Heavy Plow Foreperson

WesTower Communications Ltd.; City of Spruce Grove; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WesTower Communications Ltd. seeks a Heavy Plow Foreperson to lead and coordinate the movement of large plow trains across remote and rural sites in Canada. You will ensure safety, route planning, and timely equipment support while prioritizing cable integrity and road crossing accuracy.

The role requires extensive experience with heavy plow operations, strong hands-on mechanical skills, and the ability to mentor field crews under challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• Lead safety-focused operations for heavy plow trains.
• Coordinate complex logistics across right-of-way routes.
• Supervise crews and mentor team members in field conditions.
• Diagnose mechanical issues and ensure timely maintenance.
• Review and record daily production and crossing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Directs plow train movement to maximize production while avoiding cable damage.
• Scout ROW ahead for hazards, water crossings, and access points.
• Lead toolbox talks; enforce exclusion zones and spotter protocols.
• Plan feed logistics: reel delivery, fuel, and support equipment.
• Monitor plow depth and ground conditions to ensure proper restoration.
• Review utility locates and crossing agreements with diligence.
• Oversee daily maintenance of plow components and routine lubrication.
• Complete daily production, crossing reports, and equipment logs.

Skills

Safety Leadership

Logistics & Routing

Communication

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Mentorship

Adaptability

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Documentation

Job description

The Heavy Plow Foreperson is a highly specialized leadership role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy utility plow trains. This individual orchestrates the movement of large-scale equipment—including vibratory plows, dozers, and reel carriers to execute long-haul fiber placement projects. Beyond standard crew supervision, this role requires deep expertise in route logistics, heavy equipment maintenance, and the unique ground-disturbance challenges associated with deep plowing in rural and remote environments.

Core Competencies

Safety & Quality Leadership (Heavy Equipment Focus)

Heavy Plow Train Logistics & Routing

Communication & Conflict Resolution

Mechanical Aptitude & Troubleshooting

Teamwork & Mentorship

Adaptability / Flexibility

Problem Solving (Terrain & Access)

Accountability and Dependability

Attention to Detail (Redlines & As-Builts)

Job Responsibilities

• Plow Train Orchestration: Directs the coordinated movement of the entire plow train, ensuring the lead dozers, plow units, and support vehicles operate in unison to maximize production footage while preventing cable damage.
• Route Logistics: Proactively scouts the Right of Way (ROW) ahead of the train to identify terrain hazards, water crossings, and access points, ensuring the heavy equipment can navigate the path safely.
• Safety Enforcement: Leads daily toolbox meetings with a specific focus on heavy equipment interaction zones; ensures all operators adhere to exclusion zones and spotter protocols.
• Operational Planning: Coordinates the "feed" of the plow train, managing the logistics of cable reel delivery, fuel supply, and support equipment to minimize downtime.
• Quality Control: Continually monitors plow depth and ground conditions to ensure the cable is placed at specification, verifying proper backfill and restoration immediately following the installation.
• Utility Coordination: Reviews all utility locates and crossing agreements with extreme diligence, as heavy plowing carries high-consequence risks during ground disturbance.
• Equipment Stewardship: Oversees the daily maintenance and greasing of high-wear plow components (shakers, chutes, tracks), identifying mechanical issues before they cause catastrophic failure.
• Documentation: Applies due diligence in ensuring accuracy by promptly completing all necessary documentation, including daily production reports, crossing reports, red lines, and equipment logs.

Requirements

• Valid AB Class 5 driver’s license (Class 1 or 3 is highly preferred due to equipment mobilization requirements).
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in utility construction with specific expertise in heavy plow operations.
• Demonstrated experience operating and managing heavy iron (e.g., D6/D8 Dozers, Vermeer/Ditch Witch Vibratory Plows, Crawler Carriers).
• Valid Ground Disturbance Level II certification.
• Deep understanding of rural ROW conditions, soil mechanics, and crossing methodologies (creeks, pipelines, roads).
• Mechanically inclined problem solver capable of troubleshooting hydraulic and mechanical issues in remote field settings.
• Ability to read and interpret long-haul construction prints and crossing profiles.
• Physically fit and able to work in rugged terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather (i.e., snow, rain, wind, etc.) if required.

Work Conditions

• Ability to work in remote and rural environments/settings with loud noise levels and heavy vibration.
• Equipped to work in rough terrain, mud, and isolated rights-of-way.
• Prepared to sit (operating), stand, stoop, crouch, and walk significant distances (scouting) for long periods.
• Valid Driver’s License required for travel to remote sites.
• Shift work and camp accommodation may be required depending on project location.
• Overtime and travel to locations in Western Canada, as required.