Technical Officer, Refrigeration - Technical Officer, Refrigeration Job Details | National Research Council Canada
Priority may be given to the following designated
employment equity groups: women, Indigenous
peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with
disabilities and racialized persons*.
* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review,
uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible
minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to
this hiring process.
City: St. John’s
Organizational Unit: Real Property Planning and
Management
Classification: TO-3
Tenure: Continuing
Language Requirements: English
Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work
and operational requirements, this position will require
full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work
location identified.
Discover the possible
Anything is possible at the National Research Council
(NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top
Employers for Young People, a 2025 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 lifechanging 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 SelfContained 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 selfassessment 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
• Technology support - Client focus (Level 2)
• Technology support - Communication (Level 2)
• Technology support - Conceptual and analytical
ability (Level 1)
• Technology support - Results orientation (Level 1)
• Technology support - Teamwork (Level 1)
Competency Profile(s)
For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates
using the following competency profiles: 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.
Please direct your questions, with the requisition
number (24638) to:
E-mail: NRC.NRCHiringEmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Telephone: 514-206-9802
Closing Date: 03 March 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other
resources, check out Career tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at
NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors
Careers module from your NRC computer.