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Building Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Building Controls Technician III

Everett, WA · Hybrid

$33.25 - $43.75/hr

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 ...

Building Controls Technician III

Tacoma, WA · Hybrid

$32.25 - $42.50/hr

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 ...

Building Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$35 - $42/hr

The Building Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing complex electromechanical equipment associated with building infrastructures. This will include but is ...

As an ABM engineering employee, you become part of a trusted team responsible for operating and ... The Building Engineer is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair ...

As an ABM engineering employee, you become part of a trusted team responsible for operating and ... The Building Engineer is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair ...

As an ABM engineering employee, you become part of a trusted team responsible for operating and ... The Building Engineer is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair ...

The Building Engineer I is responsible for maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This role focuses on performing routine ...

As an building Engineer at JLL, you'll serve as a critical technical expert ensuring the reliable ... operator certification from an accredited training program * Demonstrated ability to read and ...

The Building Engineer I is responsible for maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This role focuses on performing routine ...

Building Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

The Building Engineer I is responsible for maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This role focuses on performing routine ...

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Building Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$27

$54

How much do building operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for building operator in Seattle, WA is $27.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Building Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Building Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Building Operator jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Building Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Building Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,824 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Building Operating Engineer

Seattle Convention Center

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The schedule for this position is: Sunday-Thursday 7:00am-3:30pm.

Required Credentials

  • City of Seattle Refrigeration Operating Engineer
  • Grade IV Boiler Operator
  • Universal CFC Certification

About SCC

Most people are familiar with the Seattle Convention Center (SCC) because we host a large variety of meetings, events, and conventions. That is the primary role we play - the Center provides a venue in which people gather from around the region, the nation, and the world to share ideas, celebrate and learn.

But our role goes well beyond that. The Center has a longstanding commitment to positively impact the lives of those in our region and beyond, advancing the common good. The legacy of our civic actions for the community holds as true today as it began nearly three decades ago. Read more about our Community Impact here.

Employees are the heartbeat of this extraordinary service culture and contribute to our collective success in the vibrant core of downtown Seattle.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the BOE Foreperson, this position works directly and in conjunction with the rest of the Facilities and Operations teams to ensure the safety, efficacy, and reliability of all aspects of SCC facilities. Responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and repair of systems related to the physical plant facility, including energy management control systems (EMCS), heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), refrigeration heat pumps, water heaters, thermostats, air filters, air ducts, circulating pumps, oil pressure indicators, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, cabinet fans, control panels, commercial restaurant appliances, steam heat exchangers, steam traps, boilers, and roll up doors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Diagnose, repair, and work with subcontractors on all SCC HVAC and plumbing equipment malfunctions
  • Read, interpret, and work with blueprints, departmental policies and procedures, equipment maintenance manuals and city codes
  • Schedule and perform HVAC modifications as needed for each event throughout SCC facility
  • Operate, maintain, and repair the EMCS, refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation systems to ensure efficient operation
  • Operate, maintain, and repair furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters, thermostats, air filters, air ducts, circulation pumps, cooling towers, cabinet fans, control panels, and commercial kitchen equipment (gas stoves, ovens, deep fryers, bakery equipment, conveyers, and commercial coffee equipment)
  • Inspect equipment and adjust temperature in refrigeration and air conditioning units; maintain proper water level and steam pressure
  • Usage of power tools, testing equipment, and measuring devices
  • Operate computer systems and controls system (Siemens Apogee/Desigo)
  • Schedule HVAC system start and stop times based on reporting and data available from Ungerboeck Business Management System. Communicate and coordinate with SCC Event Services Managers to maximize energy efficiency
  • Inspect equipment and safety operations for proper operation including properly tightening belts, changing filters, and lubricating equipment
  • Test water, chemically treat condenser and chill water
  • Respond to emergency calls for the repair of a variety of mechanical equipment and building systems
  • Maintain records of job time and materials used. Prepare materials lists for projects or repairs as needed
  • Effectively use a two-way radio and maintain current knowledge of appropriate use of the radio, as well as all SCC radio codes and the related FCC regulations. Effectively use the multi-line telephone system
  • Respond to questions and requests from visitors, other SCC departments, and client subcontractors and provide appropriate information/directions in a patient, efficient and courteous manner

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands and arms to reach, handle, or feel; climb or balance; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

On occasion the employee is required to use SCC power man lift equipment including scissor lifts or articulating boom lifts. The employee will maintain all required certifications to use equipment and follow all safety guidelines when using equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, and explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least (3) years of experience as a building operations or stationary engineer or any equivalent combination of training and experience, required
  • Experience with reading mechanical (HVAC/Plumbing/Fire Protection) construction plans and documents
  • Experience with fire pumps and wet/dry sprinkler systems. Basic understanding of fire/life safety systems and typical interfacing with HVAC control schemes and programs
  • Experience with Siemens Apogee Building Automation Systems and subunits
  • High school diploma or GED

Benefit Highlights:

  • Pay upon hire: $56.36
  • Paid Leave benefits
    • Vacation (10 days upon completion of 1 year)
    • Paid holidays (11 set by SCC, 2 personal)
  • Health/Welfare benefits
  • Pension benefits
  • Subsidized transportation benefits

* Visithttps://www.engineerstrust.com/to review additional information on benefits

Disability Accommodations and Equal Employment Opportunity

If accommodations are required either to complete the application process and/or attend an interview, please contact the Human Resources Department at 206-694-5038.

Seattle Convention Center is committed to the policy of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual preference, orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, age, religion, veteran status, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Notes on the Application Process

  • This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately
  • Only applications submitted directly to Seattle Convention Center's jobs page will be considered; applications submitted via external websites or applications will not be received
  • A current resume may be submitted in lieu of filling out the attachedApplication for Employmentonly ifit includes accurate dates - including month and year - of both previous employment and any relevant experience/education history.
  • In the event your application is selected for interview, a hiring representative will reach out via your provided phone or email contact information. The final hiring process will involve employment reference checks and a criminal background check.