Shift Engineer 2nd Class, Facilities Operations

The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive universities in Canada.  Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges.  The main campus also houses our campus partners such as the Royal University Hospital, Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, National Research Council, and others.  The total building area is 8.1 million square feet (754,000 square meters) across 766 hectares of land.

The Facilities team is comprised of over 300 trades personnel and service workers that provide trusted services and stewardship in support of teaching, learning, and discovery.  This team is responsible for operations, maintenance, service, utilities distribution, and customer support. The Facilities Team Charter describes the purpose, vision, and values that in turn support the campus community.

Primary Purpose: To provide for the safe and efficient operation of the Central Heating & Cooling Plant and its satellite plants to ensure consistent steam supply and chilled water to the University so that it may fulfill its learning, teaching and research mandates. This includes steam service to outside agencies including the Royal University and Bill Pattison Children's Hospitals for heating, humidification, sterilization, processing and hot water.

Nature of Work:  Reporting to the Chief Engineer and under direction of the Maintenance Engineer, the Shift Engineer work is based on a 5 week rotating shift schedule and on nightshift, weekends and Statutory holidays, the incumbent operates the Central Heating & Cooling Plant and supervises the Assistant Shift Engineer (Boiler Operator).  Due to qualifications and certifications, the Shift Engineer may be called upon to back-fill for another Shift Engineer or Boiler Operator in cases of operational staff absences. This position works in a multi-trade environment under variable conditions, indoors as well as outdoors in all types of weather, and requires moderate to heavy physical labour.  Working alone and in a team environment, the work is of high volume, variety, and complexity, often working with other trades, clients, and contractors under high-stress situations, and changing divisional needs. Physical challenges may include lifting heavy objects, working from ladders, or elevated platforms, in crawlspaces, confined spaces, and construction zones in hot, humid, noisy, and light and movement restricted is required. May come into contact with hazardous materials such as asbestos, free silica, lead, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and at times, carcinogenic materials. The incumbent will be provided with and required to wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection which requires the worker to be clean shaven at all times.

Typical Duties/Accountabilities: With the Facilities Team Charter as the core foundation of all our activities and interactions, the incumbent must be aware and mindful of safety hazards and must always work in compliance with all safety practices and procedures.  Always works with Honesty and Respect and maintains outstanding customer, peer, and management interactions at all times.  Providing services including, but not limited to, 

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of the Plant according to standards defined by the Chief Engineer, Maintenance Engineer and Provincial Legislation
• Determining and implementing solutions that mitigate unexpected situations that arise during their shift
• Taking readings, make calculations as required and keeping log records of equipment operated, utilities used and produced and noteworthy activities or incidents
• Supervises Boiler Operators, providing training and direction and assisting them with operational and maintenance problems while promoting good work relations among staff
• Completing water testing as required to regulate chemical ranges in water used to feed boiler or cooling systems
• Monitoring fire alarm systems and initiating campus fire alarm procedures when necessary
• Acts in a maintenance capacity when directed, making repairs and alterations to Plant equipment while working closely with Facility trades and contractors to facilitate repair of electrical, instrumentation, refrigeration and other Plant equipment
• Maintaining and repairing related equipment, making installations, repacking pumps and valves, replacing worn parts, overhauling equipment, replacing refractory and generally assisting with all repairs
• Other related duties as assigned

The incumbent will be required to contribute to the long-term goal of reliability-centered maintenance and operations. The incumbent works in conjunction with other personnel to carry out preventative and predictive maintenance schedules.

As required, the Shift Engineer may review and interpret electronic and paper design drawings to determine work scope, requirements, and preparation of estimates. The Shift Engineer may be required to make plans for work in the shop and in the field for clean and efficient installations. The Shift Engineer helps to coordinate work with other trades, makes recommendations for innovation, improvements, and repair; communicates to others for procurement of materials; promotes and maintains outstanding customer service, is responsible for implementing and supporting workplace initiatives as directed; and makes & meets commitments in an honest, respectful and understanding manner, and other related duties as assigned. The Shift Engineer must be consistent in following all the rules, expectations, and guidelines that are set out.

Qualifications:  

Education: Completion of Grade 12 and a Second-Class Power Engineer's Certificate and a Refrigeration Engineer's Operating Certificate, preferably supplemented by a technical school course in Power Engineering. A combination of education and experience may be considered for applicants working towards Second-Class certification. The successful applicant for this position will be subject to a satisfactory criminal record check. 

Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid Province of Saskatchewan driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. 

Experience: Five (5) to Ten (10) years' of experience in a high-pressure Steam Plant of medium to large capacity and a large multi-chiller Chilling Plant., including several years as a Shift Engineer or assistant Shift Engineer. Must be skilled and experienced in using computer-based Boiler and Chiller control systems

Skills: Demonstrate well-developed interpersonal and communication skills that enhance the incumbent's performance of work. Sound troubleshooting, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills in order to identify maintenance trends, proactively resolve potential problems, and propose recommendations for improvements. The incumbent demonstrates effective organization and time management skills and the ability to multi-task under stressful timelines, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrate efficiency in support for progress, results orientation, personal effectiveness, and relationship-building skills. The Shift Engineer is required have the ability to read and interpret blueprints (both in-print and online). Working knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, and Excel in addition to basic computer skills and the ability to read and write emails and documents. Physical ability to perform rigorous manual labour tasks that regularly involves heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, and prolonged standing. Ability to use various hand and power tools, related to Power Engineering, while adhering to safety practices and policies.

Department: Facilities
Supervisor Job Title: Chief Engineer
Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: 5 week rotating shift schedule including dayshifts and nightshifts including weekends and holidays.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $48.47 per hour + Market Supplement. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience. 
Salary Family (if applicable): Trade Services

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1

Posted Date: 12/10/2025

Closing Date: 1/20/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.