Position Title: Steel Supervisor
Location: St. Catharines, ON
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Target salary range of $90,000 – $110,000 per year, based on experience
About Ontario Shipyards
Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.
The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy – where water meets mettle.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Steel Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the fabrication, assembly, and installation of structural steel components on ships, ensuring maximum quality, efficiency, and strict compliance with maritime standards. Unlike standard land-based structural steel roles, our environment requires a hands-on leader who can guide a crew directly on-site, navigating active ships, dry docks, and fabrication shops daily. Your main goal is to drive daily production targets, lead welding and fitting operations, and maintain a high-performing, safety-first work environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance in all structural fabrication, hot work, and repair activities under Ontario OHSA standards.
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Act as a hands-on working supervisor, leading by example while managing direct reports and assisting the crew with welding and metal operations.
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Oversee and assist with manual and semi-automatic Stick (SMAW) and Flux-Core (FCAW) welding operations to fuse heavy marine components, repair worn hulls, and execute structural tie-ins.
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Operate, set up, and assist with flame-cutting equipment, metal shaping machines (shears and brakes), and straightening or bending tools on the shop floor.
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Lead daily safety “toolbox” meetings, conduct field inspections, and actively manage hazard identification or accident investigations within your zone.
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Collaborate with the broader supervisory team to provide accurate updates on job scopes, critical path timelines, workforce planning, and equipment needs.
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Perform administrative activities necessary for effective team management, including participating in interviews, developing employees, planning daily work schedules, organizing tasks, and documenting executed work.
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Evaluate employee performance regularly, providing ongoing coaching, mentoring talent, and administering progressive discipline when required.
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Demonstrate operational flexibility to meet tight ship launch deadlines, proactively identifying project bottlenecks and proposing technical layout or welding solutions to management.
Qualifications & Experience
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A current, valid CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) Certification is strictly required.
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Must possess 7+ years of hands-on structural steel fabrication experience in construction or industrial maintenance settings.
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Must have at least 3+ years of direct supervisory or foreman experience in a heavy trade environment with a proven track record of leading teams.
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A valid Canadian Red Seal Trade Certification as a Welder (456A) or Metal Fabricator (437A) is highly preferred and considered a major asset.
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Previous structural experience in a ship repair, refit, or marine industry setting is considered a strong asset.
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Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
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Comfort and physical capability to work in a rugged shipyard environment, including climbing scaffolding, navigating dry docks, and entering tight, confined vessel spaces in all weather conditions year-round.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary based on skills and experience
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Comprehensive health benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependents
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RRSP matching program and Health Spending Account (HSA)
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Paid vacation time and statutory holidays
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Discounts on Safety Boots & Safety Glasses
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Opportunities for professional development and specialized shipyard training
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On-site parking
This job posting is for an active, immediate vacancy. Every application is reviewed individually by a member of our human recruitment team; we do not use AI or automated computer systems to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We prohibit discrimination and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
