Cooling Plant Operator

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The University of Alberta Utilities Department is seeking a Cooling Plant Operator to support Chilled Water Operations. The campus chilled water system includes the Cooling Plant, the Cooling Plant on Campus, and a Thermal Energy Storage facility, providing a combined capacity of 41,000 tons of cooling.

Reporting to the Chilled Water Systems Supervisor, the Cooling Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient production and distribution of chilled water throughout the Greater Campus Area. This area encompasses North Campus and the adjacent medical precinct, including the University of Alberta Hospital and the Cross Cancer Institute. The position ensures the continuous and stable operation of the chilled water network. That network supports critical institutional operations, including research activities, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and medical and diagnostic equipment.

Operating across three interconnected plants, the successful candidate will work independently on 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends, applying a broad range of technical knowledge to meet campus utility demands while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

• Operate and monitor chilled water production and distribution equipment across the Cooling Plant, Cooling Plant On Campus, and Thermal Energy Storage System facilities, including centrifugal chillers, large-scale pumping systems, cooling towers, and associated piping and filtration systems
• Monitor and make real-time decisions using a sophisticated Distributed Control System (DCS) comprising approximately 2,000 data points and 80 screen displays
• Execute safety and security procedures including equipment inspections, energy isolations, refrigerant monitoring, and confined space entries.
• Prepare and secure equipment for maintenance, and support tradespeople in troubleshooting, repair, and modification of plant equipment
• Perform daily chemical testing and treatment of chilled water and condenser water systems, including handling of industrial chemicals
• Conduct regular physical inspections of plant equipment to identify leaks, vibrations, and bearing issues, and log operating conditions
• Monitor the underground service corridor and support the Working Alone Procedure by tracking staff and contractor locations across all plant areas
• Participate in scheduled maintenance shifts, including hands-on work on pumps, compressors, valves, heat exchangers, and piping systems
• Respond to emergency conditions and execute emergency operating procedures as required
• Provide emergency backup support for Heating Plant Operator IIs as needed

• Valid Third Class Power Engineer certificate
• Additional training in safety equipment, first aid, CPR certification, fire extinguisher training, WHIMIS and SDS is preferred
• Thorough working knowledge of all equipment related to the production of chilled water
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite (Word and Excel) and Google Suite (Gmail, Google docs, Google sheets etc.)

Application Instructions

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This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Operating one of the largest campus district energy systems in North America, the utilities team plays a vital role in maintaining and advancing the infrastructure that serves over 70,000 people daily. Their efforts ensure efficient and sustainable energy services across the campus and greater campus area.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.