Refrigeration Mechanic

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

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay (double time)

Vacation 3 weeks in first two years, 4

Pension contributions 9.4%

Tuition credit/waiver

UBC Perks for Faculty and Staff

Job summary

University of British Columbia is seeking a Refrigeration Mechanic to operate and maintain SHCS HVAC and refrigeration systems across student housing and facilities. The role emphasizes safe operation, proactive maintenance, and timely repairs to minimize downtime.

You will diagnose faults, install equipment, calibrate controls, and mentor apprentices while ensuring regulatory compliance and high service standards within a large university environment.

Qualifications

• Red Seal or BCTQ Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Certification.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose electrical and mechanical equipment failures on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
• Install and commission HVAC machinery and equipment such as heat pumps and air conditioners.
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and inspections on HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
• Maintain data center cooling and environmental control systems.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Team environment

Prioritizing workload

Safety practices

Education

Red Seal Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Certification

BCTQ Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Certification

4th Class Power Engineer (Desirable)

Tools

Power tools

Hand tools

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category

IUOE 115

Job Profile

IUOE - Refrigeration Mechanic

Job Title

Refrigeration Mechanic

Department

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

Compensation Range

$7,263.00 - $7,263.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

September 23, 2026

Note:

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

Job End Date

Ongoing

Compensation and Benefits Includes:

• 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

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

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.