Heavy Equipment Operator-1

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia's Streets Operations crew is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator-1 to perform heavy equipment tasks, support municipal services, and assist with road and landscape maintenance on the Vancouver campus.

This role requires a high school diploma, a valid Class 3 or Class 5 license with an air brake ticket, and at least two years of related experience. Training and safety standards are emphasized, with contributions to asset inspections and daily logs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Class 3 and/or Class 5 driver’s license with air brake ticket.
• Minimum two years of related heavy equipment operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment over 36,000 lbs (GVW) including backhoes and hiabs.
• Perform routine maintenance checks and inspections; maintain logs.
• Provide guidance and training to Labourers as needed; follow safety regulations.

Education

High school graduation with valid Class 3 or Class 5 with air brake ticket

Two years of related experience or equivalent combination

Willingness to support equity, diversity, and inclusion

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Heavy Equipment Operator Job Title Heavy Equipment Operator-1 Department Street Operations | Municipal Services | Facilities Compensation Range $5,544.00 - $5,984.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date September 24, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks

Job End Date Ongoing

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

This position belongs to the Streets Operations crew. UBC Facilities provides comprehensive facilities maintenance, operations and renovation services for lands and buildings owned by the University of British Columbia. The Municipal Services group is responsible for providing waste management services, soft and hard landscape services, as well as moving and general labour services for all of the Vancouver campus. This position works within the Street Operations crew; a team engaged in the ongoing hard landscape maintenance (e.g. roads, sidewalks) and project trades support. The HEO performs physical work, operates specialized and heavy equipment, performs maintenance work; working within relevant safety regulations and in the safest, simplest, sustainable and most efficient manner. The HEO also undergoes training specific to Street Operations and provides technical support to Municipal Services. This position will work with other crews outside of Street Operations as required.

Organizational Status

The Operator reports to the Manager, Municipal Services and receives daily work assignments and directions from the Head for Street Operations. The Operator works with a variety of trades and labourers within the Municipal services unit as well as within Facilities as a whole. Responsibilities are performed both independently as well as with other members of the team, depending on the nature of the work.

Work Performed

Performs maintenance work and provides asset management services, using technology, interpreting drawings and specifications. Performs regulatory asset inspections, condition assessment and reporting using asset management hardware and software. Required to monitor data accuracy and integrity for billing and reporting. Maintains a daily operation and required inspections log book. Performs part or all of the duties normally expected of Labourer 3 as required, such as minor construction work including repairs, removal, replacement and installations as well as operating specialized construction and maintenance equipment: backhoes, snow clearing equipment, hiabs, hi-lifts or other relevant equipment. Operates one or more pieces of heavy equipment (over 36,000 lbs/16,364kgs.G.V.W.), including but not limited to, Backhoe and hydraulic attachments, Backhoe attachment for Bobcat, 40 cubic yard front loading Garbage truck, 42-yard side loading Recycling truck, Roll-off container truck to perform loading, transport and excavation work. Carries out daily/weekly service and checks in accordance with operating manual, and ensures that the scheduled maintenance is carried out by mechanic. May provide guidance, train and monitor the work of a group of Labourers or other crew members, in an assigned area as designated by the supervisor; participates in the work and ensures those under their jurisdiction work in a correct and safe manner. Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions.

Training

Training is required to maintain certifications for work assignments including but not limited to confined space entry, lockouts, fall protection, traffic control, driving, or other specified certifications based on the requirements of their assignment.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Determines the most efficient and effective way to perform skilled tasks and operate equipment; incorrect decisions result in workplace injuries, customer service delays, impacts to infrastructure, safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision of a shop Head/Sub-Head. May take oral and written instructions and according to established procedures.

Supervision Given

Provides training and oversight to the work of Labourers or other crew members in an assigned area as required including safe work practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation with a valid Class 3 driver’s license and/or Class 5 driver’s license with air brake ticket and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Will require specialized courses/certification and/or experience in: roadwork maintenance, water operations, liquid waste, solid waste, horticultural maintenance, accessibility training, heavy equipment, winter maintenance or other relevant certifications.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].