Lead Building Operator

Position: Lead Building Operator

Location: 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby, ON

Assignment: Full-time, Salaried

Pay Rate: $55,000 to 60,000 per annum. We also offer 100% employer paid benefits and CAA membership, flexible work environment, and membership to our superb sport, fitness, and recreational facilities.

Start Date: December 2026

You Belong! 

We exist to unlock potential through accessibility and to create a better, barrier-free life for all Canadians. We strive to achieve this by reimagining accessibility, redefining the way Canadians live, work, and play, and by co-designing innovative solutions that address the needs of our community. To be successful, our organization values being person-centred, genuine, flexible, innovative, and collaborative.

As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from all persons, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide variations and accommodations at all stages of employment and are committed to improving our process to be more accessible and equitable.

We understand that no one will ever meet all the qualifications or feel completely confident in performing every duty listed, and that’s okay! We are committed to the ongoing learning and development of our employees and gladly provide on-the-job training and mentorship. Unless it says required (bolded for emphasis), please do not let any other qualification or duty discourage you from applying.

If you have any issues with the online application or have any questions about the job, please email careers@abilitiescentre.org. We look forward to learning more about you and how you may be the person we’re looking for through your application!

The Position:

Reporting to the Director, Facilities, the Lead Building Operator will oversee the maintenance and general upkeep of the 125k square foot Abilities Centre facility, including plumbing, electrical distribution, carpentry, HVAC, life safety systems and building automation systems. This is a hands-on role that requires active participation in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and operation of building systems and equipment.

The Lead Building Operator will work in an efficient, safe, and accident-free manner while communicating effectively with other members of the Facilities department. The position interacts significantly with other internal functions, members, tenants and vendors, and will assist with the supervision and coordination of building cleaners.

What You’ll Do:

Personnel

• You will provide direction and supervision of maintenance staff, building cleaners, interns, and volunteers within the Facilities team.
• You will support day of scheduling and assignment adjustments to address department and facility needs.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, you will support payroll approvals within Ceridian Dayforce.
• You will document and report staff absences, concerns, and issues observed during your shift to the Director and Human Resources for escalation.

Maintenance

• You will perform troubleshooting and repairs required for the maintenance and upkeep of equipment such as VAVs, HVAC, pumps, life safety systems, etc.
• You will inspect all life safety equipment, including testing fire protection devices and auxiliary/emergency power systems, on a regular basis.
• You will complete building rounds on all equipment on a regular basis and report any problems or unusual findings to the Director to minimize damage and cost of repair.
• You will champion and enforce all safety protocols and standards.
• You will conduct preventative and corrective maintenance work on the water system, HVAC, ventilation, plumbing, and heating systems, and will perform the appropriate corrective measures. This includes filter changes, fan belts, etc.
• You will complete any additional maintenance work requests received through the maintenance workorder system, as well as seasonal start-up and shutdown procedures.
• You will perform general maintenance and repairs, including but not limited to drywall, painting, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring, fitness and cleaning equipment.
• You will document all completed, in-progress, and outstanding maintenance work orders in both the Maintenance Logbook and the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to ensure accurate record-keeping, effective communication, and seamless coordination of maintenance activities across the team.
• You will coordinate and perform landscaping and grounds maintenance activities, including lawn care, shrub and tree maintenance, seasonal cleanup, and monitoring of contracted landscaping services to ensure property standards are maintained.

Support

• You will be a key point of contact for contractors and vendors, coordinating site access, communicating operational requirements, and ensuring contracted work is completed effectively and efficiently.
• You will support the Director by documenting inventory usage and reporting when stock requires repurchasing, tracking frequency of repurchases for patterns and cost efficiencies.
• You will develop standard operating procedures for all critical equipment and operational tasks.
• You will participate in environmental sustainability initiatives.
• You will serve as a technical subject matter expert on property condition assessments.
• You will support the Director in monitoring and following up on maintenance work orders with Facilities staff, ensuring completed, in progress, and outstanding tasks are tracked, prioritized, and addressed in a timely manner.
• You will respond to member/guest concerns, solving their problems or making recommendations as required, to cultivate a member-centred environment through exceptional customer service.
• You will assist with general housekeeping duties and perform any other duties assigned.
• You will foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment.
• You will establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with members, staff, volunteers, tenants, visitors, and community partners.
• You will support the coordination and execution of set up/take down for rentals and events, as well as any day of support.
• You will be a contributing member of the Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

What You’ll Bring:

Education and Experience. 

• You have post-secondary education in a related field or trade.
• You have a minimum of 4 years of facility operation and maintenance experience in large class A buildings, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• You have experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as Maintenance Care, and building automation systems (BAS), such as Johnson Controls.
• You have knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its application in a public facility environment.

Technical Skills

• You have proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite of services
• You can maintain, troubleshoot, and repair various building systems and equipment, and can provide suggestions for the enhancement and upkeep of the building.
• You work well under pressure and can balance/prioritize multiple projects and deliver in a timely manner in a fast-paced environment.
• You are flexible, adaptive to change, and able to handle shifting priorities with maturity and foresight to cope with input and changes with short notice at times.
• You are self-motivated, and results-oriented; you demonstrate initiative and contribute to a work environment that values and encourages innovation.
• You can learn new applications and techniques quickly and effectively and are dedicated to continuous learning.
• You have good interpersonal skills, can interact well with clients and employees alike and can work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• You can facilitate decision-making and achieve results through teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.
• You are an effective team player with a positive attitude whose interactions demonstrate accountability, authenticity, and collaboration.
• You have good conflict resolution skills and are dedicated to customer service that exceeds expectations.
• You can perform physical duties inside and outside the building when necessary.
• You can bend, stretch, sit, and stand for long periods of time, and can lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Administrative Requirements:

• It is required that you have a current and clear vulnerable sector check
• It is required that you have the following certifications:
  • Building Environmental Systems (BES) Certificate Class I and II
  • First Aid and CPR C
  • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Parts I and II
    • Working At Heights Training and Mobile Elevated Work Platform certification is considered an asset.

Availability:

• It is required that you be available on call after hours for emergencies
• You must be flexible regarding assigned work schedule
  • Primary availability must include days, afternoons, and evenings
  • Flexible availability must include willingness to work weekends, holidays, and late/overnight shifts as required

Deadline to apply is Friday, November 13, 2026