Career Opportunities

Utility Construction & Equipment Operator
Up to 2 Positions

Lines & Operations Division – Outside Staff Collective Agreement
Group V: $25.3649 to $42.2749/hour (May 1, 2026 rates)

SYNERGY NORTH CORPORATION distributes electricity to approximately 50,000 residential customers and 6,000 commercial customers located in Thunder Bay and Kenora, Ontario. It is our mission to provide outstanding energy services in a safe, reliable, and trusted manner to our communities in order to power people’s lives. To do this, we are continuing to build on our strong team of professionals and have up to two full-time, permanent positions as Utility Construction & Equipment Operator in Thunder Bay, Ontario. SYNERGY NORTH invests in the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We provide a robust training program a comprehensive benefits package.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction and guidance of a Lines Maintenance Supervisor, the Utility Construction & Equipment Operator is responsible for supporting Powerline Technician crews and Station Electricians by operating heavy equipment, assisting with installations, facility maintenance, and general labourer duties, in a safe manner. Locations for assigned duties will be in the Synergy North distribution areas and could include (but not limited to) electrical substations, field sites, customer premises, and the Operations Centre yard.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Equipment Operation & Maintenance
  • Operate excavators, backhoes, trenchers, skid steers, loaders, and RBD/digger trucks for utility installations.
  • Conduct pre-operational checks and perform routine maintenance on machinery.
  • Use tools such as tampers, jackhammers, and saws to support excavation and installation work.
  • Snow clearing operations utilizing backhoe, plow truck/sander, and shoveling.
  • Assist with forestry work and vegetation management
• Site Preparation & Construction Support
  • Prepare job sites by clearing areas and digging trenches.
  • Assist in setting utility poles, installing transformers, installing concrete / fiberglass transformer bases, and laying underground conduit and cables.
• Power Line & Electrical Support
  • Assist crews with tools, materials, and equipment working on overhead and underground power systems.
  • Assist in emergency power restoration efforts and post-storm cleanup.
• Traffic & Public Safety Control
  • Set up cones, barricades, and warning signs.
  • Direct traffic and ensure pedestrian and worksite safety.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all safety guidelines and wear required PPE
  • Adhere to lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when working near live electrical components.
• General Labour & Documentation
  • Load/unload trucks, maintain a clean worksite, and backfill trenches.
  • Record material usage, equipment logs, and work progress reports.
  • Prepare and complete as-built plotting documentation related to duct installation
  • Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Secondary school graduation together with Excavator, Front End Loader and Backhoe operating experience. Experience with trenching, digging, snow plowing, and light construction duties.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, problem solving, organizational and communication (verbal and written) skills with a commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork and safety are necessary.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current certification in First Aid/CPR, Occupational Health and Safety Awareness (MOL compliant), Working at Heights, Forklift, Hoisting and Rigging, Ground Personnel Training, Electrical Utility Safety Rules, and WHMIS/GHS.
• Experience in operating Radial Boom Derrick trucks, forklifts, trailers, and any other mobile utility assets.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be willing to work overtime as required.
• Must be willing to travel and work out-of-town as required and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to work alone.
• Must be physically fit to meet the job’s physical and work environment requirements (as determined by a physical demands analysis).
• Must have and maintain a valid Ontario Class “AZ” restricted driver’s license (or obtain within 6 months of employment) Note: A Driver’s Abstract will be processed by SYNERGY NORTH to verify that the applicant has no more than 6 demerit points.
• Must successfully complete a Police Information Check and Drug & Alcohol Testing.

Applicants are invited to email a single PDF document containing their resume and cover letter to recruit@synergynorth.ca Applications will be reviewed starting May 18, 2026, and will continue to be accepted until position is filled. This position is currently vacant, artificial intelligence may be used in the screening process.

TESTING To confirm ability for the position, applicants may be required to take tests related to the job requirements and duties of this position that may include the Physical Demands Testing which is conducted by an independent third party.