Facility Systems Supervisor and Chief Plant Operator/Engineer

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Company : IWK Health

Req ID: 221146 
Department/Program: Facilities, Protection & Business Cont, Corporate Programs and CFO 
Location: Halifax  
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100% FTE)  x 1 position(s)
 Start Date: ASAP
Union Status: Non-union, Management/Non Union Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $34.6208 - $43.2762 /hour
Closing Date: May 21, 2026 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

 

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

 

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity

Reporting to and assisting to the Manager of Facilities & Energy Management Services, the Facility Systems Supervisor and Chief Plant Operator/Engineer acts as a key contact and assists with daily coordination of facility maintenance staff and operations of the department. The supervisor does this by supporting the manager in overseeing, optimizing, and supporting Facilities & Energy Management Services activities such as: Operation and Maintenance of Buildings, Properties, and Systems, Supervision of Facility Maintenance Staff and Redevelopment & Improvement Projects.

The Facility Systems Supervisor’s responsibilities are to ensure that all building, systems, structures, properties, and environments, including the main site and 15-20 off-site locations are safe for all occupants, staff, patients, families, visitors, volunteers, etc. They also will meet appropriate standards and requirements for time-sensitive lifesaving, life-support, medical patient care procedures, as well as mission-critical administrative, corporate, and support activities.

The supervisor, in collaboration with the Manager, is responsible for troubleshooting, decision making, prioritizing, coordinating, and overseeing jobs with facility maintenance staff and contractors.  The supervisor ensures all trades working within the building comply with industry standards, internal guidelines, and safety procedures. The position provides backup support for the Manager and the Facility Maintenance Supervisor. The Facility Systems Supervisor also acts as the Chief Plant Operator/Engineer accountable for and overseeing operations and maintenance of the IWK’s plant as legislatively required by Power Engineers Technical Safety Act, Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

This position frequently works with physicians, executives, directors, managers, clinical staff, consultants service providers, contractors, and government agencies to resolve issues that may affect patient care and business functions. This position requires frequent on-call shifts, call-backs, off-site phone support, and a flexible/changing schedule as required.

Hours of Work

Typically Monday - Friday, 7:00-3:00.  However, this will vary depending on demands as the position oversees 24/7 operations.  Available 24/7 for phone support.  On Call every 3rd week.

Your Qualifications

•    High school diploma.
•    First class refrigeration certificate or third-class power engineering certificate required.
•    Red Seal Journeyman ticket in one of the following Facility related trades, is considered an asset: Electrician, Refrigeration, Carpenter, Plumber, etc.
•    Relevant Building and/or Facilities related certificates/diplomas, considered an asset. 
•    Knowledge and Experience required (Either of the following two options): Minimum of 3 years’ supervisory experience in plant maintenance, construction, or operations &/OR minimum 3 years’ experience in building infrastructure in an acute-care hospital environment, or equivalent.
•    Experience in a women’s and children’s tertiary care facility preferred.
•    Supervisory experience preferred.
•    Knowledge of all trades and facets of associated with a hospital environment and how they are dependent and relate to one another.
•    Experience reading blueprints, construction documents, contracts, schematics/drawings.
•    Knowledge of all building systems, materials, building codes and governing Acts and Regulations.
•    Requires a high degree of knowledge and judgement when handling infrastructure emergencies that affect patient care.
•    Knowledge of Infection Control in Health Care facilities (CSA-Z317.13).
•    Proficiency with Microsoft computer applications.
•    Proficiency with automated building control systems (Siemens & Johnsons preferred).
•    Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (Megamation Directline preferred).
•    Ability to handle emergencies.
•    Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
•    Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
•    Strong supervisory and people skills .
•    A high level of initiative, judgement and attention to detail is required, together with sophisticated technical expertise, problem-solving and trouble-shooting abilities to identify and respond appropriately to engineering-related problems and incidents, especially those directly related to patient safety.
•    Ability to assess technical issues concerning clinical operations and plans.
•    Ability to communicate and coordinate all actions required to maintain safety and efficacy.

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

 

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

 

This is a Management/Non Union  bargaining  unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

 

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

 

If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.