New Job Winter Equipment Operators (Victoria County And Inverness North) In Nova Scotia

About Us

Maintaining our Provincial Infrastructure is no small job.

The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia’s 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges.

If you enjoy operating Heavy Equipment, are looking for flexible work, and seeking your next opportunity where you will directly contribute to the safety of our province, we want to hear from you.

We are currently hiring for Spare Winter Equipment Operators in Victoria County and Inverness North at the following bases: Baddeck, Boularderie, Cape North, Ingonish in Zone 2 and Strathlorne, Cheticamp and Margaree in Zone 3. Work may be available at any of these locations.

This opportunity is for a spare position: this position has no guarantee of hours – successful candidates will be called on a when and as required basis and will be only paid for the hours that they work.

About Our Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the many different careers our Department has to offer. When you begin your journey with Public Works, you will attend a two-week, paid, training course which will provide you with the skills necessary for effective snow and ice control. After training, you will complete 45 hours of paid plowing experience with a designated mentor. A final driving test on a One-Person-Truck-Plow equipped with a front plow, a wing and salt controls will be required.

Primary Accountabilities

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, as a Spare Winter Equipment Operator, your role is primarily responsible for operating snow removal equipment such as snow-plows, graders, and loaders including the general maintenance of the equipment, pre-and-post trip inspections, and completion of daily logs. You may assist with construction and maintenance work such as maintaining signs, road surface repairs, general maintenance, and traffic control.

Qualifications and Experience

Some high school education, a minimum Class 3 license with air brake endorsement, plus two (2) years of truck driving experience at a Class 3 (or higher) level OR successful completion of a recognized professional driving course plus one (1) year of Class 3 (or higher) driving experience is required.

An acceptable equivalent of education, training & experience may be considered. Testing will be done on a manual transmission truck.

Reading and comprehension are required skills to ensure the proper review and completion of daily logs, inspection reports and other documentation related to the safe operation of plow equipment.

Knowledge of hydraulic systems and a mechanical aptitude are considered assets. Previous experience operating trucks with salt and plow equipment, a Class I license, and knowledge of salt spreading systems are also considered assets.

You are flexible, self-motivated, and comfortable working in adverse weather conditions. As part of our team, you bring professionalism and hold a high standard for client service.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: practical driving test on a tandem truck, written examination, functional physical assessment, interview, and reference checks.

Working Conditions

You will be working in all types of weather conditions, environmental hazards, traffic conditions, occasional work performed in a mechanical environment occasioned by smoke and fumes. Expected to work in above normal noise, dust, and vibrations.

Additional Information

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Nova Scotia announced full vaccination will be a condition of employment for new staff being hired. View the news release here.

Candidates selected for a road test, interview and physical functional must be available to complete these in the local area at determined dates and times. You will also attend a two-week, paid, training course which will provide you with the skills necessary for effective snow and ice control, usually held during two (2) weeks in January.

After successful completion of all departmental training, you may be eligible to apply for a future opportunity on the Winter Wage Guarantee which is a guarantee of a minimum ninety (90) hours bi-weekly including a winter premium of $0.95 per hour.

Applicants who are unable to apply online are invited to stop by the local Area Office located at 6 Campbell Street, Baddeck to complete a paper application. Staff will be on site between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday to assist you. Please bring a current copy of your Drivers Abstract.

Due to public health guidelines and Department protocols all visitors are required to wear a mask prior to entering the noted premise.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.