Shop Foreman – Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Harbour Construction Company Limited•Dartmouth, NS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Harbour Construction is looking for an experienced Shop Foreman to lead our Heavy Equipment Maintenance team. Reporting to the Fleet Manager, the Shop Foreman serves as the day-to-day leader of Harbour Constructions' maintenance operations. This role provides leadership and direction to Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Apprentices, and Shop personnel while working closely with Operations teams to support equipment availability across the company. The Fleet Manager is responsible for the overall fleet strategy and performance of the department, while the Shop Foreman is responsible for leading the team, coordinating workflow, establishing priorities, and ensuring maintenance activities are executed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Our fleet supports excavation, underground utilities, grading, earth moving, site development, and infrastructure projects across Nova Scotia. The Shop Foreman plays a critical role in keeping equipment operational and available to support field crews while helping develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople within our organization. This is a management position for someone who enjoys building strong teams, improving shop performance, solving problems, and creating an environment where people can do their best work.

Requirements

Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician certification OR equivalent experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience maintaining and repairing heavy equipment.
Previous supervisory experience within a maintenance, fleet, or equipment environment.
Strong understanding of heavy equipment systems, including hydraulic, electrical, powertrain, and engine components.
Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities.
Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
Valid Class 5 Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising mechanics and apprentices.
Experience within civil construction or heavy civil operations.
Welding and fabrication experience.
Class 1 or Class 3 Driver's License.
Experience with fleet maintenance software and computerized work order systems.
Previous experience with telematics programs- specifically Samsara.
First Aid, WHMIS, or other relevant safety certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support Mechanics, Apprentices, and Shop personnel.
Coordinate daily shop activities and establish maintenance and repair priorities.
Assign work and monitor progress to ensure repairs are completed safely and efficiently.
Promote accountability, teamwork, and a great work environment.
Coach and develop employees to support both individual and team success.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management activities where required.
Plan and prioritize maintenance activities to support operational requirements.
Coordinate equipment repairs and preventative maintenance schedules.
Ensure parts, materials, tools, and resources are available when needed.
Work closely with Operations and Project Teams to support equipment availability.
Monitor workflow and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within fleet operations.
Oversee preventative maintenance and repair activities for heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and support equipment.
Review repair requirements and establish maintenance priorities.
Support troubleshooting and diagnosis of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and engine-related issues.
Ensure repairs are completed to company standards and manufacturer specifications.
Assist with complex technical problem-solving when required.
Monitor equipment condition and identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Lead by example and promote a strong safety culture.
Ensure compliance with company policies, safe work procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Conduct shop inspections, hazard assessments, and safety meetings.
Ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Investigate and report incidents, near misses, and equipment failures as required.
Maintain accurate maintenance and safety documentation.