Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Brief
Using heavy equipment, including but not limited to graders, backhoes and loaders, the Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for maintenance of the roads throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes to ensure the safety of the public and emergency services.

Employment Status
Permanent Full time
Union
CUPE 855 Outside
Open To
Internal/External Applicant(s)
Closing Date
02/01/2026
Duration (if Temporary)
N/A
Job Title
Heavy Equipment Operator (West B)
Wage $29.75 per hour (2026)

Reports to Supervisor, Public Works

Department Public Works

Location Roads Operations – West B. Lindsay, ON.

Hours Full-time, Normal working hours are 40 hours per week

Other Availability for additional hours and on-call required for winter season to support winter operations. Employees will be paid an additional $0.50 per hour while operating winter combination units (plow/sand). Travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes is required in accordance with job requirements.

Job Description

• Assist in day-to-day maintenance and compliance operations on City roads in an effective, efficient, safe and environmentally responsible manner
• Understand City and Provincial road standards and monitor compliance, reporting anomalies to Supervisor and maintain necessary records
• Provide winter control maintenance, road maintenance, sign maintenance, storm drain and ditch maintenance under the direction of the Area Supervisor
• Provide traffic control duties; install and maintain traffic control infrastructure as per plans approved by Supervisor
• Safe, competent and efficient operation of departmental equipment as part of regular road maintenance program including using a single, tandem or tri-axel snow plow with plow and wing, tandem truck, grader, front end loader, street sweeper, tractor, tractor mounted brushing unit, backhoe, boom truck, mower, chainsaw, tree trimmer, and string trimmer and other equipment as required.
• Snow plowing and sanding operations and snow removal as needed (roads and/or sidewalks)
• General labour and maintenance duties including, but not limited to: tree and brush cutting, road and sign maintenance, gravel and cold patching operations, road applications (calcium chloride), guardrail or sidewalk repair, shop maintenance, general vehicle and equipment maintenance
• Provide roadside maintenance including litter, pickup of dead animals and other debris
• Provide assistance to the public and provide general information in regards to roads maintenance issues
• Keep daily time sheets, equipment log sheets, and hours of work log sheets for supervisor review and approval
• Follow prescribed health and safety procedures including wearing personal protective equipment
• Perform other related duties as assigned .

Skills/Education Required

• Secondary School Diploma
• Minimum 3 years of related progressive experience, competently and safely operating a backhoe, grader and loader to perform all of the duties required of a Heavy Equipment Operator in and around the road system operations, preferably in a municipal environment
• Must have a minimum one (1) full winter control season driving experience operating a tandem, single or tri-axle plow truck with wing and sander (must be current, i.e. within the last five years); over any specified road type
• Ability to read and understand current legislation as it pertains to the Hours of Work legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, Minimum Maintenance Standards, City policies, Operational Guidelines, and other legislation and laws as applicable
• Ability to operate small hand tools and equipment, (i.e. chainsaw, weed eater)
• Knowledge of road maintenance and repairs, both hard top and gravel
• Ability to exert up to 44.4 kg (100 lbs) of force occasionally, and/or up to 22.2 kg (50 lbs) of force frequently, and/or up to 8.9 kg (20 lbs) of force constantly to move objects
• First Aid/CPR Certification, WHMIS training
• Must have legible and accurate writing ability
• Ability to work independently or as an effective member of a team
• Effective oral communication and strong interpersonal skills to deal with members of the public, council and all levels of staff
• Ability to demonstrate initiative consistently with commitment to quality improvement, sharing process improvement initiatives with management
• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize assigned workloads and meet deadlines
• Basic skill Level with microcomputers and related software
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class "D" Driver's Licence with "Z" endorsement and acceptable driving record
• Applicants must be prepared for skill testing during the recruitment process.