Field Assistant

McElhanney Ltd.; Drumheller; On-site; CAD 23,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Flexible rotations

Camp work accommodations

Safety & PPE training

Job summary

McElhanney Ltd. in Drumheller, AB seeks a Field Assistant to support utility locate and surveying activities in outdoor environments. Reporting to a Field Supervisor or Crew Chief, you will assist with field operations, maintain equipment, and help ensure timely project completion.

Ideal candidates enjoy outdoor work, are eager to learn, and can travel as needed for assignments. Pre-employment drug/alcohol testing is required, and accommodations may be provided for travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Physically fit and able to lift equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record.
• Ability to travel out of town for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Follow directives from Field Supervisor or Crew Chief to assist the utility locate team.
• Prepare accurate field notes when required.
• Clean and maintain equipment, stock supplies, and ensure resources are available in the field with minimal supervision.
• Operate/basic tools and equipment as needed to complete tasks.

Skills

Positive attitude

Reliable & punctual

Good written & verbal communication

Physically fit

Valid driver’s license

Willing to travel

Education

High school diploma

Technical school education

Job description

Posted Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,500 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney, recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, is looking for a Field Assistant to join our team in Drumheller, AB. This is a great opportunity for a dedicated individual who enjoys working in the great outdoors, looking to gain hands on surveying and line locating experience. Reporting to a Field Supervisor or Crew Chief, you will provide assistance to the operations team for the timely and efficient completion of utility locates and surveys in order to meet contractual and legal obligations.

The ability to travel and work in remote areas may be required for extended periods of time. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will be on-going and unscheduled as required.

What You Can Expect

• Overtime earned at time and a half
• Flexible work rotations suited to your needs
• Camp work, accommodations and living allowance provided based on travel requirements
• Hands on training and safety allowance for personal protective equipment

What You’ll Be Doing

• Follow directives received from Field Supervisor or Crew Chief to assist utility locate team.
• Prepare accurate field notes, when required.
• Clean and maintain equipment, maintain supplies, stock company vehicle, and ensure necessary physical resources are available in the field, with minimal supervision.
• May be required to use tools and equipment such as chainsaw, axe, sledgehammer, shovel, metal detector and survey tripod in order to complete assigned tasks.

What You’ll Bring

• A positive attitude with a strong willingness to learn and adapt
• Reliable and punctual
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and general computer knowledge.
• High school diploma, technical school education and previous experience an asset but not required.
• Physically fit, able to lift heavy equipment, willing to work in varied environmental conditions, able to work in wildlife populated areas, and willing to work in remote areas for extended periods and varied hours.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel out of town for up to three-week periods.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol and fitness for work testing is required.

The hourly rate for this position is $17- $26 per hour.McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual's education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:

• Extended health and dental coverage, healthcare spending account, and RRSP matching
• Maternity and parental leave top-up
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, which offers support in person, online or over the phone
• A workplace culture that is characterized by respect and inclusion for all
• Competitive salary, participation in our generous performance bonus plan, and opportunity to join an employee-owned firm with potential share ownership

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. We're interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.