About York
At York, we are bold, fast, and relentlessly focused on what matters: our clients.
While others get lost in bureaucracy and outdated thinking, we cut through the noise. We challenge the status quo, move with urgency, and make decisions that serve our clients, not just our bottom line. We take full ownership, work together to solve complicated problems, and execute - no excuses, no shortcuts.
This is not the place for complacency. Our team thrives in a high-performance, no-BS environment - we are a group of high performers who think critically, move fast, and follow through. The success of our business depends on the willingness of our team to ditch antiquated ways of operating and adapt new methods for achieving excellent results.
This is how we work. This is how we win.
Reports to: Operations Manager
Position Summary
The Senior Building Operator is the lead on-site operational presence for York Realty Inc.'s industrial portfolio, responsible for day-to-day building operations, preventive maintenance, and building system performance across assigned properties. This is a hands-on technical role for an experienced operator who works independently, exercises sound judgment and takes full ownership of building performance. The role also requires development knowledge to support new building commissioning, handover from Construction, and ongoing operations of newly delivered industrial assets.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Building Operations & Monitoring
- Conduct regular building rounds across assigned industrial portfolio; inspect mechanical rooms, common areas, tenant spaces (where accessible), parking, and exterior; document findings and address or coordinate resolution
- Monitor Building Management Systems (BMS) across assigned properties; respond to alarms, adjust system settings, identify trends, and ensure HVAC, lighting, and life safety systems operate efficiently
- Perform daily operational checks on boilers, chillers, pumps, air handlers, domestic water systems, fire alarm panels, and emergency generators; document readings and identify abnormal conditions
- Respond to tenant service requests promptly; diagnose issues, perform repairs within capability, or coordinate vendor dispatch; follow through to confirm resolution
Preventive Maintenance & Repairs
- Execute preventive maintenance tasks including filter changes, lubrication, belt inspections, drain cleaning, and seasonal system adjustments; identify gaps in PM coverage and flag concerns to the Operations Manager
- Perform a broad range of repairs that do not require licensed trades (light bulbs, door closers, plumbing, breakers, toilet fixtures); exercise judgment on scope and when to engage licensed trades
- Conduct regular life safety system testing including fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and generators; document results and track deficiencies to resolution
- Identify equipment requiring repair or replacement; provide the Operations Manager with technical assessment, recommended action, cost and risk context, and urgency level
- Support commissioning and handover of newly developed industrial buildings from Construction; review building systems, identify deficiencies, and ensure proper documentation is transferred to Operations
Vendor Coordination
- Coordinate vendor access for service calls, preventive maintenance, and project work; oversee contractors on-site and ensure work is completed safely and to standard
- Verify completed vendor’s work meets quality standards; test systems after repairs, document deficiencies, and ensure all issues are addressed before closing work orders
- Meet regularly with HVAC, elevator, and other service contractors to review building performance and hold vendors accountable to PM schedules and service commitments
- Respond to after-hours emergency calls when building system failures or urgent tenant issues require immediate on-site response
- Coordinate with Construction team during building handover; meet trades and contractors during deficiency reviews and warranty work; ensure systems are operating per design specifications
Tenant Services, Development and Portfolio Support
- Build strong relationships with tenants through professional, responsive service; remain visible and approachable and serve as a reliable point of contact
- Respond to tenant comfort complaints by diagnosing root causes, adjusting BMS settings, and inspecting HVAC systems; communicate proactively about planned shutdowns or service disruptions; escalate to the Operations Manager when issues fall outside normal operating parameters
- Support the Operations Manager with special projects, building assessments, capital planning input, or seasonal maintenance work across the portfolio as needed
- Participate in the commissioning and handover of newly developed industrial buildings; review building systems documentation, identify deficiencies during warranty periods, and support smooth transition from Construction to Operations
What you bring to York
- 7+ years as a Building Operator, Stationary Engineer, or Facilities Technician in commercial buildings
- 5th Class Power Engineering Certificate or higher required; 4th Class or additional certifications considered an asset
- Advanced knowledge of commercial building systems including HVAC (boilers, chillers, air handlers), electrical, plumbing, ESFR fire and life safety systems, and BMS/controls
- Extensive BMS experience; confident monitoring, adjusting, and optimizing HVAC controls and using system data to inform maintenance decisions
- Advanced troubleshooting ability with a methodical approach to diagnosing complex building system problems; sound judgment on when to repair, escalate, or engage outside expertise
- Broad hands-on repair capability across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, lighting, and door hardware; able to read and interpret building schematics, equipment manuals, and BMS displays
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage rounds, track maintenance tasks, and juggle multiple priorities
- Clear communicator; able to explain technical issues to non-technical audiences including tenants and Property Managers
- Experience with new building commissioning, building system handover from Construction, and warranty period management; ability to review construction drawings and identify deficiencies
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle; ability to respond to after-hours emergencies and perform physical building rounds including ladders, rooftops, mechanical rooms, and confined spaces
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance; this is a condition of employment
Core Competencies
- Organization & Detail-Orientation
Assumed Competencies
