Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator)

We are seeking a high-precision Heavy Equipment Operator specialized in Excavator operations to join our civil and industrial construction team. This role is designed for a professional who holds or is looking to finish their requirements to achieve their Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).

In the Canadian construction sector, a Red Seal excavator operator is more than a machine driver; they are a technical expert in earthmoving, trenching safety, and load management. Whether you are an experienced Journeyperson or a senior apprentice nearing the end of your hours, you will be expected to perform to the Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS), delivering efficient production while maintaining the highest safety standards on the site.

Core Responsibilities

In accordance with the national standards for the Heavy Equipment Operator trade, your primary duties include:

Equipment Maintenance: Perform comprehensive daily pre-trip inspections (walk-arounds). Monitor hydraulic systems, undercarriage integrity, and attachment wear (buckets, thumbs, hammers).

Precision Digging: Execute complex tasks including trenching for utilities, basement excavations, and slope stabilization. Maintain grade with extreme accuracy to minimize over-digging.

Technology Integration: Operate machines equipped with 2D and 3D GPS grade-control systems (e.g., Leica, Topcon) to ensure adherence to engineered digital models.

Lifting & Rigging: Perform safe lifting operations of heavy materials (pipe, manholes, trench boxes). Calculate load weights and work within the machine’s lift capacity charts.

Attachment Mastery: Efficiently swap and operate various attachments, such as hydraulic breakers, shears, grapples, and plate compactors.

Underground Utility Safety: Work in close proximity to live utilities. Interpret locate sheets and coordinate with ground crews for safe "daylighting" of existing infrastructure.

Mentorship: If certified, provide technical coaching to junior operators. If finishing requirements, work with our Journeypersons to master Major Work Activities (MWAs) such as specialized marine work or deep-trenching shoring protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

Certification Status: Must be a Journeyperson or a Senior Apprentice currently looking to finish their requirements to achieve their Red Seal Endorsement (RSE).

Technical Proficiency: Extensive experience operating excavators ranging from mini-units to large-scale production machines (30-80+ ton class).

Safety Certifications: Valid Ground Disturbance Level 2, Trenching Safety, and Rigging/Signaling certifications are highly preferred.

Physical Stamina: Ability to maintain focus during long shifts in a high-vibration environment and work in all Canadian weather conditions.

Driver’s License: Valid Class 5 license (Class 1 or 3 is an asset for transporting machinery).

The Red Seal Standard

The Red Seal is Canada's mark of professional mastery in heavy equipment. We support your career by providing:

The Path to Completion: For those finishing their RSE, we offer exposure to a wide range of projects - from urban utility work to large-scale mass excavations - ensuring you have the broad experience needed for the Interprovincial Exam.

Competitive Compensation: Top-tier wages that recognize your technical skill and the high responsibility of operating high-value assets.

National Mobility: An RSE credential that ensures your skills are recognized by elite contractors in every province and territory across Canada.

Salary: 35 - 45 GBP Per hour