Equipment Operator Trainer; Year Round River

Competition # : 49128

Department: Public Works

Location: SYDNEY RIVER

Zone: 1

Type of Employment: Year Round

Union Status: CUPE - NSPG

Closing Date: 29-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Under Article 13 of the Collective Agreement between the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1867, the following opportunity is being posted.

Please quote the competition number and the Zone you are applying for as noted above on your application.

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, and seeking your next opportunity where you will directly contribute to the safety of our province, we want to hear from you.

About Our Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Area Manager, the Equipment Operator Trainer supports the development of Equipment Operators. This role plays an essential part in Equipment Operator onboarding, seasonal preparation, documentation quality, and ensuring procedures are followed correctly.

Trainers are expected to work proactively and independently, using structured work plans aligned with operational priorities and seasonal demands. They collaborate closely with Area Managers, Operations Supervisors, Equipment Operators, and Equipment Instructors/Inspectors (EQIIs) to ensure training and documentation efforts are consistent, useful, and responsive to District needs.

This position provides structured and assigned training support and does not replace supervisory functions or routine peer-to-peer coaching that occurs among Equipment Operators as part of normal operations.

Primary Accountabilities

As an Equipment Operator Trainer, your role is pivotal in helping the public arrive safely at their destination. The main responsibilities of this position include:

• Actively monitor and support Equipment Operator development, documenting progress and offering feedback to Supervisors
• Support the coaching of new and existing Equipment Operators on the safe performance of tasks such as plowing, ditching, ice blading, grading, and other equipment operations. Track progress of new Equipment Operators and support scheduling OPTP testing with EQII when Equipment Operators have achieved sufficient experience
• Ensure Equipment Operators are following safety protocols while operating, including trip inspections, hazard assessments, protective equipment, and safe use of attachments
• Report serious or repeated performance concerns to the Operations Supervisor for action
• Prepare equipment for training, including ensuring it is operationally fit, trip inspections are complete, equipment is fuelled, attachments installed, etc.
• Provide hands-on instruction and demonstrations to ensure Equipment Operators are proficient in the safe and effective operation of machinery

Qualifications and Experience

To be eligible, you must have a High school diploma or GED equivalent and minimum 5 years of experience operating relevant equipment.

You must have access to a reliable motor vehicle and a class 3 Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and Condition 15 is required. Applicants must possess this license at the time of hire. A Class 1 license is considered an asset.

You must be able to demonstrate the ability to operate a wide variety of heavy equipment in all seasons and to work independently and manage priorities using structured task planning.

As the ideal candidate, 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 with proven organizational skills, including tracking training-related records and reviewing documentation such as logs and inspection forms and Computer literacy (e.g., digital forms, spreadsheets, email).

You will be assessed on the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: practical driving test on a tandem truck, written examination, interview, and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status…