Facilities Maintenance Associate

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university is seeking a full-time Facilities and Equipment Maintenance Technician in Vancouver. Responsibilities include performing maintenance on various mechanical and scientific equipment, supporting researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate has a university degree and at least four years of relevant experience. Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills and attention to detail are essential. This position offers a chance to be part of a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be proficient in English and demonstrate commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment.
• Provide input on maintenance and safety concerns.
• Assist with installation and start-up of new laboratory equipment.
• Conduct research for replacement parts and manage inventory.
• Liaise with service providers and vendors for repairs.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

University degree in a relevant discipline or technical program

Graduate degree (if applicable)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Building Management System (BMS)

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) individual to join our facilities and equipment maintenance team. The incumbent will be responsible for completing various maintenance/renovation/ repair duties throughout our research centre, located at St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver. This position will require the individual to draw on his/her’s proven mechanical and troubleshooting abilities combined with a strong desire to learn new procedures and techniques when working with unfamiliar equipment.

The provision of technical support, maintenance, and repairs of facilities/equipment at HLI Research Centre.

Organizational Status

Working with staff and faculty involved with HLI research Centre. Report and coordinate with the Facilities Maintenance Manager.

Work Performed

• Completes preventive maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on various mechanical or scientific equipment.
• Communicates and provides input with senior management or lab personnel either verbally or written regarding maintenance, laboratory or safety concerns or questions.
• Performs requested electrical, mechanical, plumbing or carpentry repairs/upgrades in laboratory or office settings either verbally or using a ticket/work order based database system.
• Assists and coordinates with researchers in projects that may include the installation and start-up of new laboratory equipment.
• Conducts online researches to obtain replacement parts for equipment in need of repair.
• Serve as a member of the Emergency Response Team to address after hour and weekend equipment emergency responses.
• Liaises with 3rd party service providers, contractors and vendors to perform repairs, calibrations, installations or removal of materials and performs follow-up checks to ensure completion of tasks to specified requirements.
• Assist when necessary with shutdown and restart of process and utilities systems during major maintenance activities or unplanned power outages.
• Maintains electronic and hard copy files related to maintenance activities.
• Conduct general office or lab moving events including assembly and disassembly of furniture.
• Participates and assists with the coordination of staff and student events which includes meeting room set-ups and other seasonal events.
• Partakes in any other related tasks as needed including assisting PHC trades, providing site tours to visiting researchers or students.
• Performs visual and computer monitoring checks to identify trends, uptime, failure rates, and root causes for continuous improvement and maintaining the HLI Freezer Core program.
• Provides introductory instructions and training to new lab staff members on certain pieces of scientific equipment (autoclaves, centrifuges).
• Monitors and ensures the availability of mechanical or scientific consumables and purchases supplies when necessary.
• Aids senior members in the review of invoices, equipment purchases and writing reports.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors could potentially jeopardize research projects, equipment and personal safety.

Supervision Received

This position reports to the HLI Facilities and Equipment Manager, and maintains a positive, close working relationship with all respective research groups within HLI.

Supervision Given

Supervision will be provided when necessary to any staff/faculty of the HLI research centre involving relevant equipment operation and safety.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of hands-on work experience in an equipment maintenance/repair shop, building maintenance or hospital setting (preference will be given to those with a degree, certificate or diploma in the trades).
• Initiative, attention to detail, strong organizational and critical thinking skills, and good judgment to deal with routine and unexpected daily challenges.
• Must be physically able to complete assigned tasks that may require heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), working in inclement weather and standing for extended periods.
• Knowledge of selecting appropriate power equipment, electronic devices and hand tools to perform daily or unexpected tasks.
• Ability to understand new concepts and to learn new technical procedures as required to complete tasks.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision or with other team members to complete daily or weekly tasks in hospital and research environments.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint or Excel.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in Canada without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Experience with the following would be an asset:
  • Understanding of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems and maintenance
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety, techniques & protocols
  • Reading construction drawings (As-Built)
  • Understanding and use of Building Management System (BMS) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems

Please send a cover letter confirming your interest and describing why you are a fit for the position and a resume to the CL e-mail address above. We thank you for your interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.