Heavy Equipment Operator

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Canada; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator in Fort McMurray to operate and maintain heavy and light equipment across year-round municipal operations.

You will perform inspections, routine repairs, planning, and safety checks while supporting road maintenance and snow removal with a strong emphasis on accuracy and teamwork. A valid driver’s license and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Two years' experience operating municipal equipment and vehicles.
• Six months' seat time on grader, backhoe, and front-end loader with snow blower.
• Direct municipal operations experience preferred.
• Heavy Equipment Certification is an asset.
• First Aid Certificate is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operate and perform minor maintenance on heavy and/or light equipment.
• Clean, service, maintain, and perform minor operational repairs on equipment.
• Complete daily paperwork, forms, and reports detailing equipment condition and work performed.
• Complete pre/post-trip inspections and report issues to the Team Leader or Supervisor.
• Plan to ensure equipment is maintained and fueled on schedule.
• Mentor new operators as requested.
• Complete training and participate in the RMWB program as required.
• Complete Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) and incident reports.
• Traffic control.
• Perform other related duties.

Skills

Equipment operation

Attention to detail

Read/interpret manuals

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Heavy Equipment Certification (asset)

First Aid Certificate (asset)

Job description

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Requisition ID:4513
Affiliation: CUPE Municipal
Position Type: Temporary Full Time
Fixed Term Duration:Anticipated to end July 26, 2027
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 84 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule:5/4/4/5 12-hour shifts
Department/ Branch: Public Works, Roads
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Pay Level:PL11
Rate: $49.79
COLA:Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 15/08/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy):30/08/2026
Posting Type:Internal and External

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is looking for passionate, skilled and forward-thinking individuals to join our Public Works Department — a team that keeps our region running smoothly every day.

From road maintenance and fleet management to park enhancements and snow clearing, our Public Works team plays a critical role in daily life across the region. We’re seeking a hands-on professional who is committed to public service, enjoys meaningful work and excels in fast-paced environments.

If you take pride in seeing your work in action and want to contribute to a team that powers the municipality—this is your place.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled and semi-skilled labour using a variety of equipment and hand/power tools as assigned. The incumbent operates and performs maintenance on assigned heavy and light equipment used in year-round operations, including but not limited to, backhoes, graders, and front-end loaders with snow blower attachment.

Heavy Equipment Operator responsibilities include the below duties. As well, duties from the Light Equipment Operator role are performed and accumulate into this role. The work entails responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of maintenance and construction equipment and heavy duty trucks. Work is distinguished from that of a Light Equipment Operator in that the incumbent operates a variety of equipment, including equipment which is of greater difficulty and complexity requiring a higher degree of skill and precision to operate. Work is completed with considerable independence but checked by a Supervisor or Team Lead while in progress or upon completion for attainment of desired objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned heavy and/or light equipment.
• Clean, service, maintain, and perform minor operational repairs on assigned equipment.
• Complete daily paperwork, forms, and reports detailing the condition of equipment and work performed.
• Complete pre/post-trip inspections and report any maintenance and/or operational issues to the Team Leader or Supervisor.
• Complete required planning to ensure equipment is maintained and fueled on schedule and as required.
• May be required to provide guidance and mentorship to new operators as requested.
• Complete training on equipment and participate in the RMWB training program as required by operations.
• Complete Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) and incident reports as required.
• Traffic control.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate a range of equipment under varying conditions, being aware of surroundings and conditions at all times.
• Strong attention to detail, precision, and observational skills, with ability to detect minor defects in equipment used.
• Ability to read, interpret, and closely follow equipment manuals, diagrams, operating procedures and work plans.
• Ability to understand/follow verbal and written instructions, keep simple records, communicate respectfully with co-workers, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards, signage, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and applicable safety precautions as per applicable legislation, and municipal and trucking/heavy equipment industry standards.
• Familiarity with methods, procedures, quality standards, and operation manuals relative to each job being performed.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating responsibility and reliability.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Two (2) years of experience operating equipment and vehicles related to municipal operations is required.
• This experience must include six (6) months of combined operating (seat time) experience on each of the following: grader, backhoe, and front-end loader with snow blower attachment.
• Preference will be given to candidates with direct municipal operations experience.
• Heavy Equipment Certification is an asset.
• First Aid Certificate is an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class three (3) Operator’s License is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.
• Q-endorsement (Air Brakes) is required.
• Submission of a 5-year commercial driver’s abstract is required.
• A valid Class one (1) Operator’s License is an asset.
• Equipment testing and/or competency testing will be required.
• Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
• Must be willing to drive in all-weather conditions.
• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.
• Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to work a rotating shift that includes holidays, evening/night shift, and weekends.

SAFETY

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.