Equipment Operator (Contract)

Position Details

• Department: Public Works and Engineering
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Contract
• Engagement Type: Temporary
• Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
• Work Location: On-Site

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is a thriving, progressive, and welcoming community. Located just west of the City of London, Middlesex Centre’s rural charm and vibrant small towns make it a great place to live, work, and play. We are a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that prides itself on delivering the highest standard of municipal services. Our core values are respect, cooperation, innovation, and integrity. We are looking for a team player who is passionate about their work and eager to improve and grow.

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator performs a variety of duties related to road maintenance, including operating and repairing departmental equipment, installing and maintaining road signs, maintaining municipal buildings and facilities, installing and repairing municipal drains, and assisting with operational requests from other municipal departments. The role also involves annual capital construction projects such as road and sidewalk construction and tar and chip resurfacing. During winter, the operator conducts all required maintenance activities including operating snowplows and sidewalk plows.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery, tools, and equipment for road infrastructure maintenance, including snow and ice management, grading roads, excavating, hauling and spreading materials, operating heavy construction machinery and trucks, and conducting seasonal roadside maintenance.
• Install and maintain regulatory, warning, and information signs per the Ontario Traffic Manual.
• Report road conditions, damage, vandalism and carry out necessary repairs as directed.
• Remove litter and debris within Municipal right-of-way.
• Repair guardrails, municipal sidewalks, shoulders, and storm sewers.
• Install traffic calming measures (e.g. speed humps) and operate the street sweeper.
• Assist with installing traffic control devices to ensure worksite safety per Ontario Traffic Manual.
• Undertake legislated road patrols and roadside forestry activities; assist with street light maintenance.
• Repair, replace, and install municipal drains including steel culverts, tiling, catch-basins, and erosion control devices.
• Assess and assist in ordering materials needed for road construction; report material consumption.
• Operate and perform chip sealing operations for maintenance and new construction projects.
• Perform road, sidewalk, and transportation construction projects operating heavy construction equipment.
• Perform mechanical maintenance on heavy equipment and vehicles (oil changes, tire repairs, painting, wiring, welding).
• Conduct daily safety inspections on equipment and vehicles and report deficiencies.
• Assist with inventory procurement and ensure safe operation of equipment and chemical usage.
• Operate winter maintenance equipment including plow trucks, loaders, sidewalk plows, graders, and other heavy equipment.
• Maintain municipal parking lots and Public Works and Engineering facilities.
• Assist with water repairs and undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma plus approximately one year of additional certifications.
• 4-5 years of progressive experience in municipal transportation operations.
• Preferred certifications: Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C, Occupational Health and Safety Confined Space Training, TJ Mahoney Construction & Maintenance Certification (Ontario Good Roads Association), Heavy Equipment Operator Program, Forklift Training, Working at Heights.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, transportation-related processes, provincial regulations, and construction practices.
• Strong communication skills, working knowledge of Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7, and training in common core and surface miner for municipal quarry operations.
• Additional training: Fuel handling safety, facility overhead crane, chainsaw certification, welding.
• Valid Ontario class AZ or DZ driver’s license in good standing.
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.
• Physical ability to lift 45 kg.

Hours and Conditions of Work

Normal hours of work are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with seasonal evening and/or weekend shifts as required. Overtime may be necessary due to weather conditions or emergency after-hours work. The role involves frequent work with heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and near utilities.