Equipment Operator

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Greenville (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 of heavy equipment for powerline projects. You will operate graders, excavators, backhoes, and other specialty machinery at job sites across the US and Canada, performing checks and maintaining documentation.

The role requires 3–5 years of heavy equipment experience, a valid license, and a strong safety mindset with willingness to travel and work overtime as project schedules demand.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment for powerline or similar industry.
• Valid driver license; CDL considered asset.
• Ability to follow safety rules and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials and operate powerline heavy equipment.
• Perform daily pre/post safety and maintenance checks.
• Maintain right-of-way and use attachments for equipment as required.
• Ensure equipment is safely stored and documented.
• Travel and overtime/weekend availability as project needs.
• Follow site plans and safety protocols at all times.

Skills

Driver license

CDL asset

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication skills

Tools

Operator certification

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.