Plant Assistant

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 largest research and innovation 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 Plant Assistant to support our Real Property Planning and Management Branch. The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

This position will appeal to someone who enjoys working in an autonomous environment with constantly changing priorities and new challenges daily. The successful incumbent should be someone who is open to learning and can provide their own input and ideas to benefit the workplace. 

The successful candidate will provide assistance to staff in electrical, plumbing, A/C refrigeration and machining/millwright trades and performs a variety of maintenance activities including but not limited to, troubleshooting, providing assistance in servicing for a multitude of mechanical systems and or equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, motors, HVAC equipment, filter changes, etc. 

In addition, the Plant Assistant will also undertake other related duties as needed, such as but not limited to:

• installing/removing/inspecting fire extinguishers and safety equipment;


• cleaning parts and equipment;


• door repairs;


• replacing ceiling tiles;


• repairing tools and assorted equipment from tool crib;


• performing routine tasks to maintain and keep the NRC facilities looking well-kept and presentable.

The Plant Assistant must have good communication and computer skills in order to write short reports and work from manuals, drawings and/or sketches. 

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.

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.


• Safe Use and Storage of Hazardous Materials training.


• Working at Heights training.

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

Experience

• Experience working in an industrial or commercial maintenance environment.


• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment which may include but is not limited to: hand tools, power tools, fan coils units, air handling units, exhaust fans, building automation system, building equipment and vehicles.


• Experience working with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safety equipment and workplace safety procedures.


• Experience handling hazardous and chemical products.


• Experience working at heights.


• Experience operating lifts and other heavy equipment or vehicles (ex. Scissor or man lifts).

The following experience would be considered assets:

• Experience maintaining and repairing site infrastructure.


• Experience completing daily log entries for records-keeping and maintaining various reports.


• Experience accepting and moving deliveries.


• Experience providing assistance to trades staff in electrical, plumbing, A/C refrigeration, machining/millwright and perform a variety of maintenance activities.


• Experience operating skid steers, a forklift, a snowplow and snow removal equipment.

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 able to obtain and retain a valid Ontario class G driver’s license.


• 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

• Knowledge of hand tools and power tools.


• Solid knowledge of policies and safety standards, codes and Occupational Health & Safety regulations and legislation.


• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot equipment which includes: compressors, pumps, fan coil units, air handling units, exhaust fans, building automation system, and building equipment, etc.


• Knowledge of basic safe operating practices related to machinery and equipment.


• Ability to perform a wide variety of maintenance related duties pertaining to buildings, industrial equipment and vehicles.


• Ability to read and interpret drawings and/or sketches.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $59,295 to $63,437 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 was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.


• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.


• Willing and able to work occasional overtime, including nights, weekends and statutory holidays. 


• Willingness to work at heights.


• Willingness to work in an environment that may include exposure to chemicals, dirt, noise, noxious odors, hazardous equipment, extreme temperatures and/or working in awkward conditions.


• 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.