CHIEF OPERATING ENGINEER

Joining Nortera Foods Inc. means joining a team that grows together!

As the North American leader of ready-to-cook vegetables, we are committed to contributing to the well-being of society by providing access to healthy and sustainable foods.

Nortera Foods Inc. produces major private and retail brands and markets it owns such as Arctic Gardens and Del Monte.

Why choose Nortera:

• Competitive hourly wage with weekly pay cycle;
• Awarded annual bonus program;
• Complete range of social benefits and employee assistance program (EAP);
• Possibly of contributing to an RPP with employer contributions;
• Reimbursement for tuition and physical activity;
• Environment that fosters learning and professional development;
• Opportunities to work on inspiring projects in a growing company!

Nortera Foods Inc. in Tecumseh, ON is currently looking for a highly motivated, energetic individual to join our team as a Chief Operating Engineer. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, installation, and continuous improvement of all powerhouse components, including refrigeration and steam systems. This individual will ensure compliance with TSSA requirements, environmental legislation, and all applicable health & safety and food safety standards. The Chief Operating Engineer will also lead and support a team of Operating Engineers, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure all operations for the Boiler and Refrigeration plants are within factory and regulatory requirements
• Supervise the operation of Boiler and Refrigeration plants to maximize safety, efficiencies of labor, materials, and energy
• Establish the benchmark for safety practices and exemplify leadership through action
• Assume the role of a leader in plant energy management excellence
• Supervise, develop and train the team of Operating Engineers
• Liaison between this facility and the TSSA governing authority of the province
• Maintain a safe and efficient refrigeration and boiler system operation utilizing a computerized maintenance system
• Continuously improve Boiler and Refrigeration systems while cooperating with maintenance and engineering
• Working around ammonia is expected; experience working within a refrigerated environment is vital
• Oversee the Operation, trouble-shooting and maintenance of equipment which include but is not limited to: NH3 refrigeration, distribution of steam, HVAC systems, compressed air, and city water distribution
• Responding to calls and addressing problems, including overseeing maintenance and electrical work as needed
• Participation in Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Working Monday to Friday on day shift, being available 24/7 on call to address any work issues
• Supervising and coordinating contractors
• Participating as a member of Emergency Response Team and First Aid team
• Assume the role of Radiation Safety Officer on site
• Other duties as may be assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• 5 years of previous experience in the safe operation, repair and maintenance of anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems required.
• 5 years of previous experience in the safe operation, repair and maintenance of a Natural Gas Fired Steam Boiler system required.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Power Engineering required
• Valid Second Class Standardized Power Engineering certificate
• Mechanical knowledge, including repair, treatment, maintenance and troubleshooting of large ammonia refrigeration systems, and boiler systems
• Computer knowledge, including computer maintenance system and energy monitoring interfaces
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to lead and work in a team environment
• Sound knowledge of operating engineer practices in a food manufacturing environment
• Project Management experience
• Experience at leading Continuous Improvement and Change within a Lean Environment
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills
• Standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting/turning, pulling/pushing, reaching, hand/eye coordination, finger/wrist dexterity, grasping/pinching, lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities are required by this job to include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • Normal office environment 
  • Noisy, Dusty, Hot, humid, Wet conditions
  • Extended exposure to cold environment 
  • Exposure to extreme/seasonal temperatures
  • Exposure to chemicals or solvents
  • Work near moving mechanical parts