Journeyman Powerline Technician

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: Surrey, BC. Crews may transition to other projects within the region as work is completed.
• Work arrangement: Field-based work supporting distribution powerline construction and maintenance.
• Employment type: Full-time, permanent
• Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 10 hours per day
• Union: This recruitment is for an IBEW-represented position.

The Opportunity

The Journeyman Powerline Technician supports the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground distribution powerlines. You will build new lines, troubleshoot electrical systems, and complete installations and repairs while maintaining safe work practices and meeting project quality requirements.

This opportunity suits an experienced powerline technician who brings practical field knowledge, takes pride in quality workmanship, and enjoys helping apprentices develop their skills. You will work alongside your crew to resolve construction challenges and demonstrate Forbes Bros.’ core value of WE WORK SAFE.

Key Elements of the Role

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair high- and low-voltage distribution systems, including troubleshooting overhead and underground lines and related electrical components.
• Construct new distribution powerlines through all phases of installation, including framing wood and steel structures.
• Perform conductor stringing and cable pulling in overhead and civil environments, support pulling and tensioning equipment setup, and operate equipment used in distribution construction and maintenance.
• Follow protective equipment requirements, permits, and safe work procedures, and participate in safety observations, incident reporting, and corrective actions.
• Complete work to specifications, drawings, and client requirements. Report non-conforming work to supervision and help prepare work areas for inspections and client walkdowns.
• Participate in tailboards and Safety, Quality, and Production meetings, and contribute practical ideas to improve crew safety and work practices.
• Support the training and development of apprentices and new team members, reinforcing technical skills and safe work habits.

What You’ll Bring

• Red Seal certification in the powerline trade, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the powerline industry.
• Previous experience as a Journeyman Powerline Technician in distribution or transmission, with strong knowledge of distribution construction and maintenance methods, principles, and procedures.
• A valid driver’s licence, minimum Class 3.
• Strong safety awareness, with the ability to recognize hazards and apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce risks.
• Strong listening, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in an active construction environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work professionally with crews, supervision, and other stakeholders, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including manual labour and heavy lifting, in varying weather and site conditions.

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.