Neighbourhood Energy Utility Operations Manager

Requisition ID: 40722 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) is an award winning thermal utility providing low carbon thermal energy to buildings in the False Creek area of Vancouver.  The NEU has been operational since 2010, and sources most of its energy from waste heat recovered from untreated sewage; currently it serves 620,000 square meters of customer building floor area and is forecast to grow to 1,900,000 million square meters at full build out.

Reporting to the Branch Manager, the NEU Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operations of the NEU to ensure its safe, effective and efficient operation in compliance with all policies, codes, and regulatory requirements. This position will also be responsible for maximizing the performance and reliability of the NEU and to promote operational excellence.

The NEU Operations Manager will oversee the unionized NEU operations team, which includes the Senior Energy Facility Operator (Chief Operator) and Energy Facility Operators while also maintaining close relationships with NEU engineers and other branches within the City.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

This position is responsible for five key functions as well as other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
 

1. Operational Safety:
   • Promotes a culture of operational safety, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensures compliance with policies, codes, and regulatory requirements from WSBC, OH&S, and TSBC compliance.
   • Participates in branch safety committee meetings, OH&S meetings, hazard assessments, safety inspections, and safety audits.
   • Provides oversight to the Chief Operator in the development, review, and update of safety documentation.
   • Liaises with Technical Safety BC on matters of regulatory compliance and oversees applications to TSBC to optimize staffing levels and safety requirements for the system (ex. Alternative Safety Approach application). 

1. • Supports NEU operators with technical issues that arise in day-to-day operations including emergency response as required.
      
2. System Performance & Optimization:
   • Monitors system performance against environmental, economic, and customer service objectives and uses system data to identify and implement opportunities for system optimization.
   • Identifies and plans for operational improvements to equipment, control systems, operating protocols, equipment dispatch, etc. to ensure optimized, reliable, safe and efficient services.
   • Oversees planning for system tie-ins, system shutdowns, and supports the commissioning of new systems.
      
3. System Maintenance:
   • Reviews annual maintenance plan developed by the Chief Operator, identifying priorities, setting annual budget, and tracking progress.
   • Establishes/renews service, maintenance, and equipment supply contracts.
   • Supports asset management practices including conducting condition assessments and identifying opportunities to prolong asset life.
      
4. Supervision/Leadership:
   • Provides leadership to NEU operations, develops team goals/objectives and manages operations staff.
   • Participates in recruitment, selection, orientation, training, performance management and evaluation of employees.
   • Addresses employee and labour relations issues in a timely, fair and consistent manner using internal City resources, collective agreement provisions and City and Branch policies and programs.
   • Performs administrative duties such as the review and approval of invoices.
      
5. Customer Care:
   • Develops and maintains relationships with NEU customers and manages customer/public complaints related to operational issues.
   • Coordinates communication/notification of customers in the event of anticipated service disruptions.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Extensive operations leadership experience in a district energy or related industry.
• A Third Class Power Engineer Certification or higher is preferred.
• A Fourth Class Power Engineer designation or other education and certification with significant demonstrated relevant experience will be considered. 
• Other relevant industrial trade tickets, degrees, or certificates are considered an asset.
• Experience supervising in a unionized environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to take on a leadership/supervisory role and be proactive at resolving operational conflicts in a timely and effective manner.
• Knowledge of the standard practices and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of a thermal energy producing facility.
• Knowledge of the safety regulations and regulatory requirements related to the operations of a thermal energy system.
• Experience preparing safety and operating documentation which meet current regulatory and best-practice standards for complex industrial facilities.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic and thermodynamic principles related to energy production and refrigeration.
• Experience in utilization of SCADA systems and analytical tools to evaluate and optimize plant efficiency and performance. 
• Experience setting budgets, establishing contracts, and approving invoices.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid BC Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record is an asset.

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services (1300) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: June 2024

Salary Information: Salary Range 91: $111,139 to $138,924 per annum

Application Close: May 8, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.