Heavy Civil Operator

Rankin Construction Ltd; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Rankin Construction Ltd. in St. Catharines, ON is seeking a Heavy Civil Operator to safely operate heavy equipment on infrastructure projects.

You will excavate, move, and grade earth, reading grade stakes and drawings to ensure proper elevations while maintaining safety and productivity on site. The ideal candidate has proven experience with multiple machines, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment in construction.
• Ability to read grade stakes/drawings and follow instructions.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to PPE.
• Mechanical aptitude with basic maintenance ability.
• Physical stamina for outdoor work in varying conditions.
• Valid Class G driver's license.
• Willingness to extend hours during peak periods.
• Union membership (Local 793) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth.
• Read plans, grade sheets, and signals to achieve correct elevations.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance.
• Work with foremen, grademen, pipelayers, and labourers.
• Maintain productivity, quality, and safety on site.
• Follow site safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Assist with other construction activities when not operating.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Read grade stakes & drawings

Safety-conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Outdoor endurance

Team collaboration

Willingness to extend hours

Tools

GPS/Laser grade control

Basic equipment maintenance

Job description

Operate heavy equipment to move earth, materials, and support major infrastructure builds.

Content

Location: St.Catharines, ON

Thinking about joining the team?

Rankin Construction is a family-run business with over four decades of experience in the heavy civil construction sector. Built on strong core values, we take pride in delivering high-quality projects while fostering a culture of integrity, teamwork, and community. Our long-standing reputation reflects our commitment to excellence and the people who make it possible.

Joining the Rankin team is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career with a company that values its people as much as its projects. With a proven track record in the heavy civil construction industry, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. At Rankin, you’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience across a diverse range of projects, allowing you to develop your skills and grow both personally and professionally. We are committed to investing in our team, fostering growth, and helping every individual reach their full potential.

Content

What will my role be?

A heavy civil operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, materials, and structures on infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, water control systems, and site developments. The operator plays a key role in maintaining productivity, quality, and safety on site.

As a Heavy Civil Operator, you will:

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, rollers, haul trucks, or backhoes to perform earthmoving, grading, trenching, concrete demolition, grinding, and material handling tasks.
• Read and interpret construction plans, grade sheets, and signals from grade personnel to achieve correct elevations, slopes, and alignments.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections, checking fluid levels, controls, tires/tracks, and ensuring equipment is in safe working condition.
• Perform minor maintenance, cleaning, and adjustments on equipment as needed, and report any mechanical issues promptly.
• Work closely with foremen, grademen, pipelayers, and labourers to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Monitor and maintain awareness of site conditions, ensuring safe operation around personnel, utilities, and obstacles.
• Follow all site safety procedures, including wearing required PPE, respecting exclusion zones, and complying with traffic control plans.
• Maintain productivity while minimizing equipment wear, material waste, and environmental impact.
• Assist with other general construction activities when not operating equipment.

Content

What we’re looking for!

Are you a collaborative and driven individual with:

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment in a construction environment, with knowledge of machine capabilities and limitations.
• Ability to read grade stakes, drawings, and follow instructions accurately.
• Strong situational awareness and commitment to operating safely at all times.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions as part of a team.

Assets that will set you apart are:

• Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s license: Your ability to reliably travel to various job sites - often located in rural or high-traffic areas is crucial to staying on schedule and being available when needed.
• Ability to join or membership to the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 793): Union affiliation ensures access to standardized training, safety certification, and allows for smoother onboarding and dispatch to union-supported projects.
• Minimum 3 years experience within the heavy civil construction sector: Hands‑on experience with grading, trenching, excavation, or site prep - particularly in road, bridge, or utility work - demonstrates your readiness for complex and high‑precision operating environments.
• Experience Operating Multiple Types of Equipment: Operators skilled with various machines - such as excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, or rollers - bring versatility to our crews and help maintain productivity during equipment changes or downtime.
• Strong Understanding of Site Layouts and Survey/Grade Control Systems: Being able to read grade stakes or use laser/GPS systems reduces errors, improves efficiency, and minimizes rework onsite.
• Mechanical Awareness and Basic Maintenance Knowledge: Operators who can detect minor issues early - fluid levels, wear, unusual sounds - play a key role in reducing downtime and extending equipment life.
• Willingness to extend hours, when necessary: Project demands don’t always stick to a standard workday. A commitment to being available during peak activity, pours, or schedule‑critical phases shows strong work ethic and dedication.

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20 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3W2

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