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Foreperson, Mechanical Trades

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Foreperson, Mechanical Trades
Who We Are
At BCIT, putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount. This idea is the foundation of BCIT’s People Vision, which describes the Institute’s goals and priorities in respect to our people. In a complex and uncertain world, it’s vital our people feel valued, supported and connected. BCIT champions a culture of innovation and global progress through people’s imagination and creativity. With a competitive compensation package, great work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities, see why we’ve earned the title of one of BC’s Top Employers for over ten years running.
Position Summary
BCIT’s Campus Planning and Facilities department is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Mechanical Foreperson.The Foreperson is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within his or her specific area. This includes supervision of staff, delegating and monitoring work, planning and implementing safety preventative maintenance programs. The Foreperson ensures that work done internally and by contractors meets regulatory and safety requirements. The Foreperson is required to make fast, quality decisions relating to buildings infrastructure, electrical, mechanical and planning issues including troubleshooting emergency situations which could directly impact both public safety and smooth business operations. Specific duties may vary depending on area of specialization (electrical, mechanical or general trades).
Duties & Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manages the day-to-day operations by determining the allocation of work; coordinates logistics with stakeholders and arranging for contractors to complete work when required.
  • Ensures that all work done is in compliance with regulatory requirements including the Electrical Code, the Pressure Vessels Act, the National Fire Code, the B.C. Building Code, the Plumbing Code, the Gas Act, the Workers Compensation Act and BCIT policies and procedures. This includes ensuring that proper practices are in place, initiating required training as necessary.
  • Plans and coordinates future work and projects, including preparing estimates for funding proposals, identifying major projects required both for the department items that have an Institute-wide impact and planning for ministry Annual Capital Allocation, ensuring that plans are aligned with the Campus Master Plan.
  • Compiles and manages the line budget including cross-checking and authorizing invoices, making responsible spending decisions, monitoring spending monthly etc. and defining materials, labour, risk and need assessments, and soliciting feedback from other employees.
  • Provides assessment and input into all major construction projects including making project budget estimates and assisting to create specific documentations for tender process, including verifying the quality of contractor work and creating deficiencies list at the end of projects.
  • Supervises and coaches employees; provides them with clear directions including mediating interpersonal and work-related conflict issues, up to (but not including) discipline. This may include documenting issues, monitoring productivity, delivering feedback and coaching the employee to improve performance.
  • Liaises with BCIT internal customers and a variety of internal/external stakeholders including contractors and regulators to identify and address needs.
  • Identifies cost savings to improve use of scarce resources, reviews business processes with the view to improving efficiencies and best value to the Institute.
  • Manages multiple projects and work requests simultaneously by establishing priorities and delegating work to maximize efficiency and customer service. Work is coordinated in a variety of locations including remote campus locations across British Columbia.
  • Negotiates the best pricing and contract details with a variety of contractors, wholesalers and service providers (including working closely with in-house buyers as appropriate).
  • Builds internal teams to create efficiencies in workflow, an effective work environment and high quality customer service standards within the department. The Foreperson is responsible for ensuring that direct reports perform work in a manner which is both safe and in compliance with all regulatory codes and legislation.
  • Develops, coordinates and establishes emergency and preventative maintenance schedules including planning for emergency response issues related to area including planning for disaster management issues.
  • Creates training plans to ensure that employees have all of the required knowledge to do their jobs safely and effectively, including scheduling required training to meet safety requirements outlined by WCB.
  • Develops and implements an energy conservation plan including devising means of conserving energy and evaluating the effectiveness of methods used.
  • Assists in developing and tracking budgetary needs generated by Facilities inspections and maintaining operating reviews.
  • Makes recommendations and arrangements for contracting out required work.
  • Coordinates and carries out planned and emergency maintenance, repair and installation of Institute water, gas, drainage, air, heating systems and backflow prevention assemblies on an as-needed basis to maintain Institute operations and safeguard business continuity.
  • Ensures that BCIT is aligned with building codes compliance requirements.
  • Maintains professional and technical currency in the industry through formal training and on-the-job learning.
  • Participates in Records Custodian training and remains current with record keeping practices, policies and procedures (both BCIT and FOIPOP).
  • Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of this position.


ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mechanical Foreperson:
  • Acts as the Institute’s designated Chief Power Engineer and primary point of contact with the regulating authority, Technical Safety BC, to ensure that all systems, equipment and related maintenance and inspection activities are in full compliance at all times.
  • Oversees the maintenance and operation of primary mechanical systems and equipment.
  • Maintains a 24/7/365 engineering staff presence on campus.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Third Class Power Engineer plus technical education and/or certifications in the relevant building trades industry and business management training.
  • Ten years current relevant experience in the Power Engineering industry preferably with educational institutions of comparable size and complexity.
  • Computer training and experience is required, as well as familiarity with DDC building automation technology.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work in a team with other building trades including HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing.
  • Good organizational skills and high degree of self-motivation and business acumen.
  • Ability to use tact, discretion and sensitivity when interacting with a diverse range of contacts and sensitive issues.
  • Must be able to work independently and the proven ability to trouble shoot and resolve related issues in conjunction with the assigned level of skill, ability and education.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Willingness to maintain currency in the field and learn on the job is essential.
  • Ability to assess blueprints and make recommendations for specific trade requirements is an asset.
Additional Information
Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

  • Competitive pay
  • Minimum of fifteen days of vacation
  • Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans!
  • Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions
  • Professional Development funds and resources
  • Access to most BCIT Flexible Learningcourses free of charge
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance programs
  • Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more


BCIT values diverse experiences, ideas, cultures and perspectives and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. If you require accessibility accommodations during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact RecruitmentAssistant@bcit.ca so we can best support you. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal, email applications will not be accepted.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).
Salary Range Pay Grade 12; Step 4 - $73,539 per annum. This position is eligible for a temporary allowance of $145 bi-weekly (full-time equivalent) effective your start date until ratification of the next BCIT/BCGEU Support Staff collective agreement.
Additional Salary Information
External hires are initially placed at the minimum of the salary range with set progressions to the maximum as per the Collective Agreement. Salary prorated based on percentage and term of appointment.
Position Details

Posting Category Facilities / Trades
School/Service Area Administrative Services-Facilities
Campus Location Burnaby campus
Bargaining Unit BCGEU Support Staff
Job Status Regular
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Start Date 09/05/2023
Anticipated End Date
Competition Information

Competition Number 22B87
Competition Open Date 06/20/2022
Competition Close Date
Open Until Filled? Yes
Quicklink for Posting https://careers.bcit.ca/postings/5921

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * What is the highest level of education attained?
    • GED
    • High School Diploma
    • Certificate
    • Diploma
    • Associates Degree
    • Bachelors Degree
    • Masters Degree
    • PHD
  2. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
    • 0-1
    • 1-2
    • 3-5
    • 6-9
    • 10+
  3. * New employees to BCIT are initially placed at the minimum of the salary range with set progressions to the maximum as per the Collective Agreement. The salary is prorated based on percentage and term of appointment. Please select which statement best describes your situation:
    • I am a current BCIT employee, this is not applicable to my situation.
    • I am not a current BCIT employee and would be satisfied with placing at the minimum of the indicated salary range.
    • I am not a current BCIT employee and would not be satisfied with placing at the minimum of the indicated salary range.
  4. * All positions at BCIT require on campus presence at the applicable campus location(s). This means the successful candidate must be able to and willing to relocate to the Lower Mainland. Please select from the following that best describes your situation:
    • I currently reside in the Lower Mainland
    • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland, however I am willing and able to relocate if found to be the successful candidate
    • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland and I am unwilling to relocate

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents