Chief Operating Engineer
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario
Situated on the territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek, Queen’s University offers a transformative student learning experience and is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Queen’s has over 27,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs supported by over 9,000 faculty and staff members. The Facilities Department at Queen’s proudly builds, maintains and improves campus facilities to create a safe and welcoming environment in support of teaching, learning and research. The Facilities Department is now seeking a Chief Operating Engineer to lead the safe and efficient management and operation of the Central Heating Plant (CHP) and the steam distribution system serving the university and Kingston General Hospital.
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Energy and Sustainability (Assistant Director), the Chief Operating Engineer (Chief) is an essential role accountable for the Central Heating Plant, the steam distribution system, and the operation and maintenance of the campus chiller plants in compliance with the regulations of the Operating Engineers Act and the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act. With a sustainability mindset, the Chief guides and leads strategic operational management of university assets, including the CHP, the Cogeneration Plant and the steam distribution network. The Chief supervises and directs CHP Operating Engineers and the Manager, Small Boilers and Refrigeration to provide oversight, maintenance and operation of the chillers and small boilers on campus. The Chief is responsible for the implementation, development of deferred maintenance plans, preventative maintenance activities and strategic planning for the district energy system. Skilled in risk management and issues evaluation, the Chief plans, directs and co-ordinates activities in the event of emergencies, interruptions of service and / or breakdowns and applies, tests and maintains the Business Continuity Plan to ensure the continuity of critical operations.
Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, the Chief is a seasoned professional with experience establishing strategic partnerships with industry, government and the non-governmental sector. The Chief provides high levels of service and relationship management in a time-sensitive environment and successfully interacts with a wide and diverse audience including industry partners and business executives both internal and external to the university. The Chief must be available to respond to emergency calls and call-ins outside of normal working hours.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning
· Participates in the development and ongoing review of strategic plans including drafting long-term and short-term plans and programs and annual performance targets for the CHP and steam distribution system renewal, deferred maintenance planning, asset management planning, regulatory compliance planning, documentation control, preventative maintenance activities, and health and safety initiatives.
· Ensures uninterrupted operations of the heating system through the strategic planning, development, and implementation of energy programs to support the university’s strategic plans and vision of being carbon neutral by 2040 or earlier.
General Management
· Oversees the 24/7 operation of the central plant and the district energy distribution systems, chiller systems as well as certain local heating plants overseen by the CHP.
· As a competent supervisor as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, is responsible for compliance with the health and safety program ensuring that legislated safety regulations, university and departmental safety programs are followed.
· Directs and administers the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the CHP, steam distribution system and campus chillers.
· Develops, revises, and monitors business practices, policies and procedures to increase efficiency and deliver quality, client-centred services.
Training and Staffing
· Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
· Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis. Issues clear instructions, training as required, evaluation of results, and corrective action as necessary
Maintenance
· Leads troubleshooting of issues and operating challenges in the plant and across the campuses as requested and required by other facilities team members. When required they will be available to respond to emergency calls outside normal operating hours.
· Works to develop and implement re-current schedules for the regulatory required regular inspections, testing, instrument calibration, and servicing of all heating, cooling, power generation, balance of plant equipment as well as all related energy distribution systems.
Project Management & Capital Works
· Manages small projects and repairs, as related to the CHP, utilizing external consultants/contractors while following Queen’s procurement policies and Broader Public Service (BPS) procurement directives.
· Ensures that contractors and consultants are sourced/recommended to provide resources and skills that are unavailable from CHP staff or Facilities trades.
· Participates in the review and approval of steam design and equipment/appliances for new construction. Advises on the specification and selection of equipment and machinery.
Risk, Health and Safety
· Active in health and safety and incident prevention by establishing, adhering to and ensuring assigned support staff are following departmental policy, procedures and safe work practices required by the university health, safety, and environmental management system, and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, developing and enhancing a safety culture among support staff
· Ensures all staff are up to date on required training and certifications such as; confined space entry and rescue, LOTO, First Aid, etc.
· Responsible for the workplace health and safety of the section members. This requires the application of safe methods, codes and standards, the creation of job procedures; training, informally during job assignment and formally during safety meetings; the correction of hazards identified through suggestions from the Joint Health and Safety members; inspection of the workplace and the investigation of accidents.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1st Class Stationary Engineer certification registered with the TSSA in the Province of Ontario.
• Minimum of 10 years’ of progressively responsible experience in plant engineering and building operations and maintenance, cogeneration, district energy plants, and distribution networks, as well as managing in a unionized environment.
• Extensive knowledge of natural gas fired cogeneration plants, engineering systems, and sound operational and maintenance practices.
• A thorough knowledge of energy markets and the terms of oil and gas contracts.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant building, system and safety codes/regulations and accountabilities under each, such as, but not limited to:
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) (Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code, and Mechanical Refrigeration Code), the Operating Engineers Act, Ontario Building and Fire Codes.
• All trades codes – including Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) fuel regulations, plumbing, ESA electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning
• Occupational Health and Safety Act and Provincial Procurement Guidelines
• Capacity to be a competent supervisor within the meaning of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Ontario Class Full G Driver’s license.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Proven leadership, communications, organizational and analytical skills. Superior technical expertise in plant operations, energy systems, and industrial mechanical infrastructure, with the ability to interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings and specifications. General knowledge of civil engineering and architectural drawings.
DECISION MAKING:
• Determines goals, objectives, strategic initiatives. Determines content of various reports, such as business plans and other short- and long-term planning documents that provide direction and propose objectives.
How To Apply
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.
Meridia Recruitment and Queen’s University invite applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca
Queen’s University
Kingston, Ontario
Situated on the territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek, Queen’s University offers a transformative student learning experience and is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Queen’s has over 27,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs supported by over 9,000 faculty and staff members. The Facilities Department at Queen’s proudly builds, maintains and improves campus facilities to create a safe and welcoming environment in support of teaching, learning and research. The Facilities Department is now seeking a Chief Operating Engineer to lead the safe and efficient management and operation of the Central Heating Plant (CHP) and the steam distribution system serving the university and Kingston General Hospital.
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Energy and Sustainability (Assistant Director), the Chief Operating Engineer (Chief) is an essential role accountable for the Central Heating Plant, the steam distribution system, and the operation and maintenance of the campus chiller plants in compliance with the regulations of the Operating Engineers Act and the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act. With a sustainability mindset, the Chief guides and leads strategic operational management of university assets, including the CHP, the Cogeneration Plant and the steam distribution network. The Chief supervises and directs CHP Operating Engineers and the Manager, Small Boilers and Refrigeration to provide oversight, maintenance and operation of the chillers and small boilers on campus. The Chief is responsible for the implementation, development of deferred maintenance plans, preventative maintenance activities and strategic planning for the district energy system. Skilled in risk management and issues evaluation, the Chief plans, directs and co-ordinates activities in the event of emergencies, interruptions of service and / or breakdowns and applies, tests and maintains the Business Continuity Plan to ensure the continuity of critical operations.
Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, the Chief is a seasoned professional with experience establishing strategic partnerships with industry, government and the non-governmental sector. The Chief provides high levels of service and relationship management in a time-sensitive environment and successfully interacts with a wide and diverse audience including industry partners and business executives both internal and external to the university. The Chief must be available to respond to emergency calls and call-ins outside of normal working hours.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning
· Participates in the development and ongoing review of strategic plans including drafting long-term and short-term plans and programs and annual performance targets for the CHP and steam distribution system renewal, deferred maintenance planning, asset management planning, regulatory compliance planning, documentation control, preventative maintenance activities, and health and safety initiatives.
· Ensures uninterrupted operations of the heating system through the strategic planning, development, and implementation of energy programs to support the university’s strategic plans and vision of being carbon neutral by 2040 or earlier.
General Management
· Oversees the 24/7 operation of the central plant and the district energy distribution systems, chiller systems as well as certain local heating plants overseen by the CHP.
· As a competent supervisor as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, is responsible for compliance with the health and safety program ensuring that legislated safety regulations, university and departmental safety programs are followed.
· Directs and administers the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the CHP, steam distribution system and campus chillers.
· Develops, revises, and monitors business practices, policies and procedures to increase efficiency and deliver quality, client-centred services.
Training and Staffing
· Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
· Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis. Issues clear instructions, training as required, evaluation of results, and corrective action as necessary
Maintenance
· Leads troubleshooting of issues and operating challenges in the plant and across the campuses as requested and required by other facilities team members. When required they will be available to respond to emergency calls outside normal operating hours.
· Works to develop and implement re-current schedules for the regulatory required regular inspections, testing, instrument calibration, and servicing of all heating, cooling, power generation, balance of plant equipment as well as all related energy distribution systems.
Project Management & Capital Works
· Manages small projects and repairs, as related to the CHP, utilizing external consultants/contractors while following Queen’s procurement policies and Broader Public Service (BPS) procurement directives.
· Ensures that contractors and consultants are sourced/recommended to provide resources and skills that are unavailable from CHP staff or Facilities trades.
· Participates in the review and approval of steam design and equipment/appliances for new construction. Advises on the specification and selection of equipment and machinery.
Risk, Health and Safety
· Active in health and safety and incident prevention by establishing, adhering to and ensuring assigned support staff are following departmental policy, procedures and safe work practices required by the university health, safety, and environmental management system, and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, developing and enhancing a safety culture among support staff
· Ensures all staff are up to date on required training and certifications such as; confined space entry and rescue, LOTO, First Aid, etc.
· Responsible for the workplace health and safety of the section members. This requires the application of safe methods, codes and standards, the creation of job procedures; training, informally during job assignment and formally during safety meetings; the correction of hazards identified through suggestions from the Joint Health and Safety members; inspection of the workplace and the investigation of accidents.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1st Class Stationary Engineer certification registered with the TSSA in the Province of Ontario.
• Minimum of 10 years’ of progressively responsible experience in plant engineering and building operations and maintenance, cogeneration, district energy plants, and distribution networks, as well as managing in a unionized environment.
• Extensive knowledge of natural gas fired cogeneration plants, engineering systems, and sound operational and maintenance practices.
• A thorough knowledge of energy markets and the terms of oil and gas contracts.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant building, system and safety codes/regulations and accountabilities under each, such as, but not limited to:
• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) (Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code, and Mechanical Refrigeration Code), the Operating Engineers Act, Ontario Building and Fire Codes.
• All trades codes – including Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) fuel regulations, plumbing, ESA electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning
• Occupational Health and Safety Act and Provincial Procurement Guidelines
• Capacity to be a competent supervisor within the meaning of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Ontario Class Full G Driver’s license.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Proven leadership, communications, organizational and analytical skills. Superior technical expertise in plant operations, energy systems, and industrial mechanical infrastructure, with the ability to interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings and specifications. General knowledge of civil engineering and architectural drawings.
DECISION MAKING:
• Determines goals, objectives, strategic initiatives. Determines content of various reports, such as business plans and other short- and long-term planning documents that provide direction and propose objectives.
How To Apply
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.
Meridia Recruitment and Queen’s University invite applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca
