Equipment Operator

We’re seeking a skilled Equipment Operator experienced in precise excavation, trenching, and grading for underground utility installations and general construction projects. This role requires careful operation of excavators (mini to 20t) with a strong focus on working safely around piping, underground utilities, and sensitive infrastructure.
**Project Types**:

- Commercial new build and/or renovations
- Industrial plant sites new build and/or renovations
- Industrial water and drainage which includes underground storm drains/tunnels/shafts and/or wastewater wells/basins/chambers.

**Schedule**:

- Monday to Friday, 8-10 hours a day.
- Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays as per business needs.

**Location**:

- Must have reliable transportation to get to the jobsite which can be located within Edmonton or in surrounding towns and cities.

**Duties**:

- Operate excavators with precision to dig trenches, grade sites, and backfill around existing underground utilities and piping, ensuring accurate depth and alignment.
- Carefully excavate near buried infrastructure, interpreting project plans, grade stakes, and underground locates to avoid damage.
- Assist in the installation and alignment of water/sewer mains and large-diameter pipes.
- Conduct routine equipment inspections and perform minor maintenance (greasing, bucket changes, fluid checks).
- Communicate effectively with crew members to coordinate lifts, truck loading, and material placement.
- Follow strict safety protocols, maintaining a clean and compliant worksite.
- Support other construction tasks as required, including laboring, setting grades, pipe alignment, and other duties that contribute to project success.
- Be willing to exit equipment and assist on-site during critical phases of construction.
- Operate additional equipment such as skid steers and telehandlers as needed to support site operations.

**Qualifications**:

- 3-5 years of experience operating excavators in civil construction or underground utilities, with a strong focus on precise excavation near existing piping and sensitive infrastructure.
- Comfortable operating a range of equipment (mini to 17t excavators); familiarity with skid steers and telehandlers is an asset.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor troubleshooting and daily maintenance.
- Deep understanding of trench safety, grading, backfilling, and safe lifting techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, site drawings, and project specifications.
- Valid Drivers License, with a clean 3-year driving history.

**Requirements**:

- Ability to pass a pre-employment Drug and Alcohol test. The test includes legal drugs (Cannabis/THC) and illegal drugs
- Ability to provide a clear criminal record check (when required)
- Must have of able to obtain CSTS 2020 and WHMIS 2015 Certification
- Additional training considered an asset: Confined Space Entry and Monitoring, H2S Alive, Fall Protection, Elevated Work Platform

**Working Conditions**:

- Ability to stand, bend, crouch, kneel, reach, and climb for long periods of time.
- Ability to repetitively lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
- Expected to handle noise and vibrations on the job.
- Ability to handle noise and vibrations on the job Working outdoors in rain, shine or snow. You'll need to thrive in diverse weather environments

Benefits and Pay
- $28.80 to $40.00 an hour based on experience and training
- Vacation Pay
- Comprehensive Health and Dental
- RRSP Matching Program
- Profit Share Program
- Health and Wellness Allowance Program
- Boot Allowance Program
- Training Reimbursement

**About Us**:
Whitson Contracting Ltd. is a professional general contractor specializing in commercial, institutional and infrastructure construction. We provide innovative and top-quality construction solutions to our clients while creating an employee and safety culture that promotes opportunity, growth and protection of our people and the environment.