Infrastructure Maintenance and Development Technician

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

UBC's Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) is part of the Faculty of Forestry, and is responsible for managing the University's obligations and opportunities on 5,157 hectares of private forest located in Maple Ridge, BC. The MKRF provides a world class environment for research and education in forestry. It supports business partnerships within the forest, generating an annual gross revenue of up to $7- 9 million, including: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, a year-round meeting and accommodation facility located 6.5km from the main entrance to the forest; Gallant Enterprises Ltd., a custom-cut sawmill; and Wild & Immersive, an outdoor education program for children, youth and adults. In addition, the MKRF is a working forest, with annual logging and forest management activities operations. Because of the numerous operations that take place in the forest, the MKRF is managed by a close-knit team of individuals who are responsible for a large diversity of projects and tasks.

As the Research Forest grows and diversifies its business activities, the Infrastructure Maintenance and Development Technician will be responsible for maintaining existing infrastructure. This role is primarily a hands-on, labour position with heavy physical work in all weather position, but will also involve operation and maintenance of specialized equipment and machinery. The position is primarily from Mon-Fri during business hours (8-4 pm), but will also be on the 24/7 call-out list for emergencies, maintenance issues and utility outages. There will be staggered shift options.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities Operations. Assists in selection external service providers, contractors, and vendors, negotiates terms, and monitors and review their work.

Work Performed

• Oversee the function and operation of the Malcom Knapp Research Forest's equipment, grounds, and facilities including maintenance, trouble shooting and repairs.
• Operate and maintain equipment including water pumps, chainsaws, and brush saws, as well as miscellaneous power equipment.
• Conduct building facility maintenance, develop procedures and make recommendations for improvements
• Build, install and maintain small-scale infrastructure.
• Support the Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities Operations by developing specifications for tender contracts (e.g., service and construction projects) and coordinating contracts, and special projects as required.
• Oversee the progress of various projects including budget, deadlines and priorities.
• Ensure a high standard of quality for all external and in-house infrastructure projects and that all appropriate codes, regulations, and safety standards are adhered to.
• Supervise and train skilled trained staff and may be provide input with hiring and staff performance.
• Participate in wildfire preparedness and firefighting activities.
• Carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Oversees existing and new facilities and infrastructure to ensure that they meet all standards and policies, legislation, best practices, financial requirements and contributes to the strategic goals of the Research Forest. Failure to execute plans and prescriptions in a timely way threatens the financial viability of the unit. Application of inappropriate plans presents the University with environmental, legal, and financial liabilities - and could degrade the economic viability of the unit. Safety and security of all persons and projects on the Research Forest is a primary responsibility of this position.

Supervision Received
The incumbent will work independently on a day-to-day basis with overall direction from Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities Operations. This position will be expected to carry out maintenance work independently, and often unsupervised to meet the priorities of the MKRF.

Supervision Given
May oversee and provide direction to skilled trades staff.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a technology diploma in building facility maintenance or an industrial trade, an asset.
• Computer literacy required; experience with Excel.
• A valid Class 5 BC Driver's license with a clean driving record (clean driver's abstract required). Class 3 Driver's License and airbrakes highly preferred.
• Experience with auto mechanics and familiarity with a wide range of heavy mechanical and wood-working equipment.
• Heavy Machinery Operator, including experience with wheel loaders; Forklift; plow trucks and snow removal machinery.
• Familiarity with a wide range of heavy mechanical and wood-working equipment
• Boom Lift Operator or similar training.
• Physically fit, sufficient physical strength, stamina and coordination and able to lift;
• Experience performing manual labour and comfortable with working from various heights (e.g., roofs).
• Experience with power tools and hand tools and prior experience in construction is highly preferred.
• Have strong public relations, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge in multidisciplinary building and facility maintenance.
• OFA Level 1 with Transport or equivalent First Aid.
• Additional training and experience preferred:
  • Wildland firefighting is an asset
  • Demonstrate ability to identify native and invasive plants
  • Higher level of First Aid
  • Fall protection system certified
  • Wildland firefighting or S-100 Wildland Fire Training; fire line experience