2nd Class Shift Engineer

About Black & McDonald

Black & McDonald is a leading integrated, multi-trade service provider offering full life‑cycle solutions for public and private sector clients across Canada and the United States. We are committed to safety, technical excellence, and delivering reliable, high‑quality service while supporting the professional growth of our employees.

Position Summary: Black & McDonald is seeking a qualified and motivated 2nd Class Shift Engineer to join our Operations team at a high-pressure steam heating facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of boilers, auxiliary equipment, steam distribution systems, and plant utilities while ensuring compliance with provincial regulations and company safety standards.

The Shift Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining continuous plant operations, responding to system demands, optimizing performance, and supporting maintenance activities in a 24/7 operating environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plant Operations

• Operate and monitor high-pressure steam boilers and associated plant equipment.
• Maintain steam generation and distribution systems to meet customer and operational requirements.
• Monitor plant performance through DCS, SCADA, and local controls.
• Conduct routine inspections of boilers, pumps, compressors, deaerators, water treatment systems, condensate systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, shift reports, and plant records.
• Monitor fuel, chemical treatment, water quality, emissions, and operating parameters.
• Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and load adjustments as required.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health regulations and Power Engineers Act requirements.
• Follow Black & McDonald safety policies, procedures, and permit-to-work systems.
• Participate in lockout/tagout, confined space entry, hot work, and hazard assessment programs.
• Respond to plant emergencies, equipment failures, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks to personnel, equipment, and facility operations.

Maintenance Support

• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and operational issues.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel and contractors during planned and unplanned outages.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance activities as assigned.
• Report equipment deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Support annual shutdowns, inspections, and regulatory audits.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Provide operational guidance to plant operators and junior engineering staff.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in shift turnover meetings and communicate operational concerns effectively.
• Support plant efficiency and reliability initiatives.

Qualifications 

Required

• Valid Manitoba 2nd Class Power Engineer Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years of operating experience in a high-pressure steam plant, district energy facility, utility, institutional, or industrial environment.
• Thorough knowledge of:
  • High-pressure boilers and auxiliary systems
  • Steam generation and distribution systems
  • Boiler water treatment processes
  • Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and condensate systems
  • Control systems and plant instrumentation
• Strong understanding of applicable codes, regulations, and safe work practices.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, statutory holidays, and overtime as required.
• Valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver's Licence.
• Ability to pass federal government of Canada security clearances

Preferred

• Experience operating natural gas-fired boilers.
• Experience with DCS/SCADA control systems.
• Experience in district energy or central heating plant operations.
• WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, Confined Space, and Lockout/Tagout training.
• Supervisory or lead-hand experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and respond to emergencies.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and sound technical judgment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an industrial plant environment.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and access plant equipment areas.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Capable of working in varying temperatures, noise levels, and confined spaces while utilizing required personal protective equipment.
  

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