Journeyperson Refrigeration Mechanic

Primary Purpose:   To support the operation and maintenance of refrigeration and other related processes and systems at the University of Saskatchewan.

Nature of Work:  Reporting to Assistant Manager, Operations and Maintenance, this position works in a multi-trade environment under variable conditions, indoors as well as outdoors in all types of weather, and requires moderate to heavy physical labour. Working alone and in a team environment, the work is of high volume, variety, and complexity, often working with other trades, clients, and contractors under high-stress situations, and changing divisional needs. Physical challenges may include lifting heavy objects, working from ladders, or elevated platforms, in crawlspaces, confined spaces, and construction zones in hot, humid, noisy, and light and movement restricted is required. May encounter hazardous materials such as asbestos, free silica, lead, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and at times, carcinogenic materials. The incumbent will be provided with and required to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection which requires the worker to be always clean-shaven. Shifts may change periodically to accommodate work needs and must be able to be on-call on a rotational basis for emergencies as required.

Typical Duties/Accountabilities:

• Is accountable to the Facilities Team Charter and is aligned with the purpose, vision, and values, and holds themselves and each other accountable to it.
• Perform routine preventative and predictive maintenance and inspection tasks on refrigeration equipment and systems.
• Conduct thorough inspections and diagnostic tests to identify and resolve issues with equipment and system operations.
• Perform and support the installation, repair, and maintenance of cooling and process equipment systems, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and safety standards.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing improvement of preventative maintenance routines to minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of refrigeration systems.
• Train and mentor apprentice refrigeration mechanics, providing guidance on best practices and technical skills development.
• Collaborate with other members of the Facilities team to coordinate work activities, prioritize tasks, and enhance operations.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and advancements in refrigeration technology, and recommend improvements as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, including equipment service histories, parts inventory, and maintenance schedules.
• Respond to emergency service calls and perform repairs as needed, including outside of regular working hours.
• Always adhere to safety protocols and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Learn and comply with industry standards and best practices in refrigeration mechanics.
• Review and interpret electronic and paper design drawings to determine work scope and requirements.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The incumbent will be required to contribute to the long-term goal of reliability-centered maintenance. The Refrigeration Mechanic helps to coordinate work with other Facilities staff and campus colleagues; makes recommendations for innovation, improvements, and repair; communicates to others for procurement of materials; promotes and maintains outstanding customer service; is responsible for implementing and supporting workplace initiatives as directed; and makes & meets commitments in an honest, respectful, and understanding manner, and other related duties as assigned. The Refrigeration Mechanic must be consistent in following all the rules, expectations, and guidelines that are set out.

Education, Licenses and Experience:

• Current valid Red Seal Journeyperson Certificate in the Refrigeration Mechanic trade as recognized by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
• Must hold and maintain a valid Province of Saskatchewan driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience as a Journeyperson Refrigeration Mechanic working in the industrial, commercial, and/or institutional refrigeration maintenance and construction fields.
• Holding a General Gasfitter license would be considered an asset.
• Formal training or experience in preventative, diagnostic maintenance programs or PM implementation will also be considered an asset.
• The successful applicant for this position will be subject to a satisfactory criminal record check.

Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints (both in-print and online). Demonstrated working knowledge of computers and typical applications including Microsoft Office and other tools related to the electrical trade.
• Demonstrated well-developed interpersonal and communication skills that enhance the incumbent’s performance of work. Sound troubleshooting, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills to identify maintenance and reliability trends, proactively resolve potential problems, and propose recommendations for improvements.
• Effective organization and time management skills and the ability to multi-task under stressful timelines, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated efficiency in support for progress, results orientation, personal effectiveness, and relationship-building skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, and Excel in addition to basic computer skills and the ability to read and write emails and documents.
• Physical ability to perform rigorous manual labour tasks that regularly involves heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, and prolonged standing. Ability to use various hand and power tools, related to the Refrigeration trade, while adhering to safety practices and policies.