Heavy Equipment Operator (Wheel Loader, Grapple, Log Loader)

The Sutherland Group of Companies; Quesnel; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health, dental and vision

Life and travel insurance

Wellness and paramedical support

Employee assistance program

Generous pension matching

Referral bonus opportunities

Job summary

The Sutherland Heavy Civil team in British Columbia seeks experienced equipment operators to support log yard and fibre processing operations. You will operate wheel loaders, log loaders, and related machinery in outdoor, fast-paced settings on a 14 days on / 14 days off rotation with 12-hour shifts.

Candidates should have proven experience with forestry or resource-sector heavy equipment, a strong safety record, and solid teamwork and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience operating wheel loaders, grapple loaders, log loaders, or similar heavy equipment in forestry, industrial, or resource-sector environments.
• Strong commitment to safety, including regular inspections and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work outdoors in a fast-paced, team-based setting.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate wheel loaders, grapple loaders, log loaders, and other equipment in support of log yard and fibre processing operations.
• Load, unload, sort, stack, and transport logs, chips, hog fuel, and related materials while maintaining inventory accuracy.
• Feed chippers and processing equipment to maintain production targets and ensure smooth material flow.
• Monitor quality and performance, report issues affecting production or specs.
• Assist with startup/shutdown, housekeeping, and general operational tasks.
• Perform pre/post-trip inspections and document maintenance needs.
• Conduct routine greasing, cleaning, and preventive maintenance while identifying deficiencies.
• Follow safety policies, hazard assessments, and regulatory requirements on site.
• Coordinate with supervisors and team members to meet operational objectives.
• Contribute to a positive team environment with accountability and professionalism.

Skills

Wheel loaders

Log loaders

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Why Join Sutherland Heavy Civil?

• Meaningful work on civil construction, mining, and infrastructure projects

• Competitive pay, comprehensive rewards and benefits

• Quality equipment, resources, and support to help you perform at your best

• Opportunities to build a long-term career, not just a job

• A team-first culture built on safety, respect, and accountability

• Local roots and proud supporters of the communities where we live and work

Compensation & Schedule

$31.00-$35.00 per hour

Schedule: Work 14 days on / 14 days off rotation with 12-hour shifts, as required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate wheel loaders, grapple loaders, log loaders, and other assigned equipment in support of log yard and fibre processing operations.

• Load, unload, sort, stack, and transport logs, chips, hog fuel, and other wood fibre products while maintaining inventory accuracy and product segregation.

• Feed chippers and processing equipment to maintain production targets and ensure consistent material flow.

• Monitor chip quality and operational performance, identifying and reporting issues that may impact production or product specifications.

• Assist with startup, shutdown, housekeeping, and general operational support activities to maintain a productive work environment.

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, monitor equipment condition, and complete required maintenance and inspection documentation.

• Perform routine greasing, cleaning, and preventative maintenance while identifying and reporting equipment deficiencies or repair requirements.

• Follow all safety policies, procedures, hazard assessments, and regulatory requirements while maintaining awareness of personnel, equipment, and site hazards.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, and team members to coordinate activities and support operational objectives.

• Contribute to a positive team environment through accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to safe and efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Experience operating wheel loaders, grapple loaders, log loaders, or similar heavy equipment in a forestry, industrial, or resource-sector environment.

• Ability to safely load, unload, sort, stack, and transport logs, chips, wood fibre, and related materials while supporting production and inventory requirements.

• Experience supporting log yard, chipping, biomass, sawmill, forestry, or wood fibre processing operations is considered an asset.

• Strong commitment to safety, including hazard awareness, equipment inspections, and compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to perform routine equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and identify equipment deficiencies or repair requirements.

• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outdoor operational environment.

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Extended health, dental and vision

• Life and travel insurance coverages

• Comprehensive wellness and paramedical support

• Employee assistance program

• Generous pension matching

• Referral bonus opportunities

About Sutherland Heavy Civil

Sutherland Heavy Civil is a broad-based forestry services provider with a strong focus on environmentally responsible and sustainable practices. For over 15 years, Sutherland Heavy Civil has delivered mobile large-scale chipping and grinding, forestry consulting, screening, road building and maintenance, and equipment rental services across British Columbia and Alberta.

About Sutherland Group

The Sutherland Group is a family of companies operating across transportation, construction, forestry, environmental, mining, marine, and industrial services. For 30 years, we have invested in our people, supported career growth, and delivered exceptional work for our customers and communities.

Join the Team

Ready to build your career with a team that lives its values every day? We seek people who are Curious & Adaptable, Trustworthy, Humbly Confident, Better Together, and ready to Make It Happen. We'd love to hear from you.

Different perspectives build better teams. The Sutherland Group of Companies is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a diverse workforce and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. We encourage applications from any protected basis such as persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America and any other basis under applicable law.

If you require any accommodation at any point during the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources team at 778-754-4021.