Field Assistant

About the Company

McElhanney is a well-established engineering and surveying firm based in Western Canada for over 110 years. As a fully employee-owned organization with more than 1,500 employees across 31 locations, the company delivers innovative engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. Employees benefit from shareholding opportunities, diverse projects, high autonomy, career development potential, and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Position Overview

The Field Assistant role in Red Deer, Alberta, offers an excellent chance for an individual passionate about working outdoors to gain practical experience in surveying and utility line locating. Reporting directly to a Field Supervisor or Crew Chief, the position involves supporting timely and efficient completion of utility locates and surveys to meet legal and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the utility locate team by implementing directions from the Field Supervisor or Crew Chief.
• Record precise field notes as required.
• Maintain and clean equipment, keep inventory of supplies, stock the company vehicle, and ensure availability of resources in the field with minimal oversight.
• Utilize various tools and equipment such as chainsaws, axes, sledgehammers, shovels, metal detectors, and survey tripods to complete assigned duties.

Candidate Requirements

• Completion of high school; technical education and prior relevant experience are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Physically capable of handling heavy equipment and adapting to diverse environmental and wildlife conditions.
• Willingness to work remotely for extended periods, including remote locations for up to three weeks.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, along with basic computer proficiency.
• Compliance with ongoing pre-employment drug, alcohol, and fitness testing, as this is a safety-sensitive role.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel and undertake out-of-town work in remote areas for long durations.
• Unscheduled drug and alcohol tests may be conducted during employment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage ranges between $17 and $26, adjustable according to experience, skills, qualifications, and education.
• Overtime compensated at time and a half.
• Flexible work rotation schedules.
• Camp accommodation and living allowances provided based on travel demands.
• Hands-on training provided along with safety allowances for personal protective equipment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental coverage, healthcare spending account, RRSP matching, maternity and parental leave top-ups, and an employee and family assistance program for support.
• Inclusive workplace culture emphasizing respect and inclusion.
• Eligibility to participate in the company's performance bonus plan and potential share ownership as part of the employee-owned structure.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

McElhanney fosters an inclusive culture embracing diversity across ethnicity, religion, backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientation, age, disabilities, and Aboriginal status. Accommodation requests are supported throughout the hiring process. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as unique contributions to the team are welcomed.

Safety and Fraud Warning

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to policy. Candidates should be aware of fraudulent job offers outside of official channels; McElhanney never requests money from applicants during hiring.