Field Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Camp accommodations

Job summary

McElhanney Ltd. is seeking a Field Assistant to join our team in Red Deer, AB. The role focuses on assisting the utility locate team and surveys, with travel to remote areas as required.

We offer hands-on training, potential for advancement, and a competitive hourly wage. Overtime is available and accommodations may be provided based on travel needs.

Qualifications

• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn surveying and line locating basics.
• Driver's license with clean record preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist utility locate team under supervision.
• Prepare field notes as required.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, and vehicles in the field.
• Use tools such as chainsaw, axe, sledgehammer, shovel, metal detector and survey tripod as needed.

Skills

Communications

Computer basics

Education

High school diploma

Technical school education

Tools

Chainsaw

Axe

Sledgehammer

Shovel

Metal detector

Survey tripod

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 9:00 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 Red Deer, 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 out of town in remote areas for extended periods of time is required
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will be on-going and unscheduled as required.
• A valid drivers license and clear drivers abstract.

What You Can Expect:

• Overtime earned at time and a half
• Flexible work rotations
• 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:

• 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.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and general computer knowledge.
• 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:

A Full Range of Benefits to Keep You Healthy & Happy

• 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.

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

Learn more about our recognition here: McElhanney Requalifies as a Gold Standard Best Managed Company! Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.