Earthworks Heavy Equipment Operator

Skeena Gold + Silver; Canada; On-site; CAD 60,614 - 71,635; Full time

Job summary

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Eskay Creek Mine site in northwestern British Columbia. You will operate excavators, dozers, graders, and loaders, supporting drilling, blasting, and extraction activities in a remote camp environment.

The role requires 3–5+ years of heavy mining and earthworks experience, the ability to read blueprints and grade stakes, and a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years’ experience operating heavy mining and earthworks equipment on active mine sites
• Experience with large-scale material handling (topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, stockpile management)
• Ability to read grade stakes, survey markings, and blueprints; interpret plans to line/grade
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts in remote camp environments
• Strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy mining and earthworks equipment (excavators, dozers, graders, loaders) per site procedures and standards
• Carry out material handling and pit development activities including stockpile management
• Support drilling, blasting, and extraction by preparing work areas and maintaining haul roads
• Maintain safety through inspections, reporting defects, and following PPE policies and site rules
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Heavy equipment

Mining equipment experience

Read blueprints

Safety compliance

Radio communication

Tools

Excavators

Dozers

Graders

Loaders

Job description

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Reporting directly to the Supervisor, Earthworks, and the Supervisor, Pit, from time to time, the Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment for construction and quarrying purposes at the Eskay Creek Mine site.

This role will be responsible for the safe operation of dozers, excavators and/or loaders as required.

Responsibilities (including But Not Limited To)

Heavy Equipment Operation & Production

• Operate heavy mining and earthworks equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, and loaders in accordance with site procedures, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards
• Carry out large-scale material handling such as topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, waste dumping, and stockpile management
• Support drilling, blasting, and extraction activities by preparing work areas, maintaining benches and haul roads, and ensuring compliance with safety distances and operational protocols
• Operate equipment efficiently to meet production targets while minimizing fuel consumption, equipment wear, and environmental impact

Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Works

• Build and maintain haul roads and access roads to industry standards
• Assist with the installation of environmental control measures
• Construct tailings facilities, collection ponds, and other mining infrastructure as required

Safety, Communication & Compliance

• Conduct pre-shift inspections and routine maintenance checks, reporting defects or hazards promptly
• Comply with all company safety policies, environmental regulations, PPE requirements, and mine site standards
• Read and interpret grade stakes, blueprints, and plans; follow written and verbal instructions to execute work scopes accurately
• Maintain clear communication with dispatch, supervisors, and coworkers using radios and standard signaling procedures
• Adapt to changing site conditions, weather, and production requirements while maintaining high situational awareness
• Participate in safety meetings, ongoing training, and competency assessments to meet regulatory and site standards

Additional Duties

• Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned

The Ideal Candidate

Education / Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record suitable for site vehicle use

Experience / Skills

• 3–5+ years’ experience operating heavy mining and earthworks equipment (excavators, dozers, graders, loaders) on active mine or large civil/earthworks sites
• Demonstrated proficiency with large-scale material handling (topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, waste and stockpile management)
• Proven experience building haul/access roads, bench and ramp maintenance, and supporting drill/blast operations in active pits
• Experience constructing tailings facilities, collection ponds, and environmental controls (sediment/erosion control, diversion ditches, silt fencing, check dams)
• Ability to read grade stakes, survey markings, and basic civil layouts; interpret blueprints, design drawings, and work packages to execute to line/grade
• Zero‑harm mindset with consistent adherence to company safety policies, SOPs, and JHAs/FLHAs
• Proper and consistent use of PPE and participation in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and incident/hazard reporting
• Commitment to regulatory compliance (mining and environmental regulations) and site‑specific standards
• Ability to stop work and elevate when encountering unsafe conditions or discrepancies from design
• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, rotations (days/nights), weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• Capable of working in remote, rugged, and variable weather conditions, including cold, heat, precipitation, and reduced visibility
• Physically able to climb on/off equipment, lift up to 50 lb (23 kg), and maintain alertness for extended periods in equipment cabs

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.

Compensation

The expected hourly range for this position is CAD $44-$52 in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.