Utility Worker

Role overview

The University of British Columbia is hiring a Utility Worker for its Vancouver campus. This unionized CUPE 116 salaried role sits within Custodial Services and supports Building Operations by carrying out minor maintenance and repair work in core university buildings and equipment.

UBC Building Operations is responsible for keeping the learning environment safe, efficient, sustainable, and well maintained through facilities maintenance, operations, and renovation services across university-owned lands and buildings.

Compensation and schedule

The pay range for this position is CAD 5,546.00 to CAD 5,984.00 per month. This is an ongoing position. Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM on July 13, 2026.

Key duties

• Carry out small-scale repairs and maintenance related to electrical, plumbing, and general building systems.
• Diagnose and fix equipment such as floor polishers, ride-on cleaning machines, vacuums, and appliance cords.
• Replace lamps and bulbs in standard and specialty lighting indoors and outdoors, including underwater pool-area fixtures, sometimes working at heights of up to about 50 feet with equipment such as man-lifts and genies.
• Repair non-wiring parts of electrical systems, including cover plates and lens covers.
• Perform minor plumbing upkeep such as replacing washers and cartridges in waterless urinals, clearing blocked toilets or drains, and maintaining biodegradable sewage systems.
• Make minor repairs and adjustments to building components such as flooring, windows, blinds, ceiling tiles, and skylights, and apply sealants, caulking, and waterproofing compounds where needed.
• Complete minor plaster and wallboard repairs, lubricate locks, closers, and hinges, and replace dispensing equipment in various areas.
• Dust and clean overhead spaces such as ceiling areas and high beams.
• Remove animal waste from occupied spaces.
• Support cleanup work after floods, equipment spills, snow removal, and similar situations.
• Help with event setup in coordination with other departments.
• Keep repair records and note any additional work that needs attention.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and specialized lifting equipment safely and effectively.
• Perform other related tasks consistent with the role and classification.

Working style and reporting

The position reports to the Operations Manager, Custodial Services. Day-to-day direction comes from the Head Utility Worker. The role includes working independently and as part of a team, depending on the assignment. The incumbent receives detailed guidance during onboarding and when procedures change, and does not supervise others.

Important notes

This work is carried out under established procedures, but sound judgment is still required to finish tasks properly. Poor workmanship or failure to escalate issues could damage university property and create safety risks for staff or clients, especially because much of the work takes place in public areas.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants should have a Grade 12 / high school diploma, at least two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid and current Class 5 driver’s licence with a satisfactory driving record is required. Candidates should also bring a practical understanding of maintenance rules and regulations, as well as security and safety policies and procedures. The role calls for the ability to use related equipment, follow instructions, learn new methods, work with limited supervision, prioritize accurately to meet deadlines, and communicate well with managers, supervisors, and peers.

Equity and values

UBC states that a diverse workforce is essential to excellence in research, innovation, and learning. The university highlights its commitment to employment equity, inclusion, and fairness. Applicants are expected to respect different viewpoints, including those that may conflict with their own, and to continue building their awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Additional information

Job category: CUPE 116. Job profile: CUPE 116 Salaried - Utility Worker. Department: Utility Workers | Custodial Leadership | Custodial Services | Facilities. Job end date: Ongoing.

This is a staff union position.