Heavy Plow Foreperson

The Heavy Plow Foreperson is a highly specialized leadership role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy utility plow trains. This individual orchestrates the movement of large-scale equipment—including vibratory plows, dozers, and reel carriers—to execute long-haul fiber placement projects. Beyond standard crew supervision, this role requires deep expertise in route logistics, heavy equipment maintenance, and the unique ground-disturbance challenges associated with deep plowing in rural and remote environments.

Core Competencies Safety & Quality Leadership (Heavy Equipment Focus) Heavy Plow Train Logistics & Routing Communication & Conflict Resolution Mechanical Aptitude & Troubleshooting Teamwork & Mentorship Adaptability / Flexibility Problem Solving (Terrain & Access) Accountability and Dependability Attention to Detail (Redlines & As-Builts) Job Responsibilities Plow Train Orchestration: Directs the coordinated movement of the entire plow train, ensuring the lead dozers, plow units, and support vehicles operate in unison to maximize production footage while preventing cable damage.

Route Logistics: Proactively scouts the Right of Way (ROW) ahead of the train to identify terrain hazards, water crossings, and access points, ensuring the heavy equipment can navigate the path safely. Safety Enforcement: Leads daily toolbox meetings with a specific focus on heavy equipment interaction zones; ensures all operators adhere to exclusion zones and spotter protocols.

Operational Planning: Coordinates the "feed" of the plow train, managing the logistics of cable reel delivery, fuel supply, and support equipment to minimize downtime. Quality Control: Continually monitors plow depth and ground conditions to ensure the cable is placed at specification, verifying proper backfill and restoration immediately following the installation.

Utility Coordination: Reviews all utility locates and crossing agreements with extreme diligence, as heavy plowing carries high-consequence risks during ground disturbance. Equipment Stewardship: Oversees the daily maintenance and greasing of high-wear plow components (shakers, chutes, tracks), identifying mechanical issues before they cause catastrophic failure.

Documentation: Applies due diligence in ensuring accuracy by promptly completing all necessary documentation, including daily production reports, crossing reports, red lines, and equipment logs.

Requirements

Valid AB Class 5 driver’s license (Class 1 or 3 is highly preferred due to equipment mobilization requirements). Minimum 5–8 years of experience in utility construction with specific expertise in heavy plow operations . Demonstrated experience operating and managing heavy iron (e.g., D6/D8 Dozers, Vermeer/Ditch Witch Vibratory Plows, Crawler Carriers).

Valid Ground Disturbance Level II certification. Deep understanding of rural ROW conditions, soil mechanics, and crossing methodologies (creeks, pipelines, roads). Mechanically inclined problem solver capable of troubleshooting hydraulic and mechanical issues in remote field settings. Ability to read and interpret long-haul construction prints and crossing profiles.

Physically fit and able to work in rugged terrain. Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather (i.e., snow, rain, wind, etc.) if required. Work Conditions Ability to work in remote and rural environments/settings with loud noise levels and heavy vibration. Equipped to work in rough terrain, mud, and isolated rights-of-way.

Prepared to sit (operating), stand, stoop, crouch, and walk significant distances (scouting) for long periods. Valid Driver’s License required for travel to remote sites. Shift work and camp accommodation may be required depending on project location. Overtime and travel to locations in Western Canada, as required.