Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31745: Building Systems Specialist
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 7447
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Supervisor, Facilities & Technical Services, the incumbent is a subject matter expert in the area of heating & ventilation systems (HVAC) with a focus on building automated systems (BAS) and is responsible for the overall successful operation and maintenance of numerous building automated systems for a growing portfolio of over 43 buildings across the City.
Duties will include monitoring, diagnosing, adjusting, optimizing, repairing, calibrating, managing schedules and performing repairs for a variety of different Building Automated Systems and associated HVAC systems with a focus on energy savings, sustainability and optimization. Reporting on system performance and managing team schedules are key functions of this role.
This position works under the guidance of the BAS Technologist who will distribute assignments for shared workload and vacation scheduling.
Must be willing to be on call during evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. Must be willing to travel throughout the City to attend at sites. Work location may change without notice.
GENERAL DUTIES
As a subject matter expert, responsible for duties required in the overall successful operation and maintenance of building automated systems across the City including ensuring systems work optimally and are integrated as designed.
Troubleshoot, monitor, operate and adjust control systems for HVAC equipment such as fans, pumps, fire alarms, room temperatures, chillers and boilers, lighting controls through a variety of building automated controls systems.
Develop, maintain and update building preventative maintenance routines for BAS systems and associated HVAC equipment including performing various preventative maintenance on equipment.
Operating Building Automated Systems (BAS) in a sustainable manner and in adherence to City’s Energy Policy by establishing and optimizing pre-set schedules including working with Energy Team to report on energy consumption performance metrics.
Working building Operations Maintenance Team and the Energy Team to setup and maintain pre-determined schedules that are designed to ensure energy optimization. Setup procedures and protocols to monitor and control demand changes to building systems.
Work with Corporate IT to rectify network issues related to servers, managing back-ups, and managing other network related issues.
Work closely with and support the Building Automation System Technologist to expedite repairs, upgrades, changes and enhancements to building automated systems. Back up the position of Building Automated Systems Technologist during absences.
Develop and implementing protocols and procedures that reduce alerts, breakdowns, and unplanned call outs.
Using the City’s CMMS system, set up and dispatch work requests for maintenance requirements to contractors and other team members. Develop and distribute performance reports on automated building systems activities.
Participates in and lends subject matter expert advice to projects for upgrades, enhancements, new systems and technologies related to building automated system s and other building systems.
Responds to and addresses requests for repairs and adjustments. Dispatch resources as needed.
Troubleshoots alarms received from BAS systems and facilitates repairs/changes.
Engages other team members and contractors to facilitate repairs, upgrades, improvements and provides expertise to bring new buildings and/or equipment on line.
Repair, maintain, calibrate and adjust HVAC system microprocessor based controls to meet programmed control scheme specifications on the following microprocessor based control systems; Central Control Computerized HVAC and Direct Digital Processors.
Program any microprocessor based control equipment related to the Central Control Monitoring System and Direct Digital Control Systems.
Investigate and diagnose software problems related to malfunctioning field data gathering panels, DDC controllers and associated CCMS peripherals.
Maintain proper calibration records and any program changes made in remote DDC panel memory logic control sequences.
Troubleshoot HVAC and other monitored and controlled systems connected to the CCMS and DDC automation peripherals. Uses field data test equipment to record proper control adjustments.
Perform as a “First Responder” to same day and emergency calls including hot/cold water or air, humid/dry environmental conditions, unknown odours, etc. as required.
Provide on the job training as required by management.
Perform routine or special preventive maintenance and accuracy checks on the equipment (monitoring and recording results).
Investigate and diagnose software/hardware problems related to malfunctioning field data panels associated with the BAS and other automation systems.
Attend regular meetings with Supervisor and staff.
Monitor and test building safety devices such as sprinklers, alarms, generators, fire hoses and extinguishers.
Sets team coverage schedules on a weekly basis to cover for vacations, holidays and other absences and arranges coverage for shifts on short notice as required for team operation.
Completes timesheets weekly for the team (submit to Supervisor).
Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety and participates on Health & Safety Committee
Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to major responsibilities of the job and may involve general repairs to building equipment and or assigning work using the City’s CMMS system.
Must be willing to travel throughout City of Hamilton facilities to troubleshoot, repair and diagnose systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of building control systems and HVAC equipment usually acquired through the successful completion of a of a one-year certification in Building Automation Systems or Building Environmental Systems – BES Operator Class II combined with proven in field practical experience.
- Proven advance knowledge and experience with computer software systems related to facility management systems including Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). Working knowledge of the City’s CMMS system (ARCHIBUS and or EAM) is preferred.
- Proven working knowledge with various office systems including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Knowledge and experience operating in a network environment including trouble shooting and diagnosing network related issues
- Practical understanding of programming code and user graphics interface systems is preferred.
- Proven knowledge and relevant work experience in HVAC control systems. Proven theoretical knowledge and experience in the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems normally acquired by a combination of education and relevant trade related work experience.
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both spoken and in writing including preparing technical report and presentations.
- Strong team player with excellent customer services skills. Must be willing to help team members with absence coverages and be readily available for call outs and/or emergency response.
- Must be a logical thinker who can work under time sensitive deadlines and have the ability to work with little supervision.
- Must have a valid Class “G” driver’s Licence and the provision of a car by individual for use on the job.
- Must have access to a vehicle as daily travel will be required.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS "G" DRIVER'S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
