Refrigeration Mechanic

Competition 1749

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location - This role is in person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. 

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences is the largest department in the Faculty of Science and among one of the largest Biology Departments in Canada. The department is home to approximately 100 academic staff (counting Faculty, Adjuncts and Emeriti) and offers over 130 courses to undergraduate students. Biological Sciences is also home to over 200 graduate students. 

Position Summary

This Refrigeration Mechanic will join a team of skilled tradespeople who maintain and repair departmentally owned equipment like autoclaves, environmental chambers, fridges and freezers. The refrigeration mechanic will work under the supervision of the Operations and Maintenance Technician. This position will play a key role in ensuring departmental equipment is operational for students and faculty use. 

Duties 

• Installation and Repair:
  • Install, repair, and maintain specialized equipment, including growth cabinets, chambers, walk-in freezers, coolers, and controlled growth rooms in greenhouses.
  • Handle complex systems such as DX refrigeration, steam sterilizers (autoclaves), glassware washers, ice machines, centrifuges, rotary shakers, and incubators.
  • Provide support for individual laboratory equipment on a charge-per-unit basis.
• Maintenance:
  • Perform regular monitoring, inspections, and preventative and corrective maintenance to ensure equipment and facility operations meet uptime, safety, and performance standards.
  • Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and fire protection regulations while adhering to internal processes and best practices.
  • Respond to service requests promptly, addressing both routine and on-demand maintenance tasks.
  • Safely handle refrigerants, maintain accurate refrigerant logs, and perform basic refrigeration piping and system maintenance.
• Administration:
  • Identify and document equipment deficiencies, ensuring proper escalation and accurate record-keeping.
  • Interpret and follow blueprints, technological processes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) while executing assigned tasks.
  • Complete detailed reports, ensuring all relevant information and necessary notes are provided.
• Emergency Support:
  • Be available for on-call support to address urgent repair and maintenance needs outside regular working hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• Third or fourth-year registered 313A Refrigeration Apprentice recognized by the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Branch.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.
• Valid class 5 driver's license and clean driver's abstract.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Good communication skills both oral and written.
• Attention to detail and precision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) certification is an asset.
• WHMIS and Standard First Aid are assets.