Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, and related equipment on sewer, water, and civil construction projects. Duties include excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and site restoration, along with daily inspections, basic maintenance, and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Key responsibilities

• Operate excavators (5–40 tonne), backfill excavators, loaders, dozers (D4–D8), and graders safely and efficiently in accordance with site plans and safety standards.
• Maintain the highest safety standards by protecting workers, equipment, and preventing utility strikes when working near existing underground infrastructure.
• Complete daily checklists, safety walk‑arounds, cab housekeeping, routine operator maintenance, and promptly report equipment issues to the Foreman.
• Perform trenching, backfilling, grading, pipe‑laying support, and site restoration using a range of heavy equipment.
• Operate GPS‑enabled dozers, graders, and excavators for precision excavation, grading, and alignment.
• Balance efficiency with accuracy to meet production goals while maintaining high workmanship standards and compliance with specifications.

Required profile

• 3–5 years experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator (sewer and water experience preferred).
• Class 5 Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and a Canadian licence held for at least three years.
• Ability to safely operate at least one type of heavy equipment: excavator, dozer, loader, or grader.
• Experience supporting trenching, backfilling, grading, and site restoration activities.
• Familiarity with excavation safety, working around underground utilities, and trench shoring requirements.
• Proficient in written and verbal English.

Required skills

• Excavator operation (5–40 tonne).
• Dozer operation (D4–D8).
• Loader operation.
• Grader operation.
• GPS‑enabled equipment operation for precision work.
• Basic equipment maintenance and inspections.