Building Operations and Maintenance

Building operations encompass the activities required to run, maintain, and manage a building. They are often critical to an organization’s ability to operate effectively and prevent the deterioration of equipment and systems. These include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automation, and security systems as well as related building envelope components and facility improvements, retrofits, and upgrades.

From managers to operators and maintenance staff, those who work in building operations are often responsible for ensuring tenant comfort and the reliability of building functions and access. They also ensure building systems operate effectively, prepare facilities for seasonal changes, perform repairs and maintenance checks, make sure things are up to code, and remain vigilant of safety hazards.

Your building operations and maintenance learning path

CIET’s comprehensive training courses are designed for both current and aspiring building operations and maintenance professionals. Use the learning path below to identify the right courses and the best training sequence to achieve your career goals.

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Building operations and maintenance career opportunities

Here is an overview of some typical positions you can expect to hold once you are specialized in building operations and maintenance.

Building/Facility Manager

The main duties of a Building/Facility Manager include:

  • Conducting periodic building/facility inspections to determine maintenance requirements
  • Supervising the implementation of preventative maintenance programs and ensuring that key building assets are maintained
  • Monitoring building automation systems

Building/Facility Maintenance Technician

The main duties of a Building/Facility Maintenance Technician include:

  • Operating building/facility mechanical, electrical, and other systems to guarantee safe and efficient operations
  • Ensuring preventative and corrective maintenance as needed
  • Performing routine inspections and monitoring

Building Automation Engineer

The main duties of a Building Automation Engineer include:

  • Designing building automation systems and creating optimal design solutions to meet client requirements
  • Reviewing electrical drawings and equipment programming
  • Designing building automation network architecture and facilitating the integration of devices through different building automation protocols (Modbus, BACNET, etc.)

Commissioning Specialist

The main duties of a Commissioning Specialist include:

  • Providing support in conducting commissioning and testing results
  • Helping field technicians resolve technical issues and challenges
  • Creating and updating commissioning procedures and documentation (checklists, reports, etc.)

HVAC Technician

The main duties of an HVAC Technician include:

  • Ensuring proper testing of HVAC equipment before commissioning
  • Performing routine HVAC maintenance tasks
  • Dealing with issues with HVAC systems and controls

Electrical Technician

The main duties of an Electrical Technician include:

  • Ensuring proper testing of electrical equipment before commissioning
  • Performing routine electrical maintenance
  • Troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning equipment, appliances, and apparatuses

Building Automation System (BAS) Technician

The main duties of a Building Automation System (BAS) include:

  • Ensuring the proper installation of building automation systems
  • Performing routine building automation system maintenance
  • Troubleshooting, fixing, and updating HVAC and electrical systems and controls

Job boards that can help you in your job search

Success Stories

Former participants share how training with CIET has transformed their professional life.

Pierre-Francis Parent, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Consultant - Planéco Énergie
"

My background in energy efficiency was primarily at the industrial process level, so I chose to train with CIET to expand my knowledge on building energy systems. I completed the Advanced Course on Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) as well as the two courses on Building Automation Systems. The new concepts I learned, enhanced by the knowledge of the trainers and the other participants, quickly helped me identify opportunities relating to energy, comfort, and maintenance, most often "low cost" ones.

Pierre-Francis Parent, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Consultant - Planéco Énergie

"
Aaron Wouters, Energy Manager – Trillium Health Partners
"

CIET provides the BEST example of how program certification information should be provided. Its personal, with dates relevant to me and my timelines, and also communicates future events.

Aaron Wouters, Energy Manager – Trillium Health Partners

"
Leo Glaser, Energy Analyst – Operational Excellence, Quadreal Property Group
"

In our experience, CIET courses deliver a great foundation for all energy professionals—at any stage of their career or experience level. We were very satisfied with the facilitation and received positive feedback from QuadReal participants. It is a pleasure to work with CIET.

Leo Glaser, Energy Analyst – Operational Excellence, Quadreal Property Group

"
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