Contractors and Supervisors in Maintenance Trades and Heavy Equipment and Transport Operators

Nature of work

These individuals supervise and coordinate the activities of people who work as mechanics, heavy equipment operators, photographic/film/print processors, and those within the railway and motor transport industry such as railway engineers, truck drivers and bus drivers. They are employed in a very wide range of establishments.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group perform some or all of the following duties:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
• Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments, project supervisors, or managers.
• Requisition materials and supplies.
• Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity.
• Train or arrange for training of workers.
• Recommend personnel actions such as hiring and promotions.
• Ensure that standards for safe working conditions are observed.
• Prepare production and other reports.
• May manage the operations of their own companies.
• May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
• May review and approve all job proofs or samples to ensure quality of work meets client specifications.
• May set up machines or equipment.
• May dispatch bus drivers and monitor routes to ensure schedules are met and to resolve operating problems.

Sample job titles

• bus dispatcher
• chief aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)
• construction site foreman/woman
• mechanical maintenance supervisor - manufacturing
• pressroom supervisor - printing
• printing shop foreman/woman
• road maintenance foreman/woman
• stationmaster - railway transport
• trucking contractor
• yard foreman/woman - railway

Skills

To work as a supervisor, you should have experience in the area being supervised. Leadership and effective oral and written communication skills are essential and you must be able to work well with a variety of people. You must be responsible and well organized and be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and able to work as part of a team. You should also be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina, alertness and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is usually required.
• Red Seal endorsement (allowing for interprovincial mobility) is available for many of the specific trades in this group and may be required.
• Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a relevant trade are usually required.
• A Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate is required for Supervisors of railway transport operations.
• A certificate in accordance with the Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations is required.

Other considerations

Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. As a result, workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Also, many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is little mobility between supervisory positions in the different transportation sectors of this group, but some mobility within each specific sector. Progression to management positions is possible with experience.

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