Compliance Specialist, Critical Facilities

Reporting to the Manager, Planned Maintenance & Reliability, the Compliance Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the mechanical and electrical infrastructure of highly sensitive and regulated environments, including research laboratories, biocontainment laboratories, and vivariums across the St. George campus. This position ensures the continuity, safety, and compliance of facility operations through proactive coordination, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.

The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to critical infrastructure operations, ensuring incident and reportable event logs are accurately maintained and shared with relevant stakeholders, including Faculty leadership and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). The role also supports investigations into infrastructure issues requiring design or operational modifications, coordinating with internal subject matter experts to identify and implement solutions.

Additionally, the Compliance Specialist, Critical Facilities participates during new research facility commissioning ensures that all facility infrastructure documentation—including drawings, shop drawings, and installation, operation, and maintenance (IOM) manuals—is properly assembled, archived, and made accessible to stakeholders.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

• University degree in Engineering (BASc) in a related discipline (e.g. Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial)
• Canadidates must have their Ontario P. Eng license and be in good standing
• Certification or eligibilty for certification in BSL-3 laboratory access is required and must be maintained
• Additional training or certification in health and safety, building systems operations or regulartory compliance is considered an asset.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in facilities operations or engineering support, preferably in environments with regulated infrastructure such as laboratories, biocontainment facilities, or vivariums.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating infrastructure support, managing and creating documentation, and working with cross-functional teams in complex operational settings.
• Experience interacting with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and supporting compliance reporting and investigations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence others to gain consensus. Ability to lead and motivate a team, especially during critical situations.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical building systems, including HVAC, emergency power, and building automation systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory research equipment, particularly exhaust containment devices such as fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
• Knowledge of codes and standards governing laboratory ventilation and exhaust systems.
• Familiarity with Canadian Biosafety Guidelines and Standards, especially as they pertain to biocontainment laboratories and vivariums.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively with engineering and operations teams.

OTHER:

• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Ability to respond to operational issues with urgency and professionalism.