Equipment Operator

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is seeking an Equipment Specialist to ensure safe operation and daily maintenance checks of heavy equipment used on powerline projects.

The Heavy Equipment Specialist will operate graders, excavators, backhoes, loaders, and other specialty gear, with occasional forklifts and skid steers, across field sites. You will follow safety rules, perform pre/post checks, coordinate with the crew, and help maintain documentation while supporting project schedules.

Qualifications

• Three to five years’ experience operating heavy equipment for powerline or similar industry.
• Driver license; CDL is an asset.
• Operator certificate from a licensed service provider.
• Ability to work safely and recognize hazards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to Forbes Bros Occupational Health and Safety rules and regulations.
• Follow site plans and load/unload materials as required.
• Operate heavy equipment (graders, excavators, backhoes, loaders, etc.).
• Utilize attachments and maintain right-of-way.
• Perform daily pre/post safety and maintenance checks and document equipment status.
• Coordinate with crew and participate in SQP and Tailboard meetings.
• Travel and overtime may be required to meet project schedules.

Skills

Driver license

CDL

Operators certificate

Heavy equipment experience

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Time management

Verbal and written communication

Travel flexibility

Job description

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States.

Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter.

Position Summary

The Equipment Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of equipment and daily maintenance checks. The Heavy Equipment Specialist is responsible for operating and maintaining various powerline heavy equipment including graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, marooka, and other specialty powerline heavy equipment. May also include forklifts and front skid steer loaders.

Core Responsibilities

Field Duties & Compliance

• Adhering to Forbes Bros Occupational Health and Safety rules and regulations
• Able to follow site plans
• Load and unload various types of materials
• Ability to utilize various attachments for equipment
• Maintain right-of-way
• When not operating equipment assisting others as directed
• Perform daily pre/post safety and maintenance checks
• Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required
• Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored
• Participate in routine maintenance, cleaning, greasing etc.
• Ensure documentation for equipment is up to date as per daily check
• Other tasks that are assigned to you

Equipment Competencies – As Required for Tasks

• Front-End Loaders
• Dozers
• Graders
• Excavators
• Lowdrill
• Skid Steers
• Telehandlers
• Tractors
• And other pieces of specialty equipment.

Safety Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure all safety protocols are followed, including PPE usage, permitting, and safe work practices.
• Lead by example in promoting a positive safety culture within the crew.

Quality Assurance & Task Readiness

• Ensure that work is completed according to specifications, drawings, and client requirements.
• Identify non-conforming work and communicate issues to supervision for timely resolution.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work safely and contribute to safety improvement initiatives
• Participate in SQP meetings
• Participate in Tailboard meetings

Qualifications & Skills

• Driver license required, CDL considered asset
• Operators certificate from a licensed service provider
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years’ experience operating heavy equipment for powerline or similar industry
• Work safely and ability to recognize safety hazards and implement hierarchy of controls to eliminate hazards on site or in office
• Strong listening, problem solving and time management skills with the ability to meet various deadlines
• Strong verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate in a professional manner
• Ability to work with independently or within a team environment with minimal supervision
• Able and willing to travel and work frequent overtime and weekend hours to accommodate project schedules and/or business needs
• Physically fit and able to perform manual labour in varying weather conditions and environments, inclusive of heavy lifting

The range shown is the expected base pay range for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on role requirements, experience, qualifications, work location, applicable project/site requirements, internal equity, and any applicable collective agreement or union requirements. This range does not include overtime, premiums, per diem / LOA, bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation unless specifically stated in the job posting.

Base Pay Range: $28 USD - $43 USD

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process.

Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, driver abstract, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client/site access requirements, and other pre‑employment conditions permitted by applicable law.

Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the recruitment team.