Heavy Equipment Operator

Jatec; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health & Dental Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

GRSP

Job summary

JATEC in Edmonton, AB, is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support underground utilities and civil construction projects. You will run excavators, backhoes, skid steers and loaders, perform trenching and site prep, and work closely with foremen and ground crews to ensure safe, efficient work.

This full-time, year-round role offers outdoor work in varying conditions with overtime opportunities and a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers and loaders.
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence with a clean abstract.
• Strong understanding of safe excavation and site practices.
• Ability to lift up to 50–75 lbs and work independently or as part of a crew.

Responsibilities

• Safely operating excavators, rubber tire backhoes, skid steers and loaders.
• Excavating, trenching, backfilling and site preparation.
• Working around live underground utilities and existing infrastructure.
• Loading, moving and placing materials; following project specifications.
• Conducting equipment inspections and completing required documentation.
• Performing routine maintenance and reporting deficiencies.
• Supporting site setup, cleanup and traffic/pedestrian control.

Skills

Excavator operation

Backhoe operation

Skid steer operation

Loader operation

Valid Class 5 Licence

Clean Driver's Abstract

Safety practices

Independent and crew work

Underground infrastructure awareness

Job description

Excavator & Backhoe Operator - Underground Utilities

Edmonton, AB | Full-Time | Year-Round Employment

Build More Than Infrastructure. Build Your Future.

For over 40 years, JATEC has been connecting communities through underground utilities, fibre optic networks, street lighting, and transportation infrastructure. The work we do today helps build the communities people live, work, and grow in for generations.

We're looking for experienced Heavy Equipment Operators who take pride in their work, operate safely, and understand the critical role they play in building essential infrastructure.

Whether you're an experienced operator looking for a long-term opportunity or seeking a company where you can continue to grow your skills and career, JATEC offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while working alongside a dedicated team of construction professionals.

What You'll Do

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate a variety of construction equipment to support the installation of underground utilities, telecommunications infrastructure, street lighting, and civil construction projects throughout the Edmonton area.

Working closely with Foremen, Lead Hands, and Ground Crew members, you'll play a key role in ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

Responsibilities Include:

• Safely operating excavators, rubber tire backhoes, skid steers, and loaders
• Excavating, trenching, backfilling, and performing site preparation activities
• Working safely around existing underground infrastructure and live utilities
• Loading, moving, and placing materials as required
• Following utility locates, grades, site plans, and project specifications
• Conducting daily equipment inspections and completing required documentation
• Performing routine preventative maintenance and reporting equipment deficiencies
• Supporting site setup, cleanup, and traffic or pedestrian control measures
• Assisting with labour duties when required
• Maintaining clean, organized, and safe worksites
• Following all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

The Reality

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the construction season
• Operate equipment in tight working environments around existing infrastructure
• Maintain constant awareness of crew members, utilities, and changing site conditions
• Regularly enter and exit equipment throughout the workday
• Perform physical tasks including lifting, bending, kneeling, and walking when assisting ground crews
• Work 8–10-hour shifts with overtime opportunities during peak construction periods
• Take ownership of equipment condition, safety, and productivity

If you enjoy operating precision equipment, solving challenges in the field, and seeing the results of your work take shape every day, you'll fit right in.

Why Join JATEC?

• Year-round employment
• Local work in Edmonton and surrounding area with the opportunity to return home daily
• Industry-competitive hourly wages
• Overtime opportunities
• 100% employer-paid Extended Health & Dental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Construction Season Bonus Program
• Group Retirement Savings Plan (GRSP)
• Safety-focused work environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Team-oriented culture built on safety, hard work, and respect

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Experience operating one or more of the following:
  • Excavator
  • Rubber Tire Backhoe
  • Skid Steer
  • Loader
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence
• Clean Driver's Abstract
• Strong understanding of safe excavation and operating practices
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a crew
• Ability to safely work around underground infrastructure and active construction sites
• Ability to lift up to 50 - 75 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, bend, and climb in and out of equipment throughout the workday
• Reliable work ethic and commitment to workplace safety

Assets That Will Help You Stand Out

While not required, we'd love to hear from candidates who have:

• Underground utility construction experience
• Civil construction experience
• Telecommunications construction experience
• Experience working around live underground utilities
• Ground Disturbance Level II
• CSTS 2020
• Standard First Aid & CPR
• WHMIS Certification
• Experience reading utility locates and construction drawings
• Experience working in residential developments and municipal infrastructure projects

What Success Looks Like

• A strong commitment to safety
• Precision and care when operating around existing infrastructure and utilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability, accountability, and professionalism
• Pride in maintaining equipment and producing quality work
• A willingness to support the crew and contribute to project success

Compensation

Competitive Hourly Wage

Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, equipment proficiency, and relevant industry expertise.

Overtime opportunities available.

Leave Your Mark.

The infrastructure we build today will serve communities for decades. At JATEC, you'll be part of a team that's building the networks, utilities, and infrastructure that keep Alberta connected.

If you're ready to put your skills to work, grow your career, and help build the communities of tomorrow, we'd like to hear from you.

We thank all applicants for their interest in JATEC. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Excavator Operator, Backhoe Operator, Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Utility Construction, Underground Utilities, Civil Construction, Telecommunications Construction, Fibre Optic Construction, Trenching, Excavation, Loader Operator, Skid Steer Operator, Site Servicing, Municipal Infrastructure, Residential Development, Street Lighting, Ground Disturbance, Construction Equipment Operator, Edmonton Construction Jobs.