists with addressing stewardship responsibilities and promoting long-term sustainability of facilities and infrastructure, maximizing opportunities for efficient delivery of services.
Required Qualifications
Education
Must have a Community College Certificate as a Class I Building Environmental Systems Operator or equivalent
Experience
Three (3) years continuous experience in the operation and maintenance of building systems
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Sound knowledge and understanding of HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical systems and BAS
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings
Must have ability to perform facilities conditions assessments, and write summary reports
Must possess and maintain a valid Ontario class ‘G’ driver’s license
Understanding of job safety procedures and the ability to properly use required PPE
Good communication, organizational, interpersonal skills
Must be customer and team oriented, able to work independently as well as in a group /team environment
Basic computer skills, ability to use email and MS Office
Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.