Forbes Bros. Group of Companies Verified

Construction, Infrastructure, Utilities, Telecommunications

Equipment Operator (RBD)

Chatham, ONOnsiteFull TimeCA$38,000–CA$49,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

heavy equipment
backhoes
excavators
radial boom derricks
skid steers
mini excavators
crawler tractors
loaders
site plans
safety checks

Nice to have

air brakes

Role summary

The Equipment Operator (RBD) role supports transmission & distribution line projects throughout Ontario. This full-time, temporary, on-site position involves operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and radial boom derricks, following site plans, and performing daily safety and maintenance checks. The role requires 3-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment, a valid driver's license, and an operator's certificate. A Class 3 (DZ) or Class 1 (AZ) license with air brakes is an asset. The position involves project-based rotation, frequent overtime, and weekend work, with travel to project sites across Ontario.

About Us

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is a leading utility infrastructure contractor helping power communities across Canada and the United States. Built on family roots, we value safety, hard work, and getting the job done right for our clients. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to build your skills and grow your career.

Role Details

Location: Transmission & distribution line projects throughout Ontario.

Employment type: Full-time, temporary

Work arrangement: On-site - rotation

Schedule: Project-based rotation, initially anticipated to be 21 days on / 7 days off or 6 days on / 1 day off. Frequent overtime and weekend work may be required to accommodate project schedules.

Travel: Travel to project sites throughout Ontario is required.

Travel support: Eligible for a $200 per day living-out allowance (LOA), where applicable while working away from home.

The Opportunity

Working under the direction of a Foreman or Lead Hand, the Equipment Operator supports construction activities through the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment. You will follow site plans, complete daily safety and maintenance checks, and work closely with the construction team to support field operations.

This opportunity suits an experienced operator who takes pride in safe operation, equipment care, and teamwork. You will work with equipment ranging from backhoes and excavators to radial boom derricks while contributing to quality construction work and keeping equipment ready for use.

Key Elements of the Role

Operate assigned equipment, including backhoes, skid steers, mini excavators, radial boom derricks (digger trucks), excavators, and other equipment as required.

Follow site plans, equipment operating manuals, and applicable legislation, policies, and procedures, keeping safety and quality central to each task.

Perform daily pre-use and post-use safety and maintenance checks.

Work closely with the construction team to understand assigned tasks and provide feedback on equipment and field requirements.

Complete routine cleaning, greasing, and maintenance, and advise the Fleet Foreman of maintenance or repair requirements.

Keep equipment documentation current and complete daily inspection records.

Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored when not in use.

What You’ll Bring

An operator’s certificate from a licensed service provider.

Three to five years of experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators, crawler tractors, and loaders.

A valid driver’s licence and an acceptable driver’s abstract, maintained throughout employment.

A Class 3 (DZ) or Class 1 (AZ) licence with air brakes is an asset.

Experience with all or most of the equipment used in the role, including backhoes, skid steers, mini excavators, and radial boom derricks, is an asset.

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$38—$49 CAD

Equal Opportunity & Recruitment

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers committed to a respectful and accessible recruitment process. We make employment decisions based on job-related qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or family status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must currently be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located and must maintain valid work authorization throughout their employment.

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, review of driving records or driver’s abstracts, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client or site-access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require accommodation are encouraged to contact the recruitment team so we can discuss their needs and arrange appropriate support.

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