Lead Hand

Westfield State University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Lead Hand Engineer responsible for the maintenance and operation of mechanical systems. The role involves leading a team of engineers, coordinating work assignments, and ensuring a safe environment within the university's facilities. Applicants should possess relevant certifications and demonstrate strong leadership and customer service skills.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent plus Operating Engineer Certification.
• Minimum 3 years relevant experience, including 1 year as an Operating Engineer.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including steam and refrigeration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assign work to Operating Engineers.
• Coordinate maintenance work and communicate with faculty for service interruptions.
• Handle emergency calls and ensure equipment operation during staff absences.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer Service

Basic Electrical Knowledge

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Graduate

Second or Third Class Operating Engineer Certification

Building Environmental Systems Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Building Automation Systems

Job description

Lead Hand

Date Posted: 06/27/2025
Req ID: 43970
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:FM-Power Plant
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

As part of the Facilities Management department the Engineering Operations is responsible for the monitoring, operation and maintenance of building utility services. This group of Engineers are responsible for monitoring, control, maintenance and repair of the utilities distribution networks throughout the University of Toronto Scarborough to ensure a safe, secure and equitable environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors. Discover a campus filled with energy, culture and world changing ideas and facilities. A place where diversity fuels innovation.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

General Description:

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Engineering and Physical Plant, and/ or Manager, Technical Services, the incumbent is responsible for the operation and maintenance in the building (s) assigned where a minimum of an Operating Engineer Certificate may be required either by law or due to complexity if the operation and/or critical services provided for building environment and faculty. The Lead Hand Engineer is responsible for the safe and economical operation and maintenance of all mechanical and associated equipment and services in his/her area of responsibility. Leads and assigns work to a group of Operating Engineers, in addition of performing the Lead Hand functions as outlined below:

Typical Duties:
The following illustrative tasks indicate the level of skill required and extent of responsibility involved in this job; they in no way limit the incumbent to the tasks indicated:

Leads and assigns work to a group of Operating Engineers

Ability to lead, train and communicate effectively to organize, distribute and process work being carried out by Operating Engineers

Assists the Assistant Director, Engineering and Physical Plant in scheduling work assignment for staff

Coordinate shutdowns with all parties and issue Service Alerts

Co-ordinates shutdown work with contractors and University of Toronto Scarborough Trades Services and distribution of approved shutdown notices

Contacts suppliers for spare parts availability and purchasing of required parts

Liaises with faculty personnel for scheduled or emergency mechanical service interruptions

Assists in coordinating maintenance work of trades and contractors from initiating service orders through to completion of field work

Responsible for building coverage while Operating Engineers are on vacation or sick leave

Deals with off-hour emergency phone calls and takes necessary steps to correct breakdowns

Reviews building engineers timesheets in timekeeper.

Qualifications:

Education:

High School graduate or equivalent combination of education and experience plus either a Second (2nd) or Third (3rd) Class Operating Engineer Certification valid in the Province of Ontario. Building Environmental Systems Certificate an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience with at least one (1) year experience as a Second (2nd) or Third (3rd) Class Operating Engineer with a minimum of one (1) year of Operating Engineer’s experience at the University of Toronto. Must have thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment, including high pressure steam generating equipment, refrigeration (e.g. large chilling machines), heating (e.g. boilers, oil and gas burners) and air handling systems (e.g. complex air conditioning systems) and the ability to comprehend and apply environmental control principles. Must have: basic electrical knowledge and trouble-shooting, basic proficiency in standard office computer applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows OS, timesheet and procurement systems) and familiarity with computerized Building Automation Systems or other computerized control systems.

Other:
Must have: proven leadership skills, the ability to lead and train, the ability to communicate effectively (both orally and written), strong customer service skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Hours of Work:
Hours of work are Monday to Friday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Notes:

• A full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.

Closing Date: 07/10/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Hourly
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: 10U - Job Rate: $43.64/hr
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

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Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

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