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.
