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Caretaker, HVAC Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Building operators oversee building operation and maintenance. They make sure buildings are safe for the public. Their duties vary depending on the type of building. In general, they:
Building operators often use computers to check equipment and do administrative tasks.
Building operators work indoors and outdoors. They generally work 36 to 40 hours a week. They may work shifts and be on call. They may need to work overtime to solve equipment problems.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying instructions to clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their grounds; to contract tradespersons for major repairs; and to ensure that security and safety measures are in place in the establishment
Interest in operating - manipulating industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse; to sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs; to clear snow and ice from walkways and parking areas; and to cut grass and tend grounds
Interest in making adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilating, plumbing and electrical systems; and in performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs such as painting
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in controlling and operating automated and computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment
Interest in analyzing information from instrument readings to detect leaks and other equipment malfunctions; may assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
Interest in recording instrument readings, in monitoring and inspecting computer terminals, plant equipment, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, in ensuring plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency and in maintaining a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Building operators need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work. They should also enjoy operating equipment and solving problems.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 123 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 06, 2021 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Make adjustments and minor repairs to heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems, and contact tradespersons for major repairs | 75 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs | 73 |
| Tasks: Empty trash cans and other waste containers | 71 |
| Tasks: Perform minor repairs on appliances | 70 |
| Tasks: Work with minimal supervision | 68 |
| Tasks: Move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies | 66 |
| Tasks: Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings | 65 |
| Tasks: Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse | 63 |
| Tasks: Perform other routine maintenance jobs such as painting and drywall repair | 60 |
| Tasks: Perform safety and security checks | 59 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 27 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 06, 2021 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: High pressure boilers | 17 |
|---|---|
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Pumps | 17 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Switches | 16 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Compressors | 15 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Programmable logic controller (PLC) | 14 |
| Tasks: Troubleshoot, perform corrective action or minor repairs | 14 |
| Tasks: Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctioning and to ensure plant systems are operating normally | 13 |
| Tasks: Perform routine equipment maintenance | 13 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Valves | 12 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 12 |
In Alberta, building operators who operate boilers must hold a power engineer’s certificate. (For more information, see the Power Engineer occupational profile.)
Building operators need to be familiar with environmental health and safety law. They also need to understand the design, operation, and maintenance of building systems. Employers generally require a Fifth Class Power Engineering certificate. They may also ask for:
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and its local associations offer related training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Building operators work for:
Building operators usually start at an entry-level position. With more experience and education in building safety, facilities management, and supervision, they may advance to senior building operator or supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents
2016 NOC: 6733
75.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
Power engineers and power systems operators
2016 NOC: 9241
75.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary a great deal depending on the building operator’s qualifications, the responsibilities of the position, and the location and size of the employing company.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $30.77 | $20.15 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $15.87 | $34.66 | $23.64 | $22.15 |
| Top | $16.44 | $42.50 | $28.83 | $29.06 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $41,797 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $34,672 |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $35,846 |
| Construction | $53,871 |
| Manufacturing | $52,927 |
| Wholesale Trade | $48,872 |
| Retail Trade | $36,820 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $54,036 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $30,244 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $56,215 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $29,563 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $29,157 |
| Educational Services | $41,758 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $47,519 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $34,985 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $28,701 |
| Public Administration | $56,116 |
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $79.33 | $38.50 | $34.40 |
| Overall | $28.00 | $79.33 | $42.22 | $38.92 |
| Top | $29.74 | $79.33 | $44.50 | $39.52 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $87,418 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $84,495 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $79,188 |
| Public Administration | $70,816 |
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca
Building Operators Association (Calgary) website: www.boacalgary.com
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) website: bomacanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
