Heavy Equipment Training Advisor

Requisition ID: 46648 

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function

This Heavy Equipment Training Advisor is responsible for ensuring all on-site operations and construction activities meet the highest quality of training and safety requirements, as well as maintains Sewer Operations’ commitment to set professional standards. The position ensures that employees receive the knowledge and practical training to be safe and productive Heavy Equipment Operators. The position will develop and facilitate in-house training courses, provide all essential operational and safety awareness trainings in the use, operations, and maintenance of heavy equipment in the workplace. The position will foster healthy relationships and maintain communications with all operations stakeholders to help ensure training needs are identified and addressed promptly. This position will also be responsible for conducting pass/fail rating evaluations on trainees, completing assessments and recommendations for internal safety protocols and best practices, and participating in safety incident investigations.

The position reports to the Superintendent II – Equipment, Field Support, Disability Management and Admin. The position will also consult and work in collaboration with key business stakeholders within and outside the branch, including other departments, members of the public and businesses to ensure safe and effective assignments completion. The position will be based in Manitoba Yard with frequent site visits

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Drives continuous improvement through an understanding of industry best practices with a focus on increasing production efficiency, enhancing worker safety and engagement, and improving quality of products and services
• Identifies training needs for operational employees and develops training material by incorporating best practices as well as regulatory updates or changes while meeting compliance requirements
• Prepares, develops, and delivers both in-class and in-field training programs, operating processes and procedures, including training manuals, records and documentations
• Manages and completes rating evaluations on operator trainees’ performance and knowledge throughout the training programs, as well as maintains training assessments and records
• Contributes to the development, review, and revisions of training programs and manuals for Heavy Equipment, other construction equipment, Sewer Operations’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safe Working Guidelines (SWGs)
• Provides guidance and leadership to staff in mentorship roles, and conducts follow-up and refresher training for operators as needed
• Partakes in incident investigations involving heavy machinery; documents events and provides recommendations on change procedures and practice
• Participates in the recruitment and selection process for new hires and assists in the delivery of orientation training as needed
• Attends and partakes in monthly crews talks as required
• Understands project scope and applies engineering principles to troubleshoot and resolve heavy equipment challenges such as, site constraints, scope of work, etc.
• Establishes branch metrics and contributes in the development of new metrics to enhance or manage business operations, and assists in the implementation of performance and cost savings measures
• Contributes to decisions related to staff training and performance reviews including coaching, corrective actions and discipline, and escalates issues appropriately to the Superintendent II and Branch Manager as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a Heavy Equipment Operator program in BC with trade certification or equivalent combination of training as a mentor/trainer in the operation of rubber tire backhoes and track shovel excavators is preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of instructor experience with a reputable training institute or heavy equipment manufacturer or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 10 years of operational experience with backhoes, front-end loaders, dozers, excavators
• Leadership experience in a unionized environment
• Significant experience working in complex operational environments, with preference for experience related to sewer construction, connections and utilities. Must have the equipment's theoretical and practical knowledge

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in the safe operating procedures of the following equipment rubber-tire backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, and other mobile equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of sewers construction, connections and utilities, heavy equipment, tools, materials, and other equipment related to the work, including working knowledge of sewer specific policies and procedures, and best practices.
• Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment specifications and applications
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook with strong computer skills and the ability to prepare reports & PowerPoint training materials.
• Excellent training coaching skills (Interactive training, mentoring, and communication).
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to influence and inspire others and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Preparation for instruction.
• Good working knowledge of WorkSafeBC BC and relevant Organizational Health & Safety standards
• Ability to interpret, follow, explain and direct staff in collective agreement language, City policies and procedures
• Ability to build staff engagement through departmental or corporate initiatives and through coaching, mentoring and training.
• Skilled in conflict and dispute resolution.
• Respectful interpersonal skills including the ability to build inclusivity.
• Sound planning, organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to contribute to the development of budgets and manage and provide advice on cost control
• Ability to evaluate work methods, processes and procedures, make recommendations for appropriate changes, and implement.
• Ability to develop goals and objectives in area of responsibility and contribute to development of branch goals and objectives.
• Ability to develop, define and monitor Staff developmental plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different parts of the organization.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and professionally orally or in writing with staff, management and the public.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts and expectations clearly.
• Ability to solve business problems using data and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop, analyze and report on operational area/business area metrics.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher and a satisfactory driving record

Business Unit/Department: Engineering Services 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: September, 2026 

Position End Date: June, 2027  

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-070: $89,635 to $112,039 per annum

Application Close: August 4, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.