Technical Officer, Refrigeration

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 Technical Officer, Refrigeration 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.

Under the supervision of the Site Operations Manager the incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, including maintenance, of a computerized ammonia vapour compression system with a recirculation capacity of 9000 kg of liquid ammonia. They will work closely with the Ice Tank Test support group to ensure that the pre-determined parameters are achieved in the making of an Ice Sheet.

The Refrigeration technical officer will also perform all of the preventative and repair maintenance, installation services, operating checks and troubleshooting for a variety of other equipment and building systems, which include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), water filtration, air compression and plumbing systems.

The position will require the incumbent to work a rotational 12-hour shift schedule, as well as be on a rotational standby after regular working hours for emergency call-backs. Occasional rescheduling of working hours and call-backs to meet operational requirements may be required from time to time.

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

Post-secondary education in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems or field relevant to the position.

Must also possess a valid 4th Class Power Engineering certificate or a Refrigeration Operator Class “B” certificate.

An equivalent combination of work-related experience, training and education would also be considered.

The following elements would be considered assets:

• Inter-provincial or Newfoundland and Labrador provincial Journeymen’s Certificate of Qualification in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade.
• A valid Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) certificate.
• Forklift certification.
• Rigging certification.
• Crane Operation certification.
• Confined Space certification.
• Fall Protection and Fall Protection Equipment certification.
• Pressure Brazing certification.
• Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Workplace Violence training.
• Fire Safety training.
• Laser Alignment training.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) training.

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

Experience

• Significant* experience operating, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures related to ammonia refrigeration systems in an industrial ammonia refrigeration plant.
• Experience monitoring building automation systems or other computer-controlled systems and providing first response.

The following experience criterion would be considered an asset:

• Experience in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of industrial and/or commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems.
  
  

* Significant experience is defined as three (3) to five (5) years of experience.

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.
• Must be available to work on rotating 12-hour shifts and on a rotational standby after regular working hours for emergency call-backs.
• Must be able to work in a laboratory and/or equipment room with low to moderate concentrations of ammonia, which, according to the B52 Refrigeration Code under the Newfoundland and Labrador Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Compressed Gas Regulations, may require the use of a full-face mask or a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). According to the NRC Respiratory Protection Program, employees required to wear an SCBA must successfully pass an initial and subsequently annual medical evaluation designed to assess their fitness to use an SCBA.
• 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 operating, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures related to ammonia refrigeration systems. 
• Knowledge of building HVAC systems including the heating systems and air compressors. 
• Knowledge of building automation system and all computer-controlled equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical schematics/ blueprints, diagrams, manuals and manufacturers specifications.
• Knowledge of the Environmental Emergency Plan for Anhydrous Ammonia regulations.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety regulations and legislation required to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment such as WHMIS and regulations governing the handling of hazardous materials.

The following competency would be considered an asset:

• Knowledge in the use and care of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and how to use it in an emergency situation.

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 $66,126 to $91,012 per annum. 

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.
• 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.