Equipment Operator - Hydrovac / Directional Drilling / Locating
About this role
Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States.
Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter.
POSITION SUMMARY
Taking direction from the Foreman or Lead Hand, this position is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of equipment and completing daily pre-use and post-use maintenance and safety checks. The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating equipment in a safe and appropriate manner in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation, applicable construction regulations, company policies, and site procedures.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Field Safety Leadership & Compliance
- Ensuring safety and quality are at the forefront of every task
- Operate all heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures
- Perform daily pre-use and post-use safety and maintenance checks
- Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored
Equipment Operation to Include
- Hydrovac equipment
- Directional drilling equipment
- Locating equipment
- Loaders
- Dozers
- Telehandlers
- Graders
- Excavators
- Lodrils
- Vibratory hammers
- Other equipment as required
Daily Responsibilities
- Able to follow site plans
- Work closely with the construction team to understand tasks and provide feedback
- Understand and have knowledge of equipment operating manuals
- Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required
- Advise the Fleet Foreman of any requirements for maintenance or repairs
- Participate in routine maintenance, cleaning, greasing, etc.
- Ensure equipment inspection, maintenance, and daily inspection documentation is completed and up to date
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Equipment operator training/certification appropriate to the equipment being operated
- 3–5 years of experience operating equipment, preferably including excavators, loaders, skid steers, and other construction or utility equipment
- Experience operating Hydrovac, directional drilling, locating, or other utility-related equipment is considered an asset
- Experience working on powerline, utility, transmission, civil construction, or related infrastructure projects is considered a strong asset
- Valid Saskatchewan Class 5A driver’s licence required; Class 3A or Class 1A driver’s licence highly preferred
- Applicable crane operator certification/licensing or lifting equipment training is considered an asset
Skills & Abilities
- Proven experience operating loaders, excavators, and skid steers
- Experience operating Hydrovac, directional drilling, locating equipment, telehandlers, graders, dozers, Lodrils, vibratory hammers, and other equipment is considered an asset
- Ability to read and follow site plans and work safely in active construction environments
- Strong understanding of equipment operating manuals, inspections, and preventative maintenance requirements
- Experience supporting powerline, transmission, utility, civil construction, or related infrastructure projects is considered an asset
- Ability to work effectively as part of a construction crew while maintaining a strong safety focus
Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process.
Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, driver abstract, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client/site access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.
Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the recruitment team.
Company at a glance
Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is a North American utility construction contractor specializing in transmission, distribution, substation, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Since 1977, we have grown from a regional contractor into one of the largest privately held power infrastructure contractors in North America, supporting clients across Canada and the United States through complex utility construction and field execution.
Our operations are built around construction delivery. With a large internally owned fleet, specialized transmission equipment, dedicated field mechanics, and experienced project teams, we are structured to execute demanding work safely, efficiently, and at scale.
Today, Forbes Bros. delivers complex transmission, distribution, and substation projects alongside recurring utility maintenance and emergency response work across diverse operating environments. Our teams work in urban centers, remote locations, energized systems, and critical infrastructure corridors where adaptability, execution, and reliability are essential.
As demand for North American power infrastructure continues to grow, we continue to invest in our people, operational capability, and long-term execution capacity across both Canada and the United States.
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