Heavy Equipment Operator / Maintenance Labourer

Reports To: Site Supervisor

Location: Strathlorne, NS

Position: Full-Time; Permanent [40 hours per week]

POSITION SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment Operator / Maintenance Labourer is responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment and performing maintenance on municipal infrastructure to maintain the safety and functionality of municipal assets. This role requires physical effort and agility to perform a variety of manual tasks, and demonstrates a commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality performance through continuous development. The successful candidate will frequently travel to sites throughout the Municipality, work in a variety of weather conditions, and respond to emergency situations outside of regular working hours, including evenings and weekends.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, excavator, backhoe, and transfer truck, to load and transport materials and equipment.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of municipal water and wastewater distribution systems, including manholes, valves, hydrants, and service connections.
• Support sewer and water hook-ups, shutoff repairs, and valve maintenance.
• Participate in daily pre-work job assessments and toolbox talks.
• Assist with traffic control setup and safety reviews prior to maintenance or repair work.
• Perform manual tasks such as shoveling, digging, and backfilling as required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the service bay and work areas.
• Support asphalt cuts, sidewalk repairs, and restoration of work sites following infrastructure repairs.
• Maintain courteous and professional interactions with the community members, and visitors by delivering quality service.
• Assist with sidewalk snow removal, including shoveling, plowing, and salting during winter months.
• Collaborate with the Buildings and Grounds team on related tasks when needed.
• Participate in safety, operational, and training meetings.
• Respond to emergency infrastructure maintenance needs, including water main breaks, sewer backups, and road/sidewalk maintenance.
• Operate assigned municipal vehicles with GPS systems and regularly verify that the system is functioning correctly, reporting any issues promptly.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and management to promote a safe and positive workplace culture, while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that advance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Maintain courteous and positive public relations with residents of the community, representatives of organizations, and visitors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of requirements of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act and National Safety Code, including but not limited to, daily trip inspections, reporting of defects and abnormalities, driver’s logbook, and roadside inspections.
• Experience in municipal sewer and water system installation, repair, road construction, and utilities are considered an asset.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions and maintain records as required.
• Commitment to safety and continuous learning.
• Demonstrated proficiency in water/wastewater installation and repair, road work, utilities, basic paving tasks, valve exercising, and a good understanding of municipal preventive maintenance programs.
• Comfortable utilizing maintenance and landscaping equipment or hand tools.
• Experience using SiteDocs or other municipal software to record and document safety talks, toolbox talks, incident reports, hazard identification, and other related health and safety reports, or field mapping used for municipal infrastructure systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to a safe work culture, incorporating safe work practices in daily activities.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with respect to all matters pertaining to the municipality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED).
• Certification related to construction, heavy equipment operation, public works, road construction, etc. (i.e. Heavy Equipment Operator Program).
• Class 3 driver’s license with air brakes, or willingness to obtain, is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of pertinent and applicable equivalent experience in road related construction, road operations and utilities, with demonstrable proficiency in the operation of equipment; municipal or public service experience considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Certification or willingness to obtain training in:
• Standard First Aid
• Traffic Control Person (TCP) and Temporary Workplace Signer
• Confined Space Awareness
• Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Awareness
• Fall Protection
• Defensive/Winter Driving
• Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Regulations
• Equipment Operation Training (as applicable): Excavator, backhoe, sidewalk plow, skid steer.
• Chainsaw Safety (if applicable)
• Class 1 Distribution Certification (NSECC requirement)
• Class 1 Waste Collection Certification (NSECC requirement)
• Leak Detection – Water Distribution

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily outdoors in a physically demanding environment that includes exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, and high winds.
• Safety sensitive locations include roadways, construction zones, municipal properties, and remote or uneven terrain requiring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and manual labour for extended periods.
• Work may occur outside regular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or during emergency response situations such as storms or infrastructure failures.

SAFETY

The Municipality is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. The Heavy Equipment Operator / Maintenance Labourer is expected to:

• Ensure all policies and procedures set forth by the Municipality of the County of Inverness are always observed.
• Report all work situations which are suspected of being unhealthy or unsafe.
• Report any employee whose on-the-job performance or actions contravenes established safety procedures or work practices.
• Report all near-misses and incidents.
• Report related injuries or property damage regardless of severity.
• Submit reports on accidents and other hazardous conditions discovered and promptly attend to all hazardous situations.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the Municipality.

At the Municipality of the County of Inverness, we are dedicated to building a workplace that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and communities to apply. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the selection process.