Assistant Chief Engineer

Staff - Union

Job Category
IUOE 115

Job Profile
IUOE - Assistant Chief Engineer

Job Title
Assistant Chief Engineer

Department
Campus Energy Centre | Thermal Utilities | Engineering and Utilities | Energy and Water Services

Compensation Range
$8,285.00 - $8,285.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
January 19, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to this job posting. Please remember to attach a copy of your resume with your application.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Description Summary
UBC Energy and Water Services oversees the overall management of energy and water at the UBC Vancouver Campus, working within a mandate of fiscal efficiency, operational excellence, environmental sustainability and innovative demonstrations. EWS thermal plants are comprised of multiple thermal energy systems, ranging from conventional gas-and-oil-fired thermal boilers to biomass thermal boilers involving wood gasification technology and conventional wood-burning thermal boilers.
Under the direction of the People and Process Manager, Plant Operations (the Plant Chief Engineer) and other Management Supervision, the Assistant Chief Engineer allocates and organizes the work of the power engineers within UBC s Energy and Water Services department.
The Assistant Chief Engineer ensures the safe and efficient operation of UBC EWS Thermal Energy Plants, including maintenance, service, and repair of all thermal energy assets (boilers, auxiliary equipment, etc.). Equipment within their operational expertise and responsibility include fuel material handling systems, boilers systems and related auxiliary systems, combustions and process controls, power generation through internal combustion engines and power synchronization systems, ash handling and disposal systems, compressed gas systems, hydraulic systems, water treatment systems, flue gas conditioning systems and emission control systems.
The Assistant Chief Engineer is required to exercise supervisory functions and encourage collaboration among the shift team leaders and others working in connection with operation, maintenance, and service of UBC Thermal Energy Plant assets. This includes minimizing process disruptions in the thermal energy plants and ensuring continuing thermal energy service.
Organizational Status
The Assistant Chief Engineer reports to the UBC Energy and Water Services People and Process Manager, Plant Operations (the Plant Chief Engineer). The Assistant Chief Engineer provides supervision, guidance and mentorship to Thermal Energy Plant shift engineers along with the Process Manager, Plant Operations (the Plant Chief Engineer). If there is a lack of required coverage at any UBC Energy and Water Services Thermal Energy Plant, and there is no respective Shift Engineer available, the Assistant Chief Engineer may be required to provide coverage.

Work Performed
1. Oversees the daily operation of the BRDF and CEC on behalf of the plant chief engineer. Supervises, participates with, and provides operational and technical direction and work assignments to plant staff.
2. Responsible for scheduling staffing requirements, including overtime. Administers attendance records, approves and submits time card records, and submits vacation requests for management approval.
3. Leads response, investigation and resolution of trouble, service and emergency calls for all plant related mechanical equipment and systems.
4. Responsible for maintaining safe working environment by ensuring all plant steam related mechanical equipment and systems comply with all applicable acts, codes, regulations, policies and standards; including WorksafeBC and the BC Safety Authority. Ensures operational safety and compliance with applicable codes and regulations by reviewing and maintaining all associated written and computerized records, log sheets and books. Ensures safety checks related to the plant are performed.
5. Schedules and coordinates multi-trade work activities, service outages for emergency repairs, equipment preventative maintenance and modification work. Coordinates and supervises all equipment and process shut downs, lockouts and startups related to the operation of the plants.
6. Performs skilled hands on work on all plant related mechanical equipment and systems as required.
7. Communicates and responds to emails as required
8. Provides and/or coordinates training and orientation to staff. Maintaining computerized records of mandatory training requirements for each staff member.
9. Documents and assesses current processes and procedures and recommends appropriate changes or replacements to equipment, operating methods, materials or maintenance.
10. Attend training sessions as required.
11. Creates, maintains and updates operational standards, lockouts and procedures. Aids in the design, evaluation and writing of process and equipment specifications. Works in conjunction with the Chief Engineer for the commissioning of new or renewed mechanical equipment and systems associated with renovation or new construction work.

12. Monitors and updates the plant preventative maintenance programs. Reviews documentation and ensures schedules are met. Initiates and reviews work orders for accuracy and completion.
13. Sources, purchases and maintains supplies, materials, equipment and tools for the operational viability of the both plants.

14. Isolates DES valves throughout campus, following the appropriate safety procedures under the direction of the Chief Engineer

15. May be required to perform duties related to the qualifications and requirements of the classification.

16.  Serves as the Thermal gatekeeper for Planon and the new thermal preventative maintenance (PM) program.

17. Leads the development, oversight, daily management, stewardship, and sustainment of the thermal PM program with full focus on thermal equipment and processes (reactive maintenance, PM, projects etc.)

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Relative to duties described above failure to utilize due diligence and follow proper procedures while on shift could have serious effects to campus heating system, cause death to UBC Staff, Faculty and Students, and cause catastrophic damage to EWS Thermal Energy Assets.
Supervision Received
Supervision and mentorship is given to the Assistant Chief Engineer by the Process Manager, Plant Operations (the Plant Chief Engineer) and the senior thermal energy manager.
Supervision Given

• The Assistant Chief Engineer supervises the Energy and Water Services power engineers in the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the thermal energy plants and district energy system, as per the BC Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation.

• Ability to supervise and schedule crew as directed by the Chief Engineer.

• Direct and supervise the shift engineers and other power engineers assigned to assist in the operation of the respective thermal energy plant. Maintain order among any and all persons employed in the plant that are under their authority.

• Ensure operating procedures for the plant are understood, observed, and complied with.

• Ensure a watch is kept on the condition of all units and installations in the plant; take such measures as are necessary to prevent or alleviate any immediate danger to the plant; and report to the Process Manager, Plant Operations (the Plant Chief Engineer any condition that may jeopardize the safety of the plant. When required, make accurate records in the plant log book of any conditions that may affect the safety of the respective plant.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

TSBC-Certified Second Class Power Engineer is required for this role, however should there be no qualified and suitable candidate with Second Class Power Engineer; the University will consider a conditional hire of a TSBC-Certified 3rd Class Power Engineer with the requirement that the successful candidate obtain a 2nd Class Power Engineer Certificate of qualification within 26 months from the date of hire. NOTE: The ACE will participate in monthly progress and status checks to assist in meeting the 26 month schedule.

• A minimum two (2) years’ experience in operating in a high-pressure power generating steam plant with an industrial process or equivalent experience. 

• Experience desired in solid fuel handling systems, electrical power generation and distributed control systems (DCS). 

• A demonstrated ability in mechanical and instrumentation skills related to plant maintenance is preferred. 

• Ability to maintain certification and training in the operation of UBC Fleet Vehicles, forklifts, lifts, and other vehicles as required. UBC to provide specialized training. 

• Ability to organize, allocate and supervise the work of power engineers. 

• Ability to coordinate the work of contractors and other trades and coordinate with the Head Maintenance Engineer. 

• Ability to maintain records and write reports. 

• Ability to use Windows based and Microsoft Office software. Experience and ability in the use of windows-based software. Experience gained with University computer applications may be considered as equivalent. 

• Ability to operate, or learn how to operate, smart phones and tablet computers. 

• A demonstrated ability to work independently. 

• A demonstrated initiative and attitude to improve the plant and the workplace. 

• Effective written and oral communication skills in English. 

• The dedication and commitment to self-improvement and remaining current in the Power Engineering craft. 

• A BC Class 5 Drivers License in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications
The ability to maintain certification and training in the operation of UBC Fleet Vehicles, forklifts, lifts, and other vehicles as required. UBC to provide specialized training.