The Facility Services team proudly cares for over 67 campus buildings, encompassing approximately eight million square feet of space across 377 acres of land. Our team operates around the clock, managing over 50 active construction projects at any given time and completing more than 12,000 service requests annually. Our team of 350 hardworking, devoted, and diverse professionals takes immense pride in supporting a world-renowned teaching and research institution. We are dedicated to serving the campus community by delivering excellence across our areas of operation, developing innovative solutions and focusing on customer service. As responsible stewards of the university’s resources, we ensure the highest standards in everything we do. Facility Services includes the following offices and departments: The Office of Sustainability, Design and Construction, Maintenance Services, Custodial and Grounds, Mail and Logistics, Utilities, and Financial Services. These teams provide essential campus services, including building maintenance, capital projects, custodial services, customer services, energy conservation, engineering design services, finance, fleet management, grounds, mail and logistics, sustainability, utility production and distribution, and waste management and recycling. Our internal communications, human resources, finance, and information technology staff support these operations.
JOB SUMMARY
The Manager, Building Automation System Controls & HVAC Operations is accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus-wide HVAC systems and Building Automation Systems (BAS) across a complex research-intensive university environment. They are not only responsible for the operation of building HVAC systems, but also maintenance, repair, upgrades and recommissioning of BAS controls, for all 67 buildings on and off McMaster’s main campus.
The Manager provides leadership for the planning, optimization, and lifecycle management of building mechanical and controls infrastructure, ensuring system reliability, occupant comfort, research continuity, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and environmental requirements.
This role will be responsible for managing five HVAC Controls Mechanics, to address various HVAC operational issues, such as ventilation, temperature complaints, etc. through a Service Request/Work Order system. This role will be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) regarding HVAC systems and will support building renovations/capital projects from a technical perspective as well as adherence to the University’s HVAC and BAS standards. In addition, the role is accountable for governance and performance of BAS platforms, including controls programming, system integration, network connectivity, cybersecurity considerations, and long-term asset management strategies.
To further McMaster’s sustainability goals, this role will also assist the Director of Engineering Operations and the Manager of Energy and Sustainability in the implementation of energy and GHG reduction projects/initiatives.
The Manager, Building Automation System Controls & HVAC Operations will be responsible for all aspects of the BAS control system, from instrumentation, controls, programming, and any other electronic systems required for the operation of the Building HVAC systems.
This role will assist the Director, Engineering Operations in providing operational/maintenance budgets for the building HVAC systems and will need to engage effectively with the Chief Operating Engineer, Central Plant Staff, Maintenance Team and Design and Construction Team.
Accountabilities:
- Manage and optimize HVAC and BAS operations and maintenance across campus, coordinating all scheduled work with occupants, contractors and staff, to ensure service reliability, minimize operational disruptions, and proactively mitigate risk to critical teaching and research activities and ensure the thermal comfort of the campus, students and staff
- Lead advanced diagnostics, failure analysis, and root cause investigations for complex HVAC and BAS issues, implementing corrective and preventative solutions
- Provide technical leadership and input into capital projects, including design review, commissioning, and system integration to ensure alignment with institutional standards and operational requirements
- Develop, implement, and enforce institutional standards, specifications, BAS programming and control sequences for HVAC and BAS systems to ensure consistency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance from both staff and external contractors
- Manage operational functionality of the data networks, associated with Building Automation Systems and Metering systems, in partnership with the University Technology Services (UTS)
- Develop, lead and maintain Building Automation asset management, including field control devices, IP addresses, control sequences and change logs
- Develop and maintain inventory strategies, including critical spares and obsolescence mitigation, to ensure system reliability and continuity of operation
- In collaboration with Director of Engineering Operation, contribute to the development, forecasting and management of operating and capital budgets related to HVAC and BAS systems, with accountability for cost optimization and life cycle planning inputs
- Assist the Director of Engineering Operations and Manager of Energy and Sustainability in the implementation of energy projects of energy conservation, optimization, and decarbonization, leveraging BAS analytics and system performance data
- Manage, develop and provide leadership to unionized staff and external contractors, including workforce planning, performance management, training, and mentorship within a highly technical and unionized environment to operate and maintain building HVAC systems, and act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
- Establish performance metrics, monitoring frameworks, and continuous improvement processes to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and service delivery
- Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, codes, and standards (e.g., OHSA, environmental regulations, applicable HVAC/BAS standards)
- Act as escalation point for complex operational issues and emergency response related to building systems on a 24/7 basis
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- A degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline)
- A valid licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario is an asset
- A Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or equivalent certifications are considered strong assets
Experience:
- Minimum of 5-7+ years’ of progressive experience in HVAC Operation & Maintenance and Building Automation Systems within a large, complex environments
- Minimum of (2) years of supervisory experience in a directly related field (unionized environment in an institutional setting is preferred)
- Experience in BAS programming (code or block programming)
- Experience in planning and managing HVAC projects (new and retrofit)
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong knowledge of Building Automation Systems in varying platforms, and strong knowledge of HVAC systems operation in an Institutional/Commercial/Research setting
- Knowledge of BAS network protocols, and IT networks
- Knowledge of mechanical/electrical meters and ION metering systems is an asset
- Knowledge of Demand Control Ventilation in Lab systems
- Comprehensive knowledge of engineering and energy principles
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a people-centric approach to solutions/problems
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while also working effectively with multi-disciplinary project teams
- Ability to read and understand construction drawings, documents, and technical manuals/schematics
- Ability to troubleshoot and analyze HVAC systems issues, controls and instrumentation with experience in analyzing control sequence codes/programming
- Excellent project management, troubleshooting, commissioning skills related to HVAC controls, instrumentation and equipment
- Ability to develop budgets based on maintenance requirements
- Strong understanding of asset lifecycle management and capital renewal planning
- Knowledge of building systems supporting research and laboratory environments (e.g., pressurization, ventilation control, critical environments)
- Understanding of energy management principles, building analytics, and performance optimization
- Strong decision-making skills with ability to assess operational risk and prioritize competing demands
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a complex organizational environment
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