Chief Stationary Engineer

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The hiring range for this position is listed above with a full salary range of $120527.28 to $180790.92. In rare cases a salary above the hiring range listed above may be considered for candidates with exceptional expertise.

The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday November 27 2025at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Chief Stationary Engineer reports to the Senior Director Energy and Infrastructure and is responsible for oversight of the operation and maintenance of the central district heating and air conditioning plants that support all University of Waterloo campuses. The incumbent is a key member of the Energy & Utilities team integrating skilled trades energy professionals and professional engineers.

University of Waterloo infrastructure comprises of over eight million square feet of space powered by a large 1st Class Central Power plant feeding a sophisticated district energy system connecting over eighty major academic buildings.

Responsibilities will align with the Plant Operations goal of contributing towards providing a safe and accessible clean and comfortable functionally enriched and well-maintained campus environment.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Planning

• Supports the departments strategic planning efforts addressing stewardship responsibilities and long-term sustainability of the Universitys campus facilities and infrastructure.
• Is the main contact and representative for the Plant with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) provides safety compliance regulatory adherence as it pertains to the steam generation and district energy operating systems.
• Provides operational advice on the management of UWs District Energy System (DES) maximizing opportunities for efficient delivery and optimal investments in infrastructure.
• Provides advice to the Sr. Director of the long-term management of various life safety and fire prevention systems.

Operations Planning and Management

• Oversee management and delivery of all aspects of heating and cooling of a University-wide infrastructure fostering a client-focused and service-oriented work environment.
• Ensures operational consistency effectiveness and compliancy with all applicable legislation regulations codes and standards related to facilities operations.
• Develops and coordinates preventive and predictive maintenance programs for inspections testing and servicing of all heating & cooling generation systems distribution systems and support equipment.
• Provides input/support to the Maintenance Supervisors regarding service interruptions impact of planned activities and resolution of unplanned/critical issues that relate to the plant and DES.
• Participates in the development implementation and daily utilization of a computerized maintenance management (work order) system.
• Updates capital expenditure forecasts and ensuring the section is performing to budget expectations.
• Sources and orders parts and materials required for maintenance and alteration work within assigned signing authority.
• Manages several service contracts for specialized or highly regulated equipment.

General Management

• Manages daily operation of the Central Plant campus DES and all supporting systems.
• Ensures that assigned staff utilize departmental SOPs and comply with codes and standards.
• Updates existing SOPs & develops new SOPs to cover all operational needs of the Central Plant.
• Ensures that all applicable SOPs are closely followed.
• Manages assigned staff to achieve high level of productivity and morale (high utilization of resources clear instructions staff training as required follow up and corrective action as necessary)
• Continually evaluates team operation and recommends recruitment/shift changes/etc. based on campus needs TSSA requirements staff skills and crew size.
• Co-ordinates deployment of assigned resources (labour material and equipment) to meet the demands of maintenance and special project work requests.
• Inspects the workmanship safety and productivity of the section and takes the necessary corrective and disciplinary action to maintain the standards of the department.
• Provides supervision and leadership to team responsible for the first line 24/7 campus support help line.
• Supervises unionized employees works or complaint resolution responds to grievances and handles disciplinary actions.
• Responds to a wide range of inquiries and complaints raised by UW community ensuring effective and accurate diplomatic communication.
• Identifies educational and training needs of assigned staff and ensures that a monthly safety meeting is held.
• Ensures that all hazards identified are investigated and addressed.

Project Management

• Manages small projects and repairs as related to the central plant utilizing external consultants/contractors utilizing UW procurement Policies and BPSD.
• Ensures that contractors and consultants are sourced/recommended to provide resources and skills unavailable in the section. Their work is then coordinated supervised and inspected.
• Consults with clients provides input on design and considers material procurement scheduling of construction activity and utility shutdowns supporting large campus-wide projects that impact Central Plant Operation.
• Participates in on-site inspections and commissioning as required.
• Provides leadership in the development of various energy conservation projects and works closely with Energy Manager and the Sustainability office.

Health & Safety

• In consideration of the Universitys commitment to the safety and well-being of all faculty support staff students and visitors responsible for ensuring University facilities and departmental activities are compliant with all applicable legislation regulations codes and standards related to facilities operations as well as occupational health and environmental safety.
• Active in health and safety and incident prevention by establishing adhering to and ensuring assigned support staff are following departmental policy procedures and safe work practices required by the University health safety and environmental management system and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation developing and enhancing a safety culture among support staff.
• Ensures contractor safety performance in compliance with established department standards.
• Leads the development and delivery of risk management programs for assigned portfolio (hot work service impairment etc.).
• Works with the Safety Office JHSC and department representatives to assist with campus wide safety initiatives and policy compliance.
• Manages the development and delivery of risk management programs (hot work service impairment smudging protocols etc.) for assigned division.
• Ensures that the documentation required for all TSSA safety audits and permits applications is up to date accurate and available for audit.
• Oversee the development and implementation of various life safety and fire prevention processes as well as setup of contracts with external vendors to provide required services.

Other

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and supports departmental activities.

Required Qualifications

Education

• 1st Class Stationary Engineer certification registered with the Province of Ontario.

Experience

• Ten years of demonstrated progressive experience in a leadership role in a unionized building or facilities management preferably within a major institutional sector(s) such as education post-secondary education medical/hospital or service industry

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Boiler and Pressure Vessel codes the Operating Engineers Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS.
• Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of district heating and cooling systems is essential.
• Proven technical administrative and supervisory ability to operate a large first-class plant and related DES.
• Proven ability to work cohesively to encourage change management while communicating broadly with key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with a wide range of technologies utilized in the DES.
• Demonstrated track record of effective leadership and collaboration with various constituents at all levels and ranges of expertise
• Proficient in the development of operational specifications standards work practices and procedures. Able to work effectively within the Universitys unique culture and decentralized environment.
• Demonstrated track record of effective leadership and collaboration with colleagues and direct reports.
• Excellent judgment and strong problem-solving skills including the ability to understand the financial impact of relevant options
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a deep commitment to customer service proven innovative approach to problem solving and an aptitude towards service excellence and responsiveness.
• Outstanding analytical and time management abilities.
• Strong ethics and diplomacy.
• Ability to supervise & review design to ensure safety code compliance and operational efficiency.
• Proficient in using MSOffice.
• Valid G drivers license

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.