Overview

NorthGround Outdoor Services Inc. is a leading commercial grounds management company in Thunder Bay. We are seeking a skilled and dependable Sand Truck Operator to join our team for the 2026/2027 winter season.

At NorthGround, we take pride in operating to a high standard. Our clients depend on us to keep their properties safe, accessible and operational throughout the winter. Our operations are built around strong organization, reliable service execution, attention to detail, and a modern, well-maintained equipment fleet.

Exceptional service starts with a strong team. We are looking for someone who is reliable, takes pride in their work, communicates well, and consistently demonstrates attention to detail. In return, NorthGround provides a professional and organized work environment, quality equipment, clear expectations, and recognition for staff commitment through company events.

NorthGround exclusively services commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential properties throughout Thunder Bay. As a Sand Truck Operator, you will operate a 2027 Ford F-550 equipped with a 4-yard commercial sander and be responsible for an assigned route of properties requiring sanding and ice-control services.

This position plays an important role in our winter operations. The Sand Truck Operator is responsible not only for applying material, but also for identifying changing surface conditions, ensuring appropriate coverage, documenting services, and communicating site conditions requiring additional attention.

This is a part-time, weather-dependent seasonal position. Hours vary based on winter conditions and are available during training, active snowfall events, post-event operations, freezing rain events, freeze/thaw conditions, and other periods requiring ice control. Weekly hours will fluctuate throughout the season and are not guaranteed.

If you are an experienced and dependable driver who takes pride in doing the job properly and wants to work for a company that values both its clients and its employees, we would be pleased to have you join our team this winter.

Compensation

$30.00–$35.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Minimum four hours of pay for each scheduled shift, even when the actual shift is shorter.

Additional three hours of bonus pay for unscheduled call-ins received between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, provided the operator reports for the shift within one hour of being contacted.

Scheduling & Employment Term

The seasonal employment term runs from November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.

We aim to provide approximately three days’ advance notice of forecasted winter weather events where possible, with specific shift schedules communicated as event timing becomes more certain. Ice-control requirements can develop quickly due to freezing rain, temperature changes, refreezing and other changing conditions, so short-notice schedule adjustments and call-ins should be expected.





- Shift lengths vary depending on route requirements and weather conditions.
- Employees must maintain reliable availability for winter weather events throughout the employment term.
- Shifts may occur overnight, early morning, during the day, on weekends and on holidays.
- Work may be required during snowfall events, freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, freeze/thaw cycles and post-event cleanup operations.
- Hours are weather-dependent, fluctuate throughout the season and are not guaranteed.
- Dependability and flexibility are essential to ensuring our clients receive consistent service regardless of when winter weather occurs.

High-performing employees may also be considered for ongoing year-round employment and advancement opportunities within NorthGround following the winter season.

Duties & Responsibilities

- Safely and efficiently operate a 2027 Ford F-550 equipped with a 4-yard commercial sander.
- Complete assigned sanding and ice-control routes efficiently and in accordance with NorthGround service standards.
- Apply sand and other approved ice-control materials at appropriate application rates based on site and surface conditions.
- Monitor parking lots, drive lanes, entrances, intersections, slopes and other designated areas for slippery or hazardous conditions.
- Adjust material application and spread patterns as required to provide effective and consistent coverage while avoiding unnecessary material use.
- Safely maneuver the vehicle around parked vehicles, buildings, curbs, pedestrians, equipment and other obstacles commonly encountered at commercial properties.
- Attend pre-season orientation and training to review company policies and operating procedures, become familiar with assigned equipment, meet the team, and complete site visits before winter operations begin.
- Perform all work with a high level of attention to detail and meet the expectations established during training and orientation.
- Follow company safety policies and operating procedures to maintain a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the truck and sanding equipment and perform basic maintenance as required.
- Monitor material levels throughout the shift and coordinate reloading as required.
- Use company job-tracking software to document services, complete required service records, and report relevant site and surface conditions.
- Identify and report hazardous conditions or properties requiring additional plowing, sanding or other winter maintenance.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, plow operators, loader operators and sidewalk crews to coordinate winter operations.




- Assist with other winter maintenance operations as required.

Requirements

- Previous experience operating commercial trucks, snow-removal equipment or similar vehicles.
- Valid Ontario class G driver’s licence, with a reasonably clean driver’s abstract.
- Reliable transportation to and from the NorthGround shop.
- Reliable availability throughout the winter season, including overnight, early-morning, weekend and holiday winter weather events.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to take ownership of the quality of your work.
- Ability to work independently while following established routes, procedures and service standards.
- Good judgment and ability to identify changing winter road and surface conditions.
- Ability to safely operate for extended periods during winter weather conditions.
- Dependable, punctual and capable of responding to changing winter weather conditions and schedules.

Preferred Qualifications / Assets

- Previous commercial sanding, salting or ice-control experience.
- Experience operating Ford F-450/F-550 or similar commercial trucks.
- Commercial or institutional winter maintenance experience.
- Experience operating commercial material spreaders.
- Experience assessing winter surface conditions and determining appropriate ice-control requirements.
- Snow plowing experience.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with basic truck and spreader maintenance and repairs.

Why Work With NorthGround?

NorthGround is committed to being a company that clients can depend on and employees are proud to work for. We invest in quality equipment, organized operations and the people responsible for delivering our services.

Our operators aren’t simply handed a set of keys and sent out during a winter weather event. We emphasize preparation, training, site familiarity, communication and clear operating expectations so our team is positioned to succeed when conditions deteriorate.

Ice control is a critical component of our winter operations. Our Sand Truck Operator plays an important role in maintaining safe and accessible properties before, during and after winter weather events.

Our goal is straightforward: take care of our people, provide them with the equipment and support required to do their jobs properly, and consistently deliver the high standard of service our clients depend on.

Exceptional winter service depends on exceptional operators, and we value the employees who help us maintain that standard.

Application

Please submit your application with resume through the Indeed job posting. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions. Thank you for your interest and consideration!

Pay: $30.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits:

- In office parking

Licence/Certification:

- class G license with reasonably clean drivers abstract (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Sand Truck Operator (Thunder Bay)
🏢 NorthGround Outdoor Services
📍 Thunder Bay