Heavy Equipment Operator - Deep Utilities

Talent Pool Builder; Calgary; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BAAC Construction is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join a pipe and grade crew working on deep utility and civil projects across Alberta and Saskatchewan. You will operate excavators, loaders, dozers, and support equipment to install utilities while maintaining safety and efficiency.

You will read drawings, grade stakes, and construction plans to ensure precise line and grade, and you will coordinate with supervisors and subcontractors to keep sites on schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment on deep utility or civil construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of excavation safety, trenching practices, and working around live utilities in urban or congested environments.
• Ability to read construction drawings, follow grade stakes, and work with elevations to achieve accurate excavations.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders, dozers, packers, skid steers, and rock trucks safely and productively on deep utility and civil sites.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance; report issues promptly.
• Read utility drawings, grade stakes, and construction plans to dig to correct line and grade the first time.
• Coordinate with supervisors, other crews, and subcontractors to maintain safety and schedule.

Skills

Equipment operation

Reading construction drawings

Trench safety

Communication

Outdoor work

Travel readiness

Tools

GPS machine control

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – Deep Utilities

Position Summary

BAAC Construction is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support large underground utility and civil projects across Alberta and Saskatchewan. We deliver deep utilities, water and sewer, storm systems, and telecommunications infrastructure that help communities grow and stay connected.

As a key member of a pipe and grade crew, you will run excavators and support equipment to install deep utilities safely and efficiently in demanding, high-production environments. Your work sets the pace for the crew and the quality of every installation.

This position is ideal for a professional operator who takes pride in precise work, understands excavation and trench safety, and wants to build a long-term career on major infrastructure projects using modern equipment and technology.

Location

• Operations office based out of Calgary, Alberta
• Current project work near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, with other projects across Alberta
• Regular travel to project sites is required

What You’ll Do

Excavation & Utility Installation

• Install deep underground utilities, including:
  • Water mains
  • Storm and sanitary sewer
  • Underground telecommunications infrastructure
  • Utility crossings
• Complete trenching, bedding, backfilling, and grading to specification
• Read utility drawings, grade stakes, and construction plans to dig to correct line and grade the first time

Equipment Operation & Care

• Operate equipment safely and productively on deep utility and civil sites, including remote and high-production projects:
  • Excavators and loaders
  • Dozers and packers
  • Skid steers and rock trucks
• Complete daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance
• Report mechanical issues promptly to keep machines in reliable working order

Site Safety & Coordination

• Work safely around existing underground utilities and congested infrastructure
• Follow strict excavation, trenching, and shoring safety procedures at all times
• Coordinate with supervisors, grade crews, pipe crews, and subcontractors to keep the site safe, organized, and on schedule

What Success Looks Like

• Within your first 6 months, you consistently dig to line and grade with minimal rework while meeting or exceeding daily production targets
• You work incident-free and show a strong command of trenching, shoring, and working around live utilities
• Crew leads and supervisors rely on you to plan digs, anticipate challenges, and keep installations moving
• You help build a positive crew culture by communicating clearly, solving problems on site, and taking ownership of your machine and work area

What You Bring

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years operating heavy equipment on deep utility or civil construction projects, including underground utility installation
• Strong knowledge of excavation safety, trenching practices, and working around live utilities in urban or congested environments
• Ability to read construction drawings, follow grade stakes, and work with elevations to achieve accurate excavations

Licences & Certifications

• Valid Class 5 driver's licence (required)
• Class 1 or Class 3 licence is considered an asset
• Current Ground Disturbance Level II, WHMIS, or Confined Space tickets are considered an asset

Assets

• Experience with large-diameter pipe and shoring systems
• GPS machine control experience
• Background on high-production civil or telecommunications projects

Core Competencies

• Safety-first mindset with a commitment to incident-free work
• Precise, efficient operator who takes pride in quality work
• Clear communicator who works well as part of a field-based crew
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willing to travel to project sites across Alberta and Saskatchewan

What We Offer

• Competitive wages based on experience, with overtime opportunities
• Daily living out allowance for projects outside Calgary city limits. No LOA for projects within Calgary area.
• Comprehensive 100% employer-paid health benefits (dental care, vision care, supplemental health services, disability insurance)
• Company-supported training and development
• Birthday and work anniversary celebrations, plus company events
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within BAAC Construction Inc.

Why Join BAAC Construction?

• Work on major deep utility, civil, and telecommunications infrastructure projects across Western Canada
• Run modern, well-maintained equipment backed by a strong safety culture
• Be part of a team committed to quality, safety, and excellence
• Join a growing company with steady work and long-term career opportunities
• Build your career with a respected civil construction and telecommunications contractor

Equal Opportunity Employer

BAAC Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to legally protected characteristics.