Building operation and maintenance

Building operations encompass the activities necessary to operate, 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 and related building envelope components and facility improvements, renovations and upgrades.

Those working in building operations, including managers, operators and maintenance staff, are often responsible for ensuring tenant comfort and reliable building functions and access. They also ensure that building systems are operating efficiently. They prepare facilities for seasonal changes, perform repairs and maintenance checks, make sure everything is up to building code, and stay alert for safety hazards.

Your building operation and maintenance learning path

CIET courses are designed for current and future building operation and maintenance professionals. Use the learning path below to determine the best courses and training sequence to achieve your career goals.

Career Opportunities in Building Operation and Maintenance

Here's a look at some typical jobs you can expect to do once you've specialized in building operations and maintenance.

Property and Facilities Manager

The main duties of a property and facilities manager include:

Perform periodic inspections of buildings and facilities to determine maintenance needs

Oversee the implementation of preventative maintenance programs and ensure that key building assets are maintained

Monitor building automation systems

Building and Facility Maintenance Technician

The main duties of a building and facility maintenance technician include:

Operate mechanical, electrical and other building and facility systems to ensure safe and efficient operations

Provide preventive and corrective maintenance as needed

Perform routine inspections and follow-up building automation engineer

The main tasks of a building automation engineer include:

Design building automation systems and create optimal design solutions to meet customer requirements

Review electrical schematics and program equipment

Design the architecture of the building automation network and facilitate the integration of devices by different building automation protocols (Modbus, BACNET…)

Commissioning Specialist

The main duties of a commissioning specialist include:

Provide support in achieving commissioning and test results

Assist field technicians with technical issues and challenges

Create and update commissioning procedures and documentation (checklists, reports, etc.)

Energy engineer/specialist/manager

The main duties of an energy engineer/specialist/manager include determining and analyzing opportunities for energy saving projects

Assess energy consumption, energy demand savings and carbon reductions associated with energy saving measures Implement energy projects

Assist with commissioning and measurement and verification of energy saving measures

HVAC Systems Technician

The main duties of an HVAC systems technician include:

Ensure proper testing of HVAC equipment prior to commissioning

Perform routine HVAC system maintenance tasks

Address issues with HVAC systems and controls

Electrical Technician

The main duties of an electrical technician include:

Ensure proper testing of electrical equipment prior to commissioning

Perform routine electrical maintenance

Troubleshooting and repair of defective equipment and devices

Building Automation System Technician (SAB)

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

Ensure proper installation of building automation systems

Perform routine maintenance of the building automation system

Diagnose, repair and update HVAC and electrical systems and controls