Heavy Equipment Operator

Our City, Our Future

St. John's is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John’s is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John’s a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The City of St. John’s is accepting applications for full-time temporary Heavy Equipment Operator positions with the Department of Public Works. These positions are required for the upcoming winter season and offer a minimum of 40 hours per week from November 30, 2026 – April 2027.

Opportunities may include:
First Class Operator - Roads Division
Second Class Operator - Refuse - Waste & Recycling Division
Second Class Operator - Parks & Open Spaces Division
Second Class Operator - Fleet Division

Assessments and Interviews will be ongoing for these positions. Apply now for early consideration.

Accountabilities

First Class Operator - Individuals will be required to operate various pieces of heavy equipment including but not limited to: Truck/sander plow, front end loader, grader, roller, sidewalk plow, snow blower and rubber tire backhoe. They may be required to participate in all aspects of the City’s snow clearing and removal operations. As well, the individual will be expected to perform labour work, refuse collection, and other duties that may be required to support the operations of the Department.

Second Class Operator - Refuse (Waste & Recycling Division) - Individuals are required operate a refuse collection truck in the curb side collection of garbage and/or recycling.

Second Class Operator (Parks & Open Spaces Division) - Individuals will be required to operate smaller pieces of equipment and perform other duties to support winter operations such as manual shoveling and salting, filling salt boxes, etc.

Second Class Operator (Fleet Division) - Individuals will be required to move equipment, pick up and drop off parts and vehicles, garage clean up, etc.

Individuals must be physically able to do the duties of the position; have a safe driving record and be able to maintain records as required, understand, and adhere to all applicable policies and regulations pertaining to these duties.

These positions are classified as safety sensitive. The City of St. John’s has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Policy to ensure fitness for work and the completion of a satisfactory alcohol and drug test is a mandatory pre-employment requirement.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience operating heavy equipment (including tandem truck and front-end loader) supplemented by successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, ABE, etc.) OR graduation from a provincially registered Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program supplement by high school diploma and some experience operating heavy equipment. Snow clearing experience is considered an asset. Provincial registration as a journeyperson in heavy equipment operation considered an asset.

Minimum license requirement for First Class Operator is Class 03 Driver’s License with 08 (Traction Engine) and 09 (Air Brake) endorsements. Minimum license requirement for Second Class Operator is Class 03 Driver’s License with 09 (Air Brake) endorsement. Current Drivers Abstract must be provided.

An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Candidates will be required to submit copies of the above noted credentials. Please ensure that your resume contains your employment history (places of employment including dates, position titles and summary of duties).

Hours of Work

This position requires shift work. Minimum 40 hours per week.

Applicants must be members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 569, or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity.