Position Summary
The Vibratory Plow Operator is responsible for safely operating a vibratory plow and related construction equipment to install underground telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic cable, tracer wire and other utility infrastructure.
The operator works closely with the Crew Supervisor, ground workers, utility locators and other equipment operators to complete installations safely, accurately and efficiently. This position requires strong equipment-operating skills, good judgment around existing underground utilities and the ability to adjust installation methods based on soil conditions, congestion and project requirements.
The successful candidate must understand that production does not take priority over worker safety, utility protection, installation quality or compliance with project specifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate vibratory plows, including Vermeer PTX-series equipment or similar machinery.
- Install underground telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic cable, tracer wire and related infrastructure.
- Complete fibre-to-the-home, backbone, commercial and rural telecommunications installations.
- Review construction drawings, utility locates, installation plans and project specifications before beginning work.
- Participate in daily hazard assessments, toolbox meetings and pre-work planning.
- Inspect the proposed installation route for utility conflicts, access limitations, surface hazards and changing ground conditions.
- Confirm that required underground utilities have been properly located and daylighted before plowing begins.
- Maintain required installation depths, alignments, offsets and utility clearances.
- Coordinate closely with ground workers to monitor conduit, cable, reels, feed systems and installation progress.
- Stop work immediately when utility markings are unclear, required utilities have not been exposed or safe clearance cannot be confirmed.
- Adjust machine speed, blade depth and installation technique based on soil conditions and site requirements.
- Avoid excessive conduit stretching, cable damage, sharp bends, surface disruption and damage to existing infrastructure.
- Operate around roadways, boulevards, private property, rural rights-of-way and active construction sites.
- Assist with setting up cable and conduit reels, product feeding and equipment positioning.
- Assist with the installation of vaults, pedestals, handholes, marker posts and other telecommunications infrastructure.
- Assist with excavating launch and receiving areas when required.
- Support hand digging, potholing, site cleanup and general labour duties as needed.
- Minimize damage to lawns, landscaping, pavement, driveways and other property.
- Assist with surface restoration and cleanup following installation.
- Complete daily equipment inspections and report defects, damage or maintenance concerns.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance, greasing, cleaning and minor adjustments.
- Maintain accurate daily production records, material records and equipment inspection documentation.
- Report utility strikes, near misses, property damage and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Communicate professionally with supervisors, inspectors, customers, property owners and members of the public.
- Follow company safety policies, safe work procedures and client-specific requirements.
- Comply with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health requirements and applicable utility-owner standards.
- Perform other construction and equipment-operating duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience operating a vibratory plow or comparable underground utility-installation equipment.
- Experience installing telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic cable or other underground utilities.
- Ability to understand utility markings, construction drawings and installation routes.
- Strong understanding of underground utility hazards and safe ground-disturbance practices.
- Ability to maintain specified installation depths and utility clearances.
- Ability to operate construction equipment safely near workers, traffic, buildings and existing infrastructure.
- Ability to identify unsafe conditions and stop work when utility locations or clearances cannot be confirmed.
- Experience completing daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a construction crew.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends and out-of-town assignments when required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two or more years of vibratory plow operating experience.
- Experience operating Vermeer PTX-series vibratory plows, including the PTX42 or similar equipment.
- Previous experience completing telecommunications installations for Valley Fiber.
- Experience working on Valley Fiber fibre-to-the-home, backbone, rural broadband or related telecommunications projects.
- Familiarity with Valley Fiber construction standards, documentation requirements and inspection expectations.
- Experience installing conduit, fibre cable, tracer wire, vaults, pedestals and handholes.
- Fibre-to-the-home construction experience.
- Experience working in congested urban utility corridors and rural rights-of-way.
- Experience operating mini excavators, skid steers, trenchers or other construction equipment.
- Ground Disturbance Level II certification.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- WHMIS certification.
- Traffic-control or confined-space training.
- Class 3 driver’s licence with air-brake endorsement.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong equipment-control skills.
- Good depth perception and spatial awareness.
- Strong situational awareness around underground utilities.
- Safety-focused decision-making.
- Ability to recognize changing ground and operating conditions.
- Clear communication with supervisors and ground workers.
- Ability to follow drawings, instructions and project specifications.
- Attention to detail and installation quality.
- Dependability, punctuality and accountability.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe or unclear.
- Respectful and professional conduct.
- Ability to work productively without sacrificing safety or quality.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Sit and operate equipment for extended periods.
- Enter and exit construction equipment repeatedly throughout the workday.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Work on uneven, muddy, wet or frozen ground.
- Bend, kneel, climb and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Lift and carry tools, equipment and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Work around traffic, noise, vibration, dust and active construction equipment.
- Work outdoors during hot, cold, wet and windy conditions.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment.
Work Schedule
This is a seasonal construction position. Hours may vary depending on project requirements, weather conditions and customer schedules. Employees should expect early starts, extended workdays, occasional weekend work and potential travel throughout Winnipeg, and Rural Manitoba.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Safe and competent operation of the vibratory plow.
- Prevention of utility strikes, property damage and worker injuries.
- Compliance with required installation depths, alignments and utility clearances.
- Quality of installed conduit, cable and related infrastructure.
- Productivity without compromising safety or installation quality.
- Ability to minimize surface disruption and restoration requirements.
- Completion of equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.
- Accuracy of daily production and equipment records.
- Communication with supervisors, ground workers and project representatives.
- Attendance, reliability and professional conduct.
- Care and condition of company equipment.
Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
