Winter Equipment Operators (Cumberland County)

Government of Nova Scotia; Amherst; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

90 hours bi-weekly pay

Hourly premium $0.95

Overtime opportunities

Scheduled days off (bi-weekly)

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking Spare Winter Equipment Operators for Cumberland County across Oxford/Pugwash/Wentworth (Zone 19), Amherst/River Hebert (Zone 20), and Parrsboro/Economy (Zone 24). Training is provided, followed by paid plowing experience under supervision.

This is a spare position with hours not guaranteed; two weeks of guaranteed work may be provided and overtime is possible. Apply by the closing date with required credentials.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience or an acceptable equivalent of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Minimum Class III license with air brake endorsement.
• Reading and writing skills are required to understand department documentation and to complete daily logs.

Responsibilities

• Operate snow removal equipment such as snowplows, graders, and loaders.
• Perform pre- and-post trip inspections and daily logs; maintain equipment.
• Assist with road maintenance and traffic control as needed.

Skills

Snow removal equipment operation

Reading & writing

General safety awareness

Tools

Truck with plow equipment

Job description

Competition # : 49685

Department: Public Works

Location: Multiple Locations

Zone: 19 (Oxford/Pugwash/Wentworth), Zone 20 (Amherst/River Hebert), Zone 24 (Parrsboro/Economy)

Type of Employment: Spare Classification

Union Status: CUPE - NSPG

Closing Date: 23-Nov-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Under Article 13 of the Collective Agreement between the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1867, the following opportunity is being posted.

About Us

We are currently hiring for Spare Winter Equipment Operators in Cumberland County at the following bases: Oxford/Pugwash/Wentworth (Zone 19), Amherst/River Hebert (Zone 20), Parrsboro/Economy (Zone 24). Work may be available at any of these locations.

Job Fair

If you would like to apply or are looking for additional information please attend our Career Fair on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Amherst Base located at 19 Tupper Blvd.

About Our Opportunity

Successful candidates will begin with two weeks of paid training designed to build the knowledge and skills required for effective snow and ice control operations. Following training, you will complete 45 hours of paid plowing experience under the guidance of an experienced Operator. Candidates must also successfully complete a driving assessment using a one-person-truck-plow equipped with a front plow, wing, and salt controls.

This is a spare position, and hours of work are not guaranteed. Employees are called in as operational needs require. There may be an opportunity to participate in the Winter Wage Guarantee, which provides guaranteed work for a minimum of two weeks and may continue for the duration of the winter season.

• Guaranteed 90 hours of pay every two weeks
• $0.95/per hour premium
• Opportunities for overtime
• Scheduled days off (2 days bi-weekly)

You are responsible for operating snow removal equipment such as snowplows, graders, and loaders. This includes general maintenance of the equipment, pre-and-post trip inspections, and daily logs. You may also be required to perform other work, such as maintaining signs, road surface repairs and traffic control.

Qualifications And Experience

Two years of experience or an acceptable equivalent of education, training, and relevant experience.

Minimum of Class III license with air brake endorsement.

Reading and writing skills are required to understand department documentation and to complete daily logs, inspection reports, etc.

The Following Is Not Required But Considered Helpful

• A professional driving course from a recognized truck driving training facility
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and mechanical skills
• Training completed at any accredited heavy/commercial equipment training institute
• Previous experience driving a manual transmission, operating trucks with salt and plow equipment, and/or knowledge of salt spreading systems

Additional Information

Pay Grade: EQP OPER

Salary Range: $29.12 Hourly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current CUPE local 1867 employees with a date of seniority. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to perform duties as necessary within their zone.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

All questions and concerns may be directed to [e-mail].