Equipment Operator (Provincial Field Crew Works Period) (4 Positions)
Competition # : 48339
Department: Public Works
Location: MILLER LAKE
Zone: Provincial Outfits
Type of Employment: Provincial Field Crew Works Period
Union Status: CUPE - NSPG
Closing Date: 26-Apr-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
Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.
Provincial Outfits is located in Miller Lake; the central hub of the Department of Public Works. Here at Provincial Outfits, there’s no worry about doing the same thing day in, day out. As is the nature of construction, things are always changing, no two days are alike, and every job is different.
We are responsible for supporting Nova Scotia’s 23,000-kilometer road network and 4,100 bridges. If you’re looking for a dynamic, flexible opportunity where you can watch your hands-on experiences come to life, we want to hear from you.
About Our Opportunity
Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Provincial Outfits, the Equipment Operator is responsible for the efficient operation of various types of equipment used in the construction and maintenance of provincial infrastructure. This shall include the general maintenance of this equipment, pre and post trip inspections, and daily logs as required.
Primary Accountabilities
This position will require operation of the Department’s heavy equipment for brush cutting, including tractors with Seppi Brush cutters, Woods 20’ Batwing mowers, Track excavator with Seppi Brush cutting head, and Track Skid Steers with mower attachments. This position will also include use of Chainsaw, brush clearing saws and may involve the installation of thermoplastic inlays (including operation of a motorized grinder) as well as the use of a paint machine for hand painting projects in parking lots.
The successful candidate may also be required to perform the duties of other job positions as outlined in Groups I, II and III of the CUPE Collective Agreement for which they are qualified.
Qualifications and Experience
Two years of experience or an acceptable equivalent of education, training, and relevant experience.
Minimum of Class III license with air brake endorsement.
Reading and writing skills are required to understand department documentation and to complete daily logs, inspection reports, etc.
The following is not required but considered helpful:
- A professional driving course from a recognized truck driving training facility
- Knowledge of hydraulic systems and mechanical skills
- Training completed at any accredited heavy/commercial equipment training institute
-
Previous experience driving a manual transmission
You are flexible, self-motivated, and comfortable working in all weather conditions. You are respectful and understand the value of good customer service. You will be working around environmental hazards, various traffic conditions and occasional work performed in a mechanical environment.
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 and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
Working Conditions
You will be working in all types of weather conditions, environmental hazards, traffic conditions, occasional work performed in a mechanical environment occasioned by smoke and fumes. Expected to work in above normal noise, dust and vibrations.
Additional Information
Applicants will be tested and are required to be deemed competent by the Department of Public Works within one year of the successful candidates start date.
Assignment of duties will be in accordance with operational needs, geographic differences and varying climates across the province.
These positions involve extensive travel throughout the province and being away from home for stretches of five days in a row.
All work will be Monday to Friday throughout the province including day, and some night work.
This opportunity is for a minimum twenty-three (23) week period. Start dates may vary.
Four (4) opportunities are available.
What We Offer
- Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
- Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
- Countless Career Paths.
Pay Grade: EQP OPER
Salary Range: $29.12 Hourly
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current CUPE local 1867 employees with a date of seniority. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to perform duties as necessary within their zone. Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Current employees may apply to this position through the following link:
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

