Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Real Property Planning and Management

Classification: HP-5

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

We are looking for a Shift Operating Engineer to support our Real Property Planning and Management Branch. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Our Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) registered First Class High-Pressure Power Plant operates with a small team of Operating Engineers who are typically designated as Shift Operating Engineer and Assistant Shift Operating Engineer. The Operating team operates on a rotational 12-hour shift basis (24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year).

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Engineer, the Shift Operating Engineer is responsible for all Operations and Maintenance of the Power Plant. This includes five high pressure steam boilers, 24 chillers, air compressors, a gas turbine that powers a 4.5 MW Generator and the steam distribution to the NRC Montreal Road Campus. They are also responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the NRC Montreal Road Campus Heating/Co-Generation Power Plant. They provide monitoring and emergency maintenance response for all Montreal Road Campus buildings and monitors equipment and systems for other NRC buildings in the National Capital Region during quiet hours.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Successful completion of secondary school according to provincial standards.

Must have a valid Second Class Operating Engineer Certificate issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience overseeing operations in a complex high-pressure steam plant.

• Experience performing necessary maintenance and tests, keeping records and responding to power or equipment failures.

• Experience identifying and reporting serious incidents as part of the corrective and preventive maintenance programs.

The following experience criteria would be considered an asset:

• Experience operating in a first-class power plant.

• Experience operating gas turbine co-generation.

• Significant experience is defined as two (2) to six (6) years of experience.

Condition of Employment

• Must be available to work on rotating 12 hour shifts as the heating plant operates 24/7.

• Must be able to possess and retain the physical capabilities to perform the position which include but may not be limited to: crouching, bending, twisting, walking, climbing stairs & ladders, ability to hear to diagnose mechanical troubles, and the ability to handle heavy and bulky objects.

• Must be able to obtain and retain a Second Class Operating Engineer Certificate issued by TSSA.

• Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Ability to operate high-pressure steam plant and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, motors, fans, compressors and chillers;
• Solid knowledge of operations and maintenance procedures of a high-pressure steam and cogeneration (gas turbine) plant and its distribution systems;
• Solid knowledge of boiler water treatment and cooling tower water treatment applicable to the occupation; and
• Solid knowledge of safety practices such as the safe handling and use of hazardous materials in workplaces, confined space entry and use of personal protective equipment.

Behavioural Competencies

• Technology support - Client focus (Level 2)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Technology Support

Compensation

From $94,501 to $99,246 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.

• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide a copy of their Second Class Operating Engineer Certificate with their application.

• Willingness to work in confined spaces.

• Willingness to work at heights.

• Willingness to work in an environment that may include exposure to chemicals, dirt, noise, noxious odors, hazardous equipment, extreme temperatures and/or working in awkward conditions.

• Willing and able to work occasional overtime, including nights, weekends and statutory holidays.

• Shift work may sometimes be required on evenings and weekends

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.

• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.

• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.

• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (24279) to:
E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Telephone: 514-206-9802
Closing Date: 20 October 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time