Energy Facility Operator

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• As a BC Safety Authority requirement, this position is required to have a minimum BC Fourth Class Power Engineering certification.
• Completion of Grade 12 or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Third Class Power Engineering Certification considered an asset.
• Sound experience in the operations of multi-process heat or power generation and refrigeration plants,of similar complexity to the NEU.
• Valid BC driver’s license.
• Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements tobe considered for this role:
• Copy of your three-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 14 days of this posting.
• Copy of your three-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 14 days of this posting.
• **Drivers who have moved to B.C. during the past three years will be required to provide their Driver’s Abstract and Driver’s Claims History from their previous place(s) of residence for a consecutive 3-year history.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated electrical, instrumentation, automation and communications systems background,including familiarity with industrial controls and automation.
• Ability to interpret as-built energy system drawings including P&ID drawings.
• Demonstrated history of hands-on repair of mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze (problem solve) and direct action required to address complex processissues.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and ability to interpret different unit systems required.
• Strong communication abilities, including demonstrated letter and report writing skills. Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to deal tactfully and sensitively to a variety of situations including other work groups trades, supervisors, contractors and customers.
• Proficient and experienced in the use of personal computers, SCADA systems and DDC.
• Intermediate MS Office skills required

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300)
Affiliation: CUPE 1004 N/Pks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: October, 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-380: $41.55 per hour.

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

Under the general direction of the Senior Energy Facility Operator or designate, the Energy Facility Operator ensures the safe, efficient and continuous supply of hot water to customers. Work is performed to ensure thatservice delivery meets the expectations of internal and external customers, in accordance with the appropriate regulatory and license requirements.
The Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) provides low carbon space heat and domestic hot water services to 46 buildings in the False Creek area and is growing each year. This system growth will require the addition of new sewage heat recovery capacity, satellite boilers, hot water distribution pipes and energy transfer stations (ETS).
The False Creek Energy Centre is a complex multi-process thermal energy producing facility, which is integrated with a sewage pump station and utilizes a filtration and heat pump system to recover waste heat from sewage.The facility also includes 5 natural gas hot water boilers for the purpose of supplying back-up and peaking energy. The utility-scale use of sewage heat recovery from untreated waste water was the first of its kind in North America. The system also includes a satellite boiler plant.
The utility is currently installing two new heat pumps which will triple the sewage heat recovery capacity of the energy centre.
Note: Working with wastewater handling equipment is a requirement.
The regular work hours will be from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Work hours are subject tochange according to operational requirements and the Collective Agreement as the system expands and new generation capacity is added.
The Energy Facility Operator will be required to be “on-call” for after-hours alarms or potential plant emergencies,with duties shared with other operators.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors NEU automated and manual control systems and makes adjustments to operations asnecessary to optimize economic and environmental performance.
• Responds to alarms and independently takes corrective action as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations of system in accordance with Technical Safety BC regulations.
• Liaises with customer building representatives to ensure NEU system and building systems operations efficiently integrated and customers well served.
• Diagnoses and responds to on-site problems, including hands-on participation in repairs, manages the activities of subordinates, trades from other branches and trades contractors as needed.
• Performs regular maintenance on Energy Centres, ETS’s, boilers, pumps, sewage filtration systems,HVAC systems, distribution network equipment and other NEU system components.
• Performs monthly ETS inspections and meter reads at customer buildings
• Commissioning of new equipment and Energy Transfer Stations.
• Assists the NEU Senior Operator in the development and periodic updating of plant records,documentation and O & M plans and procedures for NEU processes, equipment and facilities.
• Provides recommendations and participates in the training of workers.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Required to communicate via email, mobile phone and other forms of technological communication.
• Will be required to provide direction to other city staff and external contractors.
• Decisions involved in the safe operation and routine maintenance of required tools, processes andequipment.
• Implementation of safety regulations and policies in day-to-day work.
• Other duties/responsibilities as required