Public Works Foreperson

City of St. John's

$86K — $111K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma with a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or Journeyperson Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operation.
  • Minimum of five years supervisory experience in public works or a related field.
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment operation and experience in snow and ice control are assets.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Valid Class 5 Driver's License required, with willingness to obtain a Class 3 Driver's License shortly after hiring.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise, direct, and deploy staff and equipment.
  • Schedule work and staff to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness.
  • Conduct toolbox talks and ensure work site safety.
  • Communicate and cooperate with City personnel, contractors, public, and utilities.
  • Inspect and maintain all property, documenting results thoroughly.
  • Respond to emergency callouts as per City or Division procedures.
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Benefits

  • Full-time permanent position within a stable city department.
  • Opportunities for ongoing training and skill advancement.
  • Exposure to diverse work environments and infrastructure projects.
  • Potential for career progression within the Public Works sector.
Full Job Description
Job Number:

J0726-0645

Position Title:

Public Works Foreperson

Department:

Public Works

Appointment Status:

Full-Time Permanent

Employee Group:

Management

Job Category:

Management - Public Works

Compensation:

$86,476.00 - $111,582.00/Year

Closing Date:

August 7, 2026

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The Opportunity

Join the Public Works team at the City of St. John's.

We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Public Works Foreperson to help deliver municipal services across our city. This is a full-time, permanent position that will assist within various divisions of the Public Works Department.

As a Foreperson, you will lead crews, coordinate equipment and resources, and help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You will work closely with your team and report to the Operations Supervisor within your assigned division.

Foreperson positions are classified at either Grade 4 ($86,476 - $111,582) or Grade 5 ($99,447 - $128,318) of the Management Pay Plan. Classification is based on the assigned Division.

Accountabilities

Supervision and Coordination
• Supervise, direct, and deploy staff and equipment.
• Schedule work and staff to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Be familiar with the infrastructure and equipment assigned to the Foreperson.

Safety and Compliance
• Ensure work site safety, conduct toolbox talks, and understand supervisory
• responsibilities under OH&S regulations and procedures.
• Ensure necessary permits and traffic control plans are in place for safe work sites. Notify the public of traffic interruptions as per Division policy.
• Understand and implement the Collective Agreement where applicable.

Communication and Collaboration
• Communicate and cooperate with City personnel, contractors, the public, and public utilities as required.
• Submit written and verbal reports, maintain a daily journal.
• Maintain computerized database and complaints systems information.

Inspection and Maintenance
• Inspect and maintain all property, considering weather impacts on City infrastructure. Document results.
• Ensure availability of equipment and materials for maintenance activities or repairs.
• Conduct inspections, investigations, prepare reports and recommend corrective actions as required.

Flexibility and Responsiveness
• Respond to emergency callouts at any time, as per City or Division procedures.
• Be willing to work extended shifts and take on tasks to balance the team workload.
• Perform other duties as needed.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
• High School Diploma with a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology or Journeyperson Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operation or related field.
• Minimum of five years supervisory experience in public works or a related field.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation and experience in snow and ice control are assets.

Skills and Abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically with others.
• Strong prioritization, multitasking, and troubleshooting skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software.

Knowledge and Compliance
• Understanding of WHSCC Legislation, Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and Human Rights Legislation.

Licensing and Training
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License required; willingness to obtain a Class 3 Driver's License with air brake endorsement shortly after hiring.
• Prepared to complete additional training for other classes and endorsements.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Working Conditions

This position requires outdoor work and could involve responding to severe weather conditions such as flooding, winter events, and windstorms. Extended periods of shift work and extensive overtime. Travel throughout the City is required to visit work sites and developments while working near high traffic zones and often in adverse conditions.

Physical Requirements

These positions are classified as safety sensitive. The City of St. John's has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Policy to ensure fitness for work and the completion of a satisfactory alcohol and drug test is a mandatory pre-employment requirement.

Hours of Work
• May to October: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• November to April: Rotating shift work as needed for 24/7 Winter Operations
• Other shift schedules as needed

Foreperson positions are classified at either Grade 4 ($86,476 - $111,582) or Grade 5 ($99,447 - $128,318) of the Management Pay Plan.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

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