Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, 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 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic 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.

Are you ready to put your problem-solving skills to work on maintaining and repairing equipment for our research labs, and the heating and cooling systems for the building? Working at the NRC would provide you with the opportunity to work with our unique facilities which include industrial, commercial, residential, specialised and scientific equipment. The incumbent would provide repairs, maintenance and installation services for a variety of equipment and building systems, including:

• Chillers;
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC);
• Refrigeration systems;
• Energy management systems;
• Instrumentation and control systems.
  
  

The maintenance activities are carried out in response to emergency situations, malfunctions and as part of regular preventative maintenance programs. The mechanic is responsible for equipment and control systems during emergency call-ins, scheduled overtime and power shutdowns. They must comply with and maintain government refrigerant regulations and records.

As a federal employer, the NRC offers the opportunity for a much greater work-life balance and a cleaner work environment! The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic typically work a 37.5 hour work week with rotational on-call and overtime – but no shift work, and no regularly scheduled weekends. Couple this balanced work schedule with a pension plan, a wide range of benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation starts at 3 weeks, 3 weeks of sick leave yearly, our offices are closed between December 25th and January 1st, we have 5 days of family related leave and employees are entitled to 2 days of personal leave. And on top of that, you have a great opportunity for a long-term career with us.

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

Secondary School Diploma according to provincial standards.

Must also possess:

• A valid Saskatchewan 313A-Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic or an equivalent Inter-Provincial Red Seal Journeymen’s Certificate of Qualification.
• A valid Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certificate. 
  
  

The following elements would be considered assets:

• Confined Space certification.
• Fall Arrest certification.
• Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Workplace Violence training.

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

Experience

• Significant* and recent** experience in servicing/installing/troubleshooting refrigeration and air conditioning systems and components such as chillers, air handing units, fan coils as well as packaged air conditioning systems.
• Significant* and recent** experience operating Building Automation Systems.
• Significant* and recent** experience troubleshooting, installing and/or removing Control systems such as Direct Digital Controls (DDC), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Variable Frequency Drives and process controllers. 
• Experience troubleshooting and performing on-board diagnostics tests of electronic and solid-state devices.
• Significant* and recent** experience monitoring and troubleshooting building heating and cooling systems including closed loop chilled water and glycol systems.
  
  

* Significant experience is defined as two (2) to six (6) years of experience.
** Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last two (2) years.

Condition of employment

• 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.
• 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

• Solid knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning in accordance with current codes and standards.
• Knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and equipment.
• Solid knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety standards and practices.
• Solid knowledge of control systems such as Direct Digital Controls (DDC), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Frequency drives and process controllers.
• Knowledge of energy management systems and best practices on energy efficiency and conservation.
• Solid ability to read and interpret mechanical schematics, blueprints and/or manufacturer’s specifications.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $74,200 to $80,144 per annum. 

In addition, an incumbent occupying a position within the HVA subgroup of the Operational (OP) Category who has refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic certification and performs the duties of a HVAC technician is eligible to receive an annual terminable allowance of $6,770.

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.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Willingness to work on-call when required.
• Willingness to work on nights, weekends and statutory holidays when required. 
• Overtime may sometimes be required.
• 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.