How Do I Find A Job?
Heavy equipment operators work in a variety of settings including:
- construction and logging companies
- heavy equipment contractors
- government agencies
- oil & gas pipelines
- cargo-handling
Heavy duty equipment mechanics may work in:
- mining companies
- construction companies
- farm equipment manufacturers
- heavy equipment dealers
- rental and service companies
- railway companies
Finding Advertised Jobs
Jobs are advertised in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and online job sites.
Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in The Province on Sundays.
Online Job Postings
Finding “Hidden Jobs”
Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below help you with finding jobs in this “hidden” job market.
Using Directories to Create a List of Potential Employers
You can use company directories to produce lists of employers who employ heavy equipment operators and heavy duty equipment mechanics in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.
- British Columbia Construction Association Membership Directories
- BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association Members List
- Daily Commercial News- Construction Directory
Instructions for using Reference Canada (see link to external resource below):
- Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
- Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
- In the top search box enter “construction” and click SEARCH.
- Select the appropriate headings.
- Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.
NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).
Networking, Volunteering and Temporary Agencies
Many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.
Networking and the Hidden Job Market
When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. They may know someone who is hiring! Working as a volunteer, attending events, and joining clubs and associations are good ways to gain “Canadian experience.” They are also good ways to meet people to learn about the local job market.