Job brief
We are seeking a diligent Utilities Operations Technician to join our facilities team and ensure the high-level performance of our workplace infrastructure. You will manage the maintenance, monitoring, and repair of all critical utility systems, ensuring our site remains safe, efficient, and fully operational. This position offers the opportunity to take technical ownership of building systems and lead initiatives that improve overall facility reliability. If you are a hands-on problem solver with a passion for mechanical systems and facility excellence, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Operate and maintain complex HVAC systems, central boilers, chillers, and industrial air handling units to ensure consistent climate control.
- Monitor real-time building performance data through sophisticated Building Management Systems (BMS) like Siemens or Honeywell to identify and resolve irregularities.
- Document all maintenance activities, service logs, and equipment repairs within our CMMS platform to ensure accurate operational tracking.
- Execute emergency repairs and troubleshoot mechanical or utility-related issues to prevent service disruptions and maintain business continuity.
What is a Utilities Operations Technician?
A Utilities Operations Technician is a skilled facilities professional responsible for the continuous operation, maintenance, and reliability of complex building utility systems. These technicians monitor and calibrate critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure to ensure optimal facility performance and adherence to safety codes. By managing preventative maintenance cycles and responding to equipment outages, a Utilities Operations Technician safeguards the building's operational integrity, directly impacting the productivity and safety of all occupants.
What does a Utilities Operations Technician do?
A Utilities Operations Technician performs daily inspections of central utility plants, monitors Building Management Systems (BMS) for performance anomalies, and conducts emergency repairs on critical infrastructure. They coordinate with vendors to perform specialized equipment servicing, maintain detailed logs in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), and troubleshoot HVAC or electrical failures to minimize downtime. This role requires close interaction with facilities engineers and contractors to execute infrastructure improvement projects while strictly maintaining compliance with local building codes and environmental regulations.
Key responsibilities
- Operate and maintain complex HVAC systems, central boilers, chillers, and industrial air handling units to ensure consistent climate control.
- Perform preventative maintenance tasks on electrical distribution panels, emergency generators, and UPS systems according to manufacturer specifications.
- Monitor real-time building performance data through sophisticated Building Management Systems (BMS) like Siemens or Honeywell to identify and resolve irregularities.
- Document all maintenance activities, service logs, and equipment repairs within our CMMS platform to ensure accurate operational tracking.
- Coordinate with third-party specialty contractors and vendors to facilitate equipment inspections, service visits, and compliance testing.
- Execute emergency repairs and troubleshoot mechanical or utility-related issues to prevent service disruptions and maintain business continuity.
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to ensure all facility utility systems meet OSHA standards and local building codes.
- Implement energy-efficient operational improvements to reduce utility consumption and optimize resource utilization across the entire site.
Requirements and skills
- Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience in facilities maintenance, industrial operations, or utility systems management.
- Advanced proficiency in diagnosing and repairing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and high-pressure mechanical utility systems.
- Hands-on experience utilizing CMMS software for work order management, asset tracking, and preventative maintenance scheduling.
- Solid understanding of building codes, OSHA 30 safety regulations, and environmental compliance standards related to facility operations.
- Professional certification such as a Universal EPA 608 HVAC license or a relevant journeyman-level trades credential.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex technical schematics, blueprints, and equipment manuals to guide field repairs and diagnostics.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to clearly explain technical maintenance challenges to non-technical facility managers and stakeholders.
- Experience managing relationships with external vendors and contractors for large-scale equipment maintenance and infrastructure upgrade projects.
FAQs
What does a Utilities Operations Technician do?
A Utilities Operations Technician is responsible for the hands-on maintenance, monitoring, and repair of critical building infrastructure including HVAC, electrical grids, plumbing, and mechanical systems. They ensure these systems run efficiently and safely by performing regular inspections, following preventive maintenance schedules, and responding to emergency equipment failures. Their primary goal is to maintain building reliability and regulatory compliance.
What skills are required for a Utilities Operations Technician role?
Essential skills include deep technical knowledge of building mechanical systems, proficiency in using Building Management Systems (BMS) and CMMS software, and the ability to read technical schematics. Candidates should also possess strong troubleshooting abilities, knowledge of OSHA safety standards, and hands-on experience with tools required for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing maintenance. Industry certifications, such as an EPA 608 license, are highly preferred.
Who does a Utilities Operations Technician work with?
They work in a collaborative environment alongside facilities managers, plant engineers, internal maintenance teams, and security personnel. Additionally, they frequently interface with external service vendors, contractors, and local inspectors to oversee specialized equipment installations or mandatory compliance testing. This cross-functional communication is vital for keeping large facilities fully operational.
How important is this role to an organization's facility strategy?
The Utilities Operations Technician is essential to organizational success because they prevent costly downtime, extend the lifespan of expensive capital equipment, and ensure a safe, comfortable working environment. By managing energy efficiency and system performance, they directly influence the company’s operating expenses and sustainability goals. Organizations rely on these technicians to maintain the infrastructure that supports all other business activities.