Field Assistant

McElhanney; Ponoka; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm based in Ponoka is seeking a dedicated Line Locator Assistant. This role offers hands-on training and requires individuals who enjoy outdoor work and are physically fit. Responsibilities include assisting with utility locates and maintaining equipment. The position comes with a wage range of $19 to $25 per hour, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Applicants should have a positive attitude and a valid driver’s license. Join the team for a rewarding experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including health and dental coverage

Career development support

Generous bonus plan

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Physically fit to lift heavy equipment.
• Willing to travel out of town for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist the utility locate team under supervisor direction.
• Prepare and maintain accurate field notes.
• Maintain equipment and ensure resource availability.

Skills

Positive attitude

Good communication skills

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Chainsaw

Sledgehammer

Metal detector

Job description

About McElhanney

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 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with share‑holding 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 collaboration with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney is looking for a Line Locator Assistant to join our team in Ponoka. This is a great opportunity for a dedicated individual who enjoys working in the great outdoors and is 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.

This role may require travel and extended work in remote areas, along with ongoing and unscheduled pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing as needed.

Overtime will be paid at time and a half with flexibility in work rotations. When travel is required, camp accommodations and a living allowance will be provided. You will also receive hands‑on training and a safety allowance to cover personal protective equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Follow directives received from Field Supervisor or Crew Chief to assist the 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 in impactfully delivering tasks.
• 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.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

What Can We Offer You?

The wage range for this position is $19 – $25 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.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top‑up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as a safety‑sensitive position.

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. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and exploring the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney.

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about our recognition as Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2025), visit canadastop100.com.

Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

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

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third‑party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.