At Kehoe Marine Construction, we help clients protect, access, and enjoy their waterfront properties through custom docks, shoreline protection, and marine construction projects across Eastern Ontario and beyond.
For more than 20 years, we have built a reputation for quality workmanship, practical problem-solving, and doing things the right way. As our company continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and dependable Deckhand / Equipment Operator to join our field team.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on work, operating equipment, working outdoors, and being part of a crew that takes pride in building high-quality projects. The work is physical, varied, and often challenging—but for the right person, it is also rewarding and offers the opportunity to develop a broad range of marine construction skills.
Your Role at Kehoe
You will support the safe and efficient completion of waterfront and marine construction projects.
Working under the direction of a Foreman or Lead Hand, you will assist with daily site operations, operate equipment you are trained and authorized to use, handle tools and construction materials, and help keep projects moving safely and productively.
Depending on the project and your experience, your work may include working on small boats or tugs, assisting with heavy equipment, loading and unloading materials, rigging, docking, steel cutting and grinding, equipment maintenance, and general marine construction activities.
You do not need to know every part of marine construction on day one, but you do need to bring relevant field experience, a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn.
Who You Are
You are dependable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working with your hands. You take pride in showing up prepared, following through on your responsibilities, and contributing to the success of the crew.
You understand that productive work starts with good planning, properly maintained equipment, clear communication, and attention to safety. You are willing to ask questions when something is unclear and are open to learning from experienced operators, Forepersons, and other members of the team.
You enjoy work where every project and job site may be different, and you are comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and marine environments.
This Role May Be a Great Fit for You If You:
- Enjoy operating equipment and working with tools, machinery, boats, and construction materials.
- Prefer active, hands-on work over sitting at a desk.
- Take safety seriously and are comfortable speaking up when something does not look right.
- Are dependable and understand the importance of arriving on time and prepared for the day.
- Enjoy being part of a crew and working toward a shared goal.
- Can follow instructions while also recognizing what needs to be done next.
- Have mechanical aptitude and are interested in developing new skills.
- Take pride in looking after tools, equipment, and company property.
- Are comfortable travelling and staying away from home when projects require it.
- Want the opportunity to grow into more advanced operating, marine, or construction responsibilities.
This Role May Not Be the Best Fit If You:
- Prefer predictable indoor work in a controlled environment.
- Are uncomfortable working around water, boats, barges, or heavy equipment.
- Do not enjoy physically demanding work, changing weather, or early mornings.
- Find it difficult to follow established safety procedures or use required PPE.
- Are unwilling to travel or stay overnight for out-of-town projects.
- Do not enjoy maintaining, cleaning, greasing, or caring for tools and equipment.
The Ideal Previous Experience
We are looking for someone with:
- Three (3) + years of experience in construction, equipment operation, marine work, deckhand work, civil construction, or another physically demanding field environment.
- Experience operating construction or heavy equipment considered a strong asset.
- Experience operating small boats, workboats, or tugboats considered an asset.
- A Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate, or willingness to obtain one, considered an asset.
- Welding, fabrication, cutting, grinding, rigging, or mechanical experience considered an asset.
- Completion of secondary school preferred.
- A valid Class G driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.
- A willingness and ability to obtain a Class A Restricted driver’s licence.
- The ability and willingness to travel and stay overnight for out-of-town projects when required.
Our Commitment to You
At Kehoe Marine Construction, you are part of a team that values hard work, accountability, safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
We believe good people should have the opportunity to keep learning and progressing. In this role, you will gain exposure to a variety of equipment, projects, construction methods, and marine operations while working alongside experienced members of our team.
As our company continues to grow, we want people who are excited to develop their skills, take on greater responsibility, and build a long-term career with Kehoe.
Compensation & Total Rewards
Kehoe Marine Construction offers competitive compensation based on your experience, operating abilities, certifications, and qualifications.
We also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including group benefits, a Health Spending Account, RRSP/DPSP matching, and opportunities for training, development, and career growth within the company.
Compensation will be discussed clearly throughout the recruitment process.
Recruitment Process
We are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know and we will work with you to support your needs.
Ready to Apply?
If you are dependable, safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, and ready to contribute to a hardworking marine construction crew, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: $26.00-$33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person