Equipment Operator - Hydrovac / Directional Drilling / Locating

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Melfort; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is seeking an Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy machinery and perform daily pre-use and post-use checks. You will work under the Foreman or Lead Hand, following site plans and coordinating with the construction team.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of equipment operation experience, including excavators or loaders, with Hydrovac or directional drilling assets considered an advantage. Saskatchewan licence is required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience operating equipment (excavators, loaders, skid steers)
• Experience with Hydrovac, directional drilling, locating or other utility equipment is an asset
• Valid Saskatchewan Class 5A driver’s licence is required; Class 3A or 1A preferred
• Crane operator certification or lifting equipment training is considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently following legislation, policies, and procedures
• Perform daily pre-use and post-use safety and maintenance checks
• Follow site plans and provide feedback to the construction team
• Keep equipment clean and stored safely, report maintenance needs
• Complete inspection, maintenance, and daily documentation duties

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Reading manuals

Team collaboration

Education

Equipment operator training/certification

Saskatchewan Class 5A driver’s licence

Crane operator certification (asset)

Tools

Hydrovac equipment

Directional drilling equipment

Locating equipment

Loaders

Excavators

Skid steers

Telehandlers

Graders

Dozers

Lodrils

Vibratory hammers

Job description

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.