4th Class Power Engineer

Please note that this position is for Oakridge Energy

Join the decarbonization movement at our new state-of-the-art District Energy Plant! 

Are you a 4th Class Power Engineer (or higher) interested in being a part of the commissioning, start up and ongoing operation of the lower mainland’s newest and second largest low-carbon district energy plant? Are you intrigued by the idea of building a new and collaborative plant culture that focuses on continuous improvement and operational excellence? Do you want to be part of a low carbon operation, with the opportunity to receive on-site training from a wide variety of equipment manufacturers, control specialists, and mechanical installers? We want to hear from you!

Overview:

Oakridge Energy is responsible for the supply of thermal energy in the form of space heating, domestic hot water, and space cooling for Oakridge Park. This brand-new 28.5-acre development features residential towers, commercial office and retail space, a community center, a new Vancouver Public Library branch, and a rooftop park. The supply of thermal energy is provided through the District Energy System (DES), which is comprised of the Central Energy Plant (CEP), Distribution Piping System (DPS), and Energy Transfer Stations (ETS).

Working under the direction of the Plant Manager, you will work as an Oakridge Energy Shift Engineer (as defined by the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Safety Regulation) and will ensure the safe and efficient operation of the DES.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Plant Manager, Commissioning Agent, Installation Contractors, Construction Manager, and Equipment Manufacturers to ensure the safe and successful commissioning and start-up of the DES. This will include participating in classroom and hands-on training sessions, providing feedback, developing standard operating procedures and guidelines, working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and troubleshooting operational issues.


• Ensure personal safety, safety of coworkers, and contractors by participating in regular safety meetings, performing plant clean up tasks, issuing safe work permits, completing safety tours, identifying and controlling hazards, reporting unsafe conditions, and promoting a safe work environment.


• Safeguard the environment by operating the plant in a safe and efficient manner. Reduce carbon emissions by following the plant operating procedures and equipment staging sequence. Report and minimize the impact of any spills, leaks, or irregular emissions.


• Develop operational expertise and be responsible for all DES equipment and systems, including: electric boilers, heat pumps, natural gas boilers, electric chillers, diesel generator, electric switch gear, electric transformers, constant and variable speed electric motors, cooling towers, HVAC equipment, fire systems, control systems, geo exchange system, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, various instruments (sensors, transmitters, control devices, etc.), water treatment and sampling, emissions monitoring, pressure vessels, safety relief valves, and various other auxiliary equipment.


• Utilize good operator judgement, training, and experience to ensure the highest level of plant availability and performance. This includes maintaining, monitoring, and controlling the process flow of various system parameters to meet contractual obligations and responding to upset conditions to prevent loss or damage.


• Perform routine operation, maintenance, and inspections of equipment and systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance of the DES.


• Follow standard operating procedures and safe work practices to start-up, shutdown, and lockout equipment within the DES. Perform or assist maintenance contractors in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment and systems. This may include confined space entry work or working from heights.


• Document operating, maintenance, and safety conditions in the logbook and communicate ongoing issues to the Plant Manager and relieving Shift Engineer.


• Perform rounds, tasks, and inspections required to populate the logbook, log sheets, round sheets, safe work permits, equipment lockouts, checklists, and other documents as instructed by the Plant Manager.


• Perform routine water quality testing, recording, and adjustment of chemical feed and blowdown rates to ensure water quality remains within defined specifications. Liaise with water treatment chemical supplier, perform water treatment system maintenance, and troubleshoot upset conditions to ensure the ongoing conformance of the water treatment system.


• Attend and participate in training and education courses as prescribed by the Plant Manager.


• Communicate with strata property management, mall maintenance staff, and any other relevant stakeholders to uphold the reputation of Oakridge Energy and ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the DES system to meet customer needs.


• Perform physically demanding tasks including walking to ETS locations around the Oakridge Park property, tracing and inspecting DPS piping, inspecting and maintaining the cooling towers located on the roof of a 23-story residential building, transporting chemical drums, removing waste materials, organizing spare parts, actuating manual isolation valves, transporting and climbing ladders, and other similar physically demanding activities.


• Operate forklifts and other specialty equipment as trained and directed.


• Comply with all rules and regulations set out by relevant provincial regulations and Oakridge specific policies and procedures.


• Perform other duties falling within the qualifications and requirements of a power engineer as directed by the Plant Manager.

Reporting Structure:

The Shift Engineer will take full responsibility for the DES during their scheduled shift and will be required to make critical decisions regarding the supply of thermal energy, protection of DES assets, and the health and safety of operators, contractors, stakeholders and public.

The Shift Engineer reports directly to the Plant Manager and will notify the Plant Manager of any critical situations that arise.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 4th Class Power Engineer Certification (or higher) issued by Technical Safety BC. Please submit a digital copy or image of this certificate with application


• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License


• Legally eligible to work in Canada


• Effective written and oral communication skills


• Positive attitude and demonstrated ability to learn and strive for continuous improvement in plant operations


• Ability to walk long distances, stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 50 pounds


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Commitment to enter into and work under averaging agreements for 12-hour shift schedules

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mechanical, electrical or instrument maintenance experience and/or trade certification would be considered an asset


• Completion of an accredited Power Engineering Technology program


• Experience in operating a district energy hot water system, refrigeration plant, and/or industrial steam plant


• Experience using computers, tablets, smart phones, and software related to plant operations, including CMMS systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Microsoft Office Suite, and data entry and trending tools.

What We Offer:

This is an exciting opportunity with an innovative new operation. We offer a competitive starting salary, with a range of $38.00 - $43.00 per hour and an attractive benefits package, including an RRSP matching program, extended health benefits and overtime pay. Placement on the salary range is dependent on your experience, qualifications, and knowledge. We are committed to your ongoing professional growth and development.

To apply, please submit your resume and copy of your Power Engineer Certification. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only be contacting selected candidates for follow-up.