Assistant Shift Operating Engineer

Socket.dev; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health and dental benefits

Leave provisions (vacation, sick, etc)

Job summary

We are seeking an Assistant Shift Operating Engineer for NRC's Real Property Planning and Management Branch in Ottawa. The role involves maintaining a high-pressure steam plant and cogeneration system, ensuring water treatment, and supporting a team of engineers on a 12-hour shift cycle.

Qualifications include a secondary school diploma and a valid Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate (TSSA). Candidates must be able to work rotating shifts and meet safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Must have completed secondary school according to provincial standards.
• Must hold a valid Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate (TSSA).
• Provide information on certificates/diplomas issued abroad (degree equivalency).

Responsibilities

• Maintain boiler room, air compressors, chillers, gas turbine, and steam distribution to NRC Main campus.
• Manage water treatment of open and closed loops; support Shift Operating Engineers as needed.
• Operate on a rotational 12-hour shift schedule (24/7).
• Support safety and reliability requirements for a federal facility.

Skills

Operating procedures

Electrical generation

Water treatment

Gas turbine cogeneration

Education

Secondary school diploma

Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate (TSSA)

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City:Ottawa

Organizational Unit:Real Property Planning and Management

Classification:HP-3

Tenure:Continuing

Language Requirements:English

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for an Assistant Shift Operating Engineer to support our Real Property Planning and Management Branch. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Our Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) registered First Class High-Pressure Power Plant operates with a small team of Operating Engineers who are typically designated as Shift Operating Engineer and Assistant Shift Operating Engineer. The Operating team operates on a rotational 12-hour shift basis (24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year).

Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Operating Engineer, the Assistant Shift Operating Engineer would be responsible for all maintenance related to the boiler room, air compressors, chillers, gas turbine and steam distribution to the NRC Main campus located on Montreal Road. The incumbent is also responsible for the water treatment of open and closed loops. They are also called upon to provide support for the Shift Operating Engineers as required.

Steam production is provided by 4 boilers with an additional boost from the Heat Recovery Steam generator (HRSG) given the cogeneration aspect. The gas turbine generator forms the basis of the cogeneration having an electrical power output of 4.5 MW. This is a unique installation within a Federal Government facility setting.

As a federal employer, the NRC offers a great pension plan, medical and dental benefits and leave provision (3 weeks vacation, sick leave, family-related, personal leave) and also great opportunities for career growth within the Real Property Management and Planning Branch.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Successful completion of secondary school according to provincial standards.

Must have a valid Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Experience working in a complex, high-pressure steam plant.
• Experience performing necessary maintenance and tests, keeping records and responding to power or equipment failures.

• Experience operating in a first-class plant.
• Experience with gas turbine co-generation.

Condition of employment

• Must be available to work on rotating 12 hour shifts as the heating plant operates 24/7.
• Must be able to possess and retain the physical capabilities to perform the position which include but may not be limited to: crouching, bending, twisting, walking, climbing stairs & ladders, ability to hear to diagnose mechanical troubles, and the ability to handle heavy and bulky objects.
• Must be able to obtain and retain a Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate issued by TSSA.
• Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of operating and maintenance procedures related to the operation of a high-pressure steam and co-generation (gas turbine) plant and its distribution systems.
• Knowledge of electrical generation.
• Knowledge of boiler water treatment and cooling tower water treatment applicable to the occupation.

Behavioural competencies

• Management services - Client focus (Level 1)
• Management services - Communication (Level 1)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 1)
• Management services - Results orientation (Level 1)
• Management services - Teamwork (Level 1)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services.

Compensation

From $78,227to $82,104per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide a copy of their Third Class Operating Engineer Certificate with their application.
• Willingness to work in confined spaces.
• Willingness to work at heights.
• Willingness to work in an environment that may include exposure to chemicals, dirt, noise, noxious odors, hazardous equipment, extreme temperatures and/or working in awkward conditions.
• Willing and able to work occasional overtime, including nights, weekends and statutory holidays.
• Shift work may sometimes be required on evenings and weekends.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25956) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date:1 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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