Third Class Operating Engineer - Temporary up to 15 months

Department: Maintenance and Energy Services

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with UNIFOR, Local 2003E

General Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Operating Engineer, the Third Class Operating Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, monitoring, maintenance, and routine/basic troubleshooting of equipment within the University of Guelph’s Central Utilities Plant This position supports continuous utility services to campus facilities, including steam, heating and cooling systems, domestic water, electrical/mechanical systems, and associated plant equipment.

This first-class plant operates 24/7; therefore, rotating shifts, including 12-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime, are required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain safe and reliable operation of the Central Utilities Plant and respond to operating conditions, alarms, and equipment abnormalities
• Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, and operational checks on the plant systems
• Ensure compliance with TSSA regulations, environmental standards, and safety procedures
• Follow all University policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment
• Perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance within the scope of the position
• Identify equipment problems and perform basic troubleshooting
• Collaborate with maintenance staff, contractors, and other departments to support reliable plant operations
• Perform routine testing and maintains accurate recordkeeping, operating logs, shift reports, inspection records, meter readings, and maintenance documentation.
• Respond to emergencies, equipment failures, utility interruptions, and abnormal operating conditions in accordance with established emergency procedures.
• Support planned shutdowns/maintenance

Requirements

• Valid Third Class Power (Operating) Engineer Certificate
• 2-3 years of relevant operating experience in a central utilities plant, institutional facility, hospital, commercial building, or industrial environment
• Experience with gas/oil-fired boiler systems and centrifugal chiller plants
• Working knowledge of diesel engines and air compressors
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Basic computer skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required

What will give you the edge?

• Experience working in an institutional setting (e.g. campus, healthcare, or district energy environments)
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS), DCS, or SCADA systems
• Strong understanding of energy efficiency and plant optimization processes
• Additional technical certifications or safety training considered an asset

Employee Type: Regular  
Pay Band Group: Not Applicable 
Start Rate: $39.76 per hour
Job Rate: $40.77 per hour
UNIFOR Local 2003 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 11/13/2026 Close Date: 11/16/2026