Utility Person

Valard Construction|Tilbury, Ontario, Canada|Full-time|Entry level

We are currently seeking a Utility Person to join our growing team to support a multi year Distribution project in Central Ontario.

Reporting to the Construction Foreman, the Utility Person is responsible for providing support in the construction of overhead and underground electrical power systems and related infrastructure. This is a hands-on role where your strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to safety will directly support our field operations and contribute to the overall success of the team.

Please Note: This position is based in Central Ontario, and candidates must reside locally or within a reasonable commuting distance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Support the construction of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems
  • Read, interpret, and verify utility locates to ensure safe and accurate excavation and construction activities
  • Operate a variety of heavy and light equipment, including mini-excavators, skid steers, and backhoes, in a safe and efficient manner
  • Perform rock drilling, chipping, and boring as required to support project work
  • Assist with site preparation, material handling, and cleanup to maintain a safe and organized work environment
  • Follow all safety protocols, including ground disturbance procedures and traffic control measures, to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards
  • Support the Foreman and crew in daily operations and contribute to a positive team culture focused on safety and performance

Requirements

  • Ground Disturbance, WHMIS, Traffic Control, and Book 7 training
  • Demonstrated experience in reading and verifying locates
  • Hands-on experience with rock drilling, chipping, boring, and equipment operation (mini-excavator, skid steer, backhoe)
  • Valid Driver's License and ability to provide an acceptable driver's abstract
  • Experience in distribution groundwork or electrical utility construction considered a strong asset
  • Experience hauling and operating heavy equipment considered an asset
  • Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship

This project will be a unionized worksite. Candidates must be willing to join Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW)

Benefits

This position will be part of the CUSW union and benefits are provided by the union.

About Our Business

Valard Construction is Canada's premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere. We are also part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.valard.com and connect with us on our social media channels for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.

  • Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level
  • Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions
  • Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process

AI Sourcing Intelligence

Sourcing Advice for This Role

AI-powered analysis of recruitment difficulty and recommended sourcing channels for this position.

Recruitment Difficulty Analysis

Key challenge: The role combines entry-level utility construction work with unionized, multi-year project requirements in Central Ontario. The local talent pool for hands-on ground disturbance, locates verification, and equipment operation at an entry level is limited, and candidates must be willing to join a union (CUSW), which narrows the pool further.

Recommended Sourcing Channels

LinkedIn Search (Boolean)

Supplementary

Boolean search captures passive candidates who may not be in groups or events but mention relevant skills or union exposure; useful as a broad, second funnel.

Recommended Boolean query:
(reading locates OR locates) AND (Ground Disturbance OR WHMIS OR Book 7 OR Traffic Control) AND (mini-excavator OR skid steer OR backhoe OR rock drilling OR boring) AND (Ontario)(Union OR CUSW OR unionized) AND (entry level OR apprentice OR trainee) AND (electrical OR electrical utility OR distribution) AND (Ontario)

Suggested Search Criteria

Job Titles to Search
Utility PersonUtility WorkerConstruction LabourerGroundworkerEquipment Operator (Construction)
Key Skills
Reading and verifying locatesGround Disturbance trainingWHMISTraffic ControlEquipment operation (mini-excavator skid steer backhoe)
Location Radius
Prioritize candidates within roughly 60-100 km of Tilbury, Ontario, including Windsor, Leamington, London, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia; also consider Ontario-based candidates willing to relocate within the province.
Experience Level
0-3 years Prioritize hands-on experience with groundworks or utility distribution projects, ability to read locates, and demonstrated safety-focused work in construction environments.

AI Matched Candidates

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