Requisition ID: 40723 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

Under the general direction of the Senior Energy Facility Operator or designate, the Energy Facility Operator ensures the safe, efficient and continuous supply of hot water to customers. Work is performed to ensure that service delivery meets the expectations of internal and external customers, in accordance with the appropriate regulatory and license requirements.

The Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) provides low carbon space heat and domestic hot water services to 46 buildings in the False Creek area and is growing each year. This system growth will require the addition of new sewage heat recovery capacity, satellite boilers, hot water distribution pipes and energy transfer stations (ETS).

The False Creek Energy Centre is a complex multi-process thermal energy producing facility, which is integrated with a sewage pump station and utilizes a filtration and heat pump system to recover waste heat from sewage.The facility also includes 5 natural gas hot water boilers for the purpose of supplying back-up and peaking energy. The utility-scale use of sewage heat recovery from untreated waste water was the first of its kind in North America. The system also includes a satellite boiler plant.

The utility is currently installing two new heat pumps which will triple the sewage heat recovery capacity of the energy centre.

Note: Working with wastewater handling equipment is a requirement.

The regular work hours will be from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Work hours are subject to change according to operational requirements and the Collective Agreement as the system expands and new generation capacity is added.
 

The Energy Facility Operator will be required to be “on-call” for after-hours alarms or potential plant emergencies, with duties shared with other operators. There may be potential for the successful candidate to join the City’s auxiliary Energy Facility Operator pool at the completion of this temporary full-time contract.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitors NEU automated and manual control systems and makes adjustments to operations as necessary to optimize economic and environmental performance. 
• Responds to alarms and independently takes corrective action as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations of system in accordance with Technical Safety BC regulations.
• Liaises with customer building representatives to ensure NEU system and building systems operations efficiently integrated and customers well served.
• Diagnoses and responds to on-site problems, including hands-on participation in repairs, manages the activities of subordinates, trades from other branches and trades contractors as needed.
• Performs regular maintenance on Energy Centres, ETS’s, boilers, pumps, sewage filtration systems, HVAC systems, distribution network equipment and other NEU system components. 
• Performs monthly ETS inspections and meter reads at customer buildings
• Commissioning of new equipment and Energy Transfer Stations.
• Assists the NEU Senior Operator in the development and periodic updating of plant records, documentation and O & M plans and procedures for NEU processes, equipment and facilities.
• Provides recommendations and participates in the training of workers. 
• Attends meetings as required.
• Required to communicate via email, mobile phone and other forms of technological communication.
• Will be required to provide direction to other city staff and external contractors.
• Decisions involved in the safe operation and routine maintenance of required tools, processes and equipment.
• Implementation of safety regulations and policies in day-to-day work.
• Other duties/responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• As a BC Safety Authority requirement, this position is required to have a minimum BC Fourth Class Power Engineering certification.
• Completion of Grade 12 or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Third Class Power Engineering Certification considered an asset.
• Sound experience in the operations of multi-process heat or power generation and refrigeration plants, of similar complexity to the NEU.
• Valid BC driver’s license.

  • Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

  • Copy of your three-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 14 days of this posting.
  • Copy of your three-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 14 days of this posting.

  • **Drivers who have moved to B.C. during the past three years will be required to provide their Driver’s Abstract and Driver’s Claims History from their previous place(s) of residence for a consecutive 3-year history.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated electrical, instrumentation, automation and communications systems background, including familiarity with industrial controls and automation.
• Ability to interpret as-built energy system drawings including P&ID drawings.
• Demonstrated history of hands-on repair of mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze (problem solve) and direct action required to address complex process issues. 
• Strong mathematical aptitude and ability to interpret different unit systems required.
• Strong communication abilities, including demonstrated letter and report writing skills.  Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to deal tactfully and sensitively to a variety of situations including other work groups trades, supervisors, contractors and customers.
• Proficient and experienced in the use of personal computers, SCADA systems and DDC.
• Intermediate MS Office skills required.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: CUPE 1004 N/Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: June 2024 

Position End Date: December 2024 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-380: $41.55 per hour

Application Close: April 25, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.