Machine Operator

**Job Type**:Hourly

**Department**: Kenpesq’t Forestry

**Location**: Invermere, BC

**Reporting to**: Woodlands Manager

**Schedule**: 40 + hrs per week

**Wage Range**: $28-$36 (Based on experience)

**Location**: 3A 492 Arrow Rd, Invermere BC

**Start date**: Immediately

**Application deadline**:Ongoing

Kenpesq’t Forestry is looking for a skilled and dependable Machine Operator to join our team. This position involves operating heavy equipment on a range of forestry and civil earthworks projects. The primary machine operated will be an excavator equipped with a shear head, brushing head, and a mix of different bucket types.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Operate an excavator and other machinery safely and efficiently in varying conditions
- Cut, bunch, and pile trees according to job requirements and site layout
- Safely operate an excavator with a snipping head for forestry and land clearing work
- Handle and process timber efficiently and safely while maintaining control and accuracy
- Clear land, dig trenches, grade, load trucks, and move materials as directed
- Clear right-of-ways, access trails, and work areas for logging or development
- Load, sort, and move logs or debris to designated areas
- Complete regular maintenance and minor repairs, including greasing, fueling, and cleaning equipment
- Perform daily machine inspections (fluids, tracks, hoses, lights, etc.)
- Use specialized excavator attachments for brushing, shearing, and excavation
- Complete projects including small stem logging and wildfire risk reduction, road maintenance and deactivation, line trenching, and general forestry and civil earthworks

**Personal Suitability**:

- Ability to keep calm and makes good decisions under pressure
- Communicate clearly with supervisors and other workers
- Work well on your own and stay motivated without supervision
- Follow safety rules and company policy, using good judgment on the job
- Reliable, punctual, and efficiently complete daily tasks
- Physically able and comfortable working 10-hour shifts outdoors in challenging conditions
- Comfortable working in rough or remote conditions

**Qualifications**:

- Valid Class 5 driver’s license (Class 1 or 3 an asset)
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience operating heavy equipment in forestry-related environments
- Strong understanding of safe operating practices
- Ability to adapt to changing terrain and project requirements
- Basic mechanical knowledge to perform daily maintenance and troubleshooting
- Experience with excavator attachments is considered a strong asset

**Conditions of Employment**:

- Valid Class 5 driver’s license
- May be required to travel locally for fieldwork (expenses covered)
- Intermediate First Aid with Travel Endorsement

**What Kenpesq’t offers**:

- Employer-matched pension plan after three months
- Extensive health and benefits package after three months
- Employee training opportunities
- Bi-weekly subsidized food box program available

**About Kenpesq’t**:
Kenpesq’t is the Shuswap Band’s economic development corporation. Headquartered in Invermere, BC, we primarily focus on civil and earthworks construction projects, forestry operations, archaeology, and other industrial and environmental services.

We conduct our operations safely and recognize that our people are our core asset. Growing economic opportunities through the expansion of our internal capacity and capabilities are key to our success. We are committed to balancing economic growth with responsible business practices. Our values include transparency, stewardship, and cultural heritage. We communicate openly, treat others with compassion and respect, and place emphasis on fairness and equity.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $28.00-$36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 - 50 per week

**Benefits**:

- Extended health care
- RRSP match

Work Location: In person