SubHead Trades 2

Staff - UnionJob CategoryCUPE 116Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - SubHead Trades 2 - SteamfitterJob TitleSubHead Trades 2 - SteamfitterDepartmentSteamfitter Trades | Mechanical & Electrical Utilities | Engineering and Utilities | Energy and Water ServicesCompensation Range$6, $7,226.00 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateNovember 4, 2025

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

Job End Date

Ongoing

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 Description Summary

Utility Steamfitters work under the supervision of the Head Utility Steamfitter. Department Steamfitting assets encompass 2 Power Generation Plants and the primary District Energy System (DES) across campus.  UBC houses 2 world class- cutting edge plants; one is a 45MW Natural Gas Class IV Power Plant & other is +15MW Biomass Class II Power Plants.
 

Duties include: system operating, preventative maintenance, repairs, alterations and reviewing installations of the underground DES piping and all Plant piping works. Operating and ensuring all this work will be performed in compliance with EN253, ASME B31.1 & Technical Safety BC regulations.

Organizational Status

Reports to Head & Sub-Head Utility Steamfitter & Mechanical Trades Manager, Engineering and Utilities.  Steamfitters work both independently as well as with other Steamfitters and associated tradespeople, both at the apprentice and journeyperson level. Utility Steamfitters receive daily work assignments and directions from the Head Utility Steamfitter & Sub Head Utility Steamfitter.

Work Performed

Performs maintenance, repair and renovation work such as: 

DES Outdoor Isolation Valves, DES Vents, DES Vent-valve-vent assemblies, Primary DES strainers, DES Indoor Isolation Valves, Control Valves, DES Energy meters & all affiliated instrumentation. Carries out repair on machinery and Plant equipment; routine and inspection tests; leak detection, diagnoses defects in equipment, taking remedial action as required or recommending solution to Sub-Head Plumber verbally or written.

Assisted by the Head & Sub-Head Utility Steamfitters, analyzes configuration DES system to determine appropriate reconfiguration for isolation or bypassing portions of the system. Performs quenching and flushing of sections of the DES system, as instructed by the Head.

Performs regular inspections of DES manholes & chambers including confined space entry up to seven meters deep, following the confined space entry procedures.

Works from oral and written instructions and work orders. Also creates sketches, reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, other drawings and instruction books.

Assembles parts, equipment, fittings and joins them by soldering, brazing, gluing, screwing, caulking, bolting and other methods.

Works in correct/safe manner and in accordance with all safety standards, practices, procedures and ensures protective equipment is worn where required.

Responds to trouble calls and emergencies during normal working hours and after working hours in a safe efficient manner. Shares standby duty to maintain 24 hour, 7 days a week coverage. Shall be within communications range of UBC either by land line or cellular phone. When on standby, must be within 100 kilometers driving distance to UBC, within British Columbia, and not separated from UBC by ferries.

Uses all tools, equipment and instruments he/she is competent to use required for work and is responsible for the correct and safe storing of equipment.

Ensures good housekeeping is practiced in the Utility Steamfitting shop and on-site.

Is responsible for work being completed in accordance with requirements and specifications.

This position is expected to keep current with preventative maintenance concepts, technology, and theory and to be familiar with manufacturer and regulatory maintenance requirements.

Ensures that that work performed in and around Utility Steamfitting equipment is performed in adherence to standard safety practices per UBC Policies and Procedures, Work Safe BC and TSBC Regulations. Works with internal and outside contractor crews to ensure the safety of crews and the public.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is performed within prescribed and accepted trade standards, in accordance with job requirements and specifications and external regulatory requirements; inappropriate repair/maintenance decisions could delay resolution of problems and adversely affect user access to equipment/system and possible safety of users.

Supervision Received

Utility Steamfitters work under the general supervision of the Head and Sub Head Steamfitter. Utility Steamfitters are required to develop appropriate work procedures and methods of problem solving. Utility Steamfitters receive specific instructions only on unusual problems.

Supervision Given

Utility Steamfitters monitor and check the work of apprentice(s) and Utility labourers as the need arises.

Minimum Qualifications

- 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

- Trade certification to journeyperson level as a Steamfitter and Valid BC Drivers Licence.  A valid BC Gas Fitter B License with electrical endorsement for low voltage will come with a premium added to your base salary. 

- BC Gas fitter A Licence will come with an added premium as well. Minimum 5 years of related experience.  Ability to interpret drawings and specifications, sketches of work required and maintenance manuals. Effective oral and written communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Ability to follow Natural Gas line purging procedures. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships. Ability to work various shift patterns dependent upon operational needs. Ability to work in confined spaces and areas with elevated temperatures. Knowledge of welding practices and the ability to assist welders in the fabrication of piping spools. Basic ability to use a smartphone, tablet and PC.  Ability to lift up to 40 lbs due to utility assets being housed in manholes, vaults and chambers.

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