Refrigeration Mechanic

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime at double time

Vacation 3–4 weeks increasing to 6

Time off between Christmas and NewYear

University Pension Contributions 9.4%

Tuition Credit/Waiver up to 12 credits

UBC Perks for Faculty and Staff

Job summary

The University of British Columbia SHCS invites applications for a Refrigeration Mechanic responsible for operating and maintaining campus HVAC, refrigeration, and data center cooling systems across student housing and facilities.

You will diagnose faults, install and commission equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while mentoring apprentices and collaborating with other trades on a large multi-site campus.

Qualifications

• Red Seal or BCTQ refrigeration and air conditioning certification.
• 3-5 years of related experience in an industrial setting.
• Valid B.C. Class 5 driver''s license.
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical trades practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• 4th Class Power Engineer Certificate is desirable.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to mentor apprentices.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical faults on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
• Test and optimize equipment performance after repairs.
• Install and commission HVAC and refrigeration equipment (heat pumps, air conditioners).
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
• Maintain data center cooling and environmental control systems.
• Maintain lab equipment such as environmental chambers, coolers and freezers.
• Read schematics and manuals; follow instructions and prepare written reports.
• Communicate with customers and other trades to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Follow maintenance procedures to comply with codes and safety regulations.
• Mentor apprentices and support training.

Skills

Red Seal Refrigeration & AC

3-5 years experience

Valid BC Driver's License

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Workload prioritization

Power tools safety

4th Class Power Engineer (desirable)

Equity & inclusion awareness

Mentoring apprentices

Education

Red Seal/BCTQ Refrigeration & AC Certification

Job description

Job Title

Refrigeration Mechanic

Job Category

IUOE 115

Job Profile

IUOE - Refrigeration Mechanic

Job Family

Group Staff - Union

Department

Trades | Facilities and Building Services | Student Housing and Community Services

Compensation Range

$7,263.00 - $7,263.00 CAD Monthly

Job End Date

Ongoing

Posting End Date

October 29, 2026

Note

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Compensation and Benefits

• Opportunity for Overtime at double time.
• Vacation: 3 weeks starting in the 2nd calendar year 4 weeks in the 5th year, up to 6 weeks by the 18th year
• Additional 3 days or time off in lieu between Christmas and New Year
• University Pension Contributions: 9.4% of gross pensionable earnings
• Tuition Credit/Waiver: Up to 12 credits of UBC undergraduate or approved non-credit courses
• Other Perks: Access to discounts and perks for UBC employees: UBC Perks for Faculty and Staff

Job Summary

Refrigeration Mechanics are responsible for the operation and maintenance of UBC SHCS Mechanical, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration systems, Environmental Chambers, Heat Recovery systems, Data Centre cooling systems, Chilled water cooling systems, and other related equipment. Refrigeration Mechanics work to ensure the most efficient and optimal performance of SHCS HVAC and Refrigeration systems, minimize equipment downtime, maintain and extend equipment service life. Refrigeration Mechanics ensure safe operation of HVAC and refrigeration systems at all times.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Trades Manager.

Work Performed

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical equipment failures and/or malfunctions on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
• Test and optimize equipment performance for efficient operation after a repair is completed.
• Install and commission new University HVAC machinery and equipment; such as heat pumps, and air conditioners.
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and inspections on HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
• Maintain, calibrate and repair data center cooling and environmental control systems.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair lab equipment such as environmental chambers, coolers and freezers.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair climate control systems which may include heat recovery equipment, dehumidification and humidification equipment, chillers, cooling towers and condensers.
• Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, operating manuals to assist in the installation, diagnostic and repair of equipment.
• Interpret and carry out written and/or oral instructions and create written reports as required.
• Communicate with customers and other trade groups as required to ensure the efficient delivery of service.
• Follow all maintenance procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory codes while maintaining a safe workplace environment.
• Follow safe work practices and procedures as per company policies and procedures and Work Safe regulations.
• Adhere to all relevant environmental regulations.
• Act as trainers and mentors for apprentices.
• Performs other duties related to the qualifications and requirements of the position.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Close attention to detail is required to identify and correct equipment problems that could result in serious safety, financial and or loss of service to the University. The Refrigeration Mechanic must be able to make quick and accurate assessment of equipment failures to minimize equipment damage.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Trades Manager.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Red Seal or BCTQ Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Certification.
• 3-5 years of related experience in an industrial setting.
• Valid B.C. Class 5 driver's license.
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical trades practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and effectively meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the safe utilization of power and hand tools.
• 4th Class Power Engineer Certificate is desirable.
• 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

• Thorough knowledge of mechanical trades practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and effectively meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the safe utilization of power and hand tools.
• 4th Class Power Engineer Certificate is desirable.

The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

Application Eligibility

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Accessibility

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].