Facility management has become one of the most strategically essential functions in any large organization. From data centers and manufacturing plants to hospitals and office towers, buildings are getting smarter.

And with that, the talent required to run them is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

There was a time when the FM workforce was all about boots on the ground, but those days are long gone. Today, it’s about systems thinkers, tech specialists, and data-driven problem solvers who can maintain uptime, control costs, and keep everything running behind the scenes.

Right now, five specialties are in particularly high demand—and the competition for them is fierce.

1. HVAC/R Technicians

HVAC/R techs have long been the backbone of building operations. But in today’s facilities, their role has evolved well beyond routine maintenance.

These technicians are now responsible for managing high-efficiency systems, complying with evolving refrigerant regulations and integrating HVAC performance with building automation systems.

Here are just a few of the many things that set great HVAC/R techs apart:

• Deep understanding of VAV systems, heat pumps, and energy recovery ventilators.
• Ability to interpret and act on BAS data to fine-tune system performance.
• EPA Section 608 certification and strong knowledge of refrigerant management.

As organizations pursue LEED certifications and carbon reduction goals, HVAC/R techs are playing a pivotal role in optimizing energy performance. A poorly calibrated chiller or a missed filter change can mean a significant amount of wasted energy.

Think of it this way: top techs not only prevent downtime but actively contribute to the bottom line.

Why it matters:

• U.S. commercial buildings spend $100B+ annually on HVAC energy.
• Climate regulations are phasing out common refrigerants by 2026.
• Preventative HVAC work can extend asset life by 30% or more.

The best HVAC/R techs understand their impact isn’t limited to mechanical systems. It reaches into sustainability, tenant satisfaction, and long-term asset planning.

2. Controls Technicians

As buildings become more automated, controls technicians have emerged as a must-have for any facility team running multiple systems at scale. These professionals configure, maintain, and troubleshoot the digital controls that govern HVAC, lighting, fire alarms, and access control systems.

Unlike traditional electricians or HVAC techs, controls technicians must navigate multiple platforms, protocols, and OEMs while responding to live performance data.

Key qualifications and skill sets:

• Experience with BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks protocols.
• Proficiency in reading electrical schematics and sequence of operations.
• Ability to install and calibrate sensors, actuators, and controllers.

They’re often the first to know when a system is drifting off spec, which makes them instrumental in proactive maintenance and energy optimization.

The real value of controls techs:

• They reduce troubleshooting time across departments.
• They cut energy waste by fine-tuning schedules and setpoints.
• They’re critical during retro-commissioning and system upgrades.

As systems become more integrated, one misaligned controller can cause ripple effects across multiple assets. That’s why a skilled controls tech is more than a maintenance hire.

3. Building Automation Specialists

Smart buildings are no longer a luxury. They’re a competitive necessity, especially in sectors where operating costs, energy reporting, and occupant comfort affect ROI.

Modern building automation specialists install smart systems and architect how a building responds in real-time. From occupancy sensors that regulate lighting and HVAC to fault detection diagnostics and remote dashboards that offer enterprise-wide visibility, these professionals design the infrastructure for operational intelligence.

Where they make an impact:

• Integration across lighting, HVAC, access, and metering systems.
• Writing logic-based rules that optimize system interactions.
• Connecting smart tech with mobile monitoring platforms for FM teams.

More importantly, they’re the ones who tie BAS functionality to measurable outcomes like cost reduction and ESG reporting. When energy auditors walk through a building, they rely on the groundwork laid by these specialists.

What’s driving demand:

• Demand for zero-carbon buildings and decarbonization reporting.
• Remote monitoring needs for hybrid work environments.
• Aging BAS infrastructure with limited vendor support.

The challenge?

These roles require both high-level strategic thinking and technical depth. That combination is rare—and when employers find it, they’re willing to pay top dollar to keep it.

4. CMMS Analysts

The days of reactive maintenance are over.

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) analysts are leading the shift toward data-driven operations.

They manage the software that tracks every asset in a building, such as boilers, air handlers, lighting, security, and more. Their insights help FM leaders make better capital planning decisions, identify underperforming systems, and deploy resources more efficiently.

Core responsibilities:

• Managing and updating asset inventories, service logs, and technician notes.
• Creating and automating preventative maintenance schedules.
• Analyzing performance trends to inform repair-vs-replace decisions.

Top-tier CMMS analysts turn data into action. They identify recurring failure patterns, improve SLA compliance, and provide reporting that feeds directly into the C-suite.

What makes them so valuable:

• Their analysis reduces unexpected downtime and costly emergency repairs.
• They optimize technician schedules for greater efficiency.
• They help unlock the full potential of the FM tech stack.

With more organizations moving to cloud-based systems like IBM Maximo, Fiix, and UpKeep, CMMS analysts are also becoming essential partners in digital transformation.

If your CMMS is underused, chances are you don’t have the right person leading it.

5. Multi-Skilled Technicians

When buildings can’t afford to carry multiple full-time tradespeople—or when job sites are too remote or variable—multi-skilled technicians step in as the Swiss Army knife of FM.

These are workers who can troubleshoot a boiler, rewire a circuit, snake a drain, patch drywall, and program a thermostat. All in a single shift. That kind of versatility is hard to find and even harder to train.

What employers look for:

• Certifications across two or more trades (e.g., electrical and plumbing).
• Strong diagnostic skills and systems thinking.
• High reliability and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

These techs are versatile and budget-friendly. A multi-skilled worker can reduce contractor dependency, allowing facility teams to flex staff based on priority.

Why this role is growing fast:

• Smaller FM teams need more coverage with fewer people.
• Aging buildings require more “fix it all” talent.
• Outsourcing every trade is costly and slows down operations.

In regions with tight labor markets or unpredictable workloads, multi-skilled techs keep operations steady. Many employers are now investing in internal upskilling programs to develop more of their staff.

What It Means for Facility Leaders

The talent war in facility management is heating up, with both headcount and specialization leading the charge.

As buildings get smarter, older systems age, and sustainability goals tighten, the pressure to hire the right people is increasing across every asset class.

According to Vince Kiel, Founder and CEO of Omni Recruiter, “The best facility teams are no longer trying to fill roles. Instead, they’re building pipelines. Employers who wait for perfect resumes will keep falling behind.”

If you’re hiring:

• Salaries are climbing fast, especially for roles with digital expertise.
• Upskilling and retention programs are now competitive advantages.
• In-house development may be your only long-term strategy.

If you’re in the field:

• Diversifying your certifications will make you more valuable.
• Getting fluent in BAS and CMMS systems can set you apart.
• The path to leadership is increasingly technical, not just operational.

Facility teams are driving performance across every level of operations. Specialists who align operational excellence with strategic priorities are shaping the next generation of facility management.