Steam Chief (Chief Power Engineer)

Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC), a joint venture of the Stern Group and West Fraser Timber Company Ltd., is a leading manufacturer of premium paper products. Located in Whitecourt, and operating with a non-unionized workforce, the firm’s paper mill—the first in Alberta—produces paper of such high quality that it has become the standard by which other paper products manufactured in North America are measured. The company is a successful, well-financed, progressive organization that is regarded as one of the best companies in the paper industry.

ANC is seeking a Steam Chief (Chief Power Engineer) to provide overall supervision and technical leadership for the mill’s pulp, paper and power generation systems. Reporting to the Production Manager, this role is responsible for safe, compliant and reliable operation in accordance with applicable acts, codes, standards and best practices.

As ANC’s designated Steam Chief (Chief Power Engineer), the position provides technical leadership for the mill’s utilities, steam and pressure systems and associated equipment, and works closely with Production, Maintenance, Reliability, Purchasing and Engineering to support safe, reliable and efficient mill operations.

The Role

The Steam Chief (Chief Power Engineer) provides the technical and regulatory oversight required to support safe operation of ANC’s boilers and utilities while coordinating closely with operating and maintenance teams across the mill.

This role combines:

• statutory and regulatory oversight
• technical leadership for boilers, utilities, steam and pressure systems
• shutdown planning and maintenance coordination
• troubleshooting, reliability and continuous improvement

The Steam Chief (Chief Power Engineer) has the authority and responsibility to take appropriate action to maintain pressure vessels and piping systems in a safe operating condition and to ensure operation is consistent with applicable Acts, Codes, Standards, Permits and ANC standards.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Operational Oversight

• Fulfill the responsibilities of ANC’s designated Steam Chief in accordance with the Alberta Safety Codes Act and power engineering regulations, ensuring operations are compliant with ABSA requirements and applicable codes and standards.
• Provide overall supervision of the mill’s boilers and utilities, including steam systems, pressure equipment, power plant, pulp mill operation and associated systems.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to Shift Engineers and other operating personnel regarding plant operation, troubleshooting and safe operating practices.
• Ensure required operating logs, inspections, equipment checks and regulatory documentation are completed and maintained.
• Identify and respond to non-conformances, unsafe or abnormal operating conditions, including directing equipment shutdown or removal from service where required.

Maintenance, Shutdowns & Reliability

• Work with Production, Maintenance, Reliability and Engineering to troubleshoot equipment issues, support maintenance and outages, and improve plant reliability.
• Lead the planning and coordination of shutdown activities including procuring parts, scheduling of maintenance tasks, contractor requirements, identifying lockout requirements, safety concerns, inspections, repairs, and return-to-service activities.
• Provide technical input into equipment modifications, capital projects, inspections, commissioning and start-up activities.
• Monitor plant performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, energy efficiency and overall operating performance.

Pressure Equipment, Procedures & Compliance

• Maintain ANC’s Pressure equipment integrity management program as the owner’s representative.
• Support the development and maintenance of operating procedures, emergency procedures and safe work practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulatory and technical requirements and liaise with ABSA safety codes officers, inspectors, contractors, and boiler treatment chemical representatives.

Technical Development

• Support the personal development, training and competency of assistant power engineers.

What Success Looks Like

• Boilers, utilities, pressure vessels and piping systems are operated safely, reliably and in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Shutdown activities are well planned, coordinated and ready for safe execution.
• Operating logs, inspections, equipment checks and regulatory documentation are complete and current.
• ANC’s Pressure Equipment Integrity Management program is effectively maintained.
• Production, Maintenance, Reliability and Engineering are aligned on technical issues, maintenance needs and operating priorities.
• Assistant power engineers continue to build technical capability and competency.

What You Bring

• Valid Alberta 1st Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency. Consideration will be given to individuals who currently hold a 2nd Class Steam Ticket with their commitment to obtain a 1st Class Steam Ticket within a fixed timeline.
• Extensive progressive experience in industrial power plant and boiler operations.
• Strong knowledge of boilers, steam systems, pressure equipment and associated plant systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of Alberta safety codes, power engineering and pressure equipment regulatory acts.
• Industrial manufacturing experience; pulp and paper experience is preferred.
• Strong technical judgement, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide technical direction across operating groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, reliability and continuous improvement.

Alberta Newsprint Company will only consider those eligible to work in Canada either by citizenship, permanent residency, or valid Canadian work permit.

We thank all those who apply, but only applicants being actively considered for employment will be contacted.

Education

Required

• High School Diploma or better

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• Power Engineer CL 2
• Power Engineer CL 1