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Building Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKER

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Monitors building security and safety by locking doors after operating hours and checking electrical appliance use. * Moves heavy furniture, equipment and supplies. * Mows and trims lawns and ...

MalaceHR

Building Enngineer

San Jose, CA

Monitor multiple Building Automation System (BAS) platforms to ensure equipment is operating within established parameters * Respond to, prioritize, and dispatch building system alarms while ...

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Building Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$46

How much do building operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for building operator in California is $23.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Operator, you need strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), preventive maintenance procedures, and often a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and safety regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient facility operation, tenant comfort, and compliance with safety and maintenance standards.

What is a building operator?

As a building operator, you oversee the operations of a building or facility to ensure that its electrical and mechanical equipment, as well as heating and cooling, are working properly. Your duties may include inspecting the building for safety hazards and regulation violations, performing repairs, and checking the facility’s ability to operate successfully. You may also supervise other employees. A career as a building operator typically requires a diploma or certification training program to gain hands-on experience in areas such as building science and energy efficiency. You may also need state certificates of fitness in facility components like interior fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and refrigeration to demonstrate your ability to handle these potentially dangerous materials. Additional qualifications include strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of industry regulations.

How much do building operators make?

Building operators in British Columbia typically earn between CAD 50,000 and CAD 70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the facilities they manage. Salaries can vary based on the size of the building, location, and whether the operator has specialized skills such as HVAC or electrical systems knowledge.

What is the difference between Building Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectBuilding OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsOften requires HVAC, electrical, or plumbing certificationsTypically needs HVAC, electrical, or plumbing certifications
Work EnvironmentManages building systems, often in commercial or institutional settingsPerforms repairs and maintenance, often in various facilities
Employer & IndustryReal estate management, property management, facilities servicesFacilities management, repair services, industrial settings

Building Operators and Maintenance Technicians share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in skills related to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Building Operators focus on managing entire building systems and ensuring operational efficiency, while Maintenance Technicians primarily perform repairs and routine maintenance. Both roles are essential in maintaining building functionality and are commonly sought in property management and facilities industries.

What are some typical challenges a building operator might face on a daily basis?

Building Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to urgent maintenance issues, troubleshooting complex building systems, and balancing preventive maintenance with unexpected repairs. They must also coordinate with vendors, tenants, and other facility staff to ensure smooth building operations while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Adaptability and strong communication skills are key to managing the fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable nature of the role.
More about Building Operator jobs

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Cities in California with the most Building Operator job openings:

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Building Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,251 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Building Controls Project Manager

Mantis Innovation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Mantis Innovation provides managed facility services and turnkey program management with technology-enabled solutions that target the entire building footprint. We look at the entire facility—inside and out—and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement, renewable energy, and demand response; climate impact reduction and reporting, net zero strategies, and sustainability planning; roofing, solar, HVAC assessment management, pavement, building envelope, data center optimization, and EV charging; lighting/LED retrofits, HVAC/mechanical systems, and BMS/BAS improvements and implementation.

This is not a traditional PM role—we’re looking for someone who understands how BMS systems actually work, not just how to manage a schedule.

The BMS Project Manager ensures projects stay on budget, on schedule, and within contract by managing risk, tracking financial performance, and controlling change orders. This role requires a strong understanding of Building Management Systems (BMS), controls infrastructure, and platforms such as SCADA Ignition / PLC's, enabling effective coordination between engineering, field technicians, and clients. The PM is responsible for protecting margin, preventing scope creep, and ensuring technically sound project execution.

OUTCOMES
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of BMS controls systems, sequences of operation, and platform capabilities (e.g., PLC's, SCADA, Ignition)
  • Effectively partners with engineering and field teams by understanding controls architecture, system integration, and commissioning workflows
  • 99%+ of project gross margin achieved vs. sold margin
  • 90%+ of identified scope changes captured as approved change orders
  • 90%+ of project milestones achieved on or before planned dates
  • Monthly forecast accuracy within +/- 5% of actual financial performance
  • 100% of project financials, contracts, and documentation maintained accurately and submitted on time
  • Demonstrates accountability, ownership, and sound judgment in project execution
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage BMS projects from contract award through closeout; ensuring alignment with controls design, system architecture, client technical requirements, while maintaining financial and contractual alignment
  • Partner with Controls Engineers and Technicians to ensure accurate interpretation of sequences of operation and system design
  • Maintain working knowledge of BMS platforms (e.g., SCADA Ignition), controls networks (BACnet, Modbus), and system integrations
  • Review project scope to ensure alignment with controls deliverables, graphics, programming, and commissioning requirements
  • Support issue resolution by understanding basic troubleshooting of BMS systems and common field challenges
  • Act as a bridge between technical teams and clients by translating controls concepts into clear project updates
  • Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, and forecasts across all phases
  • Own change order identification, pricing, and approval to ensure full scope recovery
  • Track and manage project financial performance while understanding technical scope drivers such as controls hardware, integration complexity, and commissioning efforts
  • Communicate project status, risks, and financial performance to clients and internal leadership
  • Execute project closeout, including financial reconciliation and final documentation
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3-7 years of BMS project management experience in construction, controls, or technical systems
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of BMS controls systems, sequences of operation, and platform capabilities (e.g., SCADA Ignition, PLC's)
  • Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance
  • Ability to read and interpret contracts, construction documents, and technical project plans
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work environment: Hybrid role across office and field environments supporting active construction and retrofit projects
  • Physical requirements:
    • Sitting, standing, and occasional site visits
    • Ability to review field conditions and coordinate with site teams
  • Schedule expectations:
    • Standard working hours with project-driven variability
    • Travel required based on project portfolio
DISCLAIMERS

This position description describes the general nature and level of work expected for this role. It is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs, client demands, system changes, or economic conditions. Employees are expected to perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.
 
What else can we offer you?
We offer a fantastic lineup of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, 401k Matching, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Paid Short Term & Long Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, and a flexible hybrid work schedule (for office-based employees). Working at Mantis also brings tremendous professional development opportunities that allow you to make a real impact on both the company and your career!
 
Not sure you meet every single requirement?
Studies show that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Mantis, we’re committed to building an inclusive and equitable team—so if this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you, even if your experience doesn’t match every single qualification.
 
Mantis Innovation is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.