Long Reach Excavator Operator

Forgen; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Forgen in Canada seeks an experienced Long Reach Excavator Operator to support geotechnical construction projects. This role performs deep excavations in slurry to depths up to 95 feet, ensuring line and grade per plans without GPS guidance.

You will work closely with superintendents and spotters, conduct daily inspections, and adhere to safety policies including OSHA Subpart P. Travel and extended shifts may be required. The position is based in Saskatoon, Canada.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a long reach excavator on deep slurry walls or similar projects.
• Ability to read grade stakes, cut sheets, and basic project plans.
• Knowledge of excavation safety and practical trench protection measures.

Responsibilities

• Operate long reach excavators to perform deep excavations in slurry up to 95 feet.
• Maintain line and grade per project plans without GPS guidance.
• Coordinate with superintendents, grade checkers and spotters for a safe work zone.
• Ensure equipment stability and proper load management at full reach.

Skills

Long reach excavator operation

Read grade stakes

Safety awareness

Tools

GPS/machine control (Trimble/Topcon/Leica)

Job description

Forgen is dedicated to building a better future - for generations.

Location: Canada

Position Summary

Forgen is seeking an experienced Long Reach Excavator Operator to support geotechnical construction projects. This position is responsible for performing deep excavations in bentonite slurry where standard-reach equipment cannot safely or efficiently meet project requirements.

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate long reach excavators to perform deep excavations in slurry at depths of up to 95 feet.
• Perform excavations up to depths of 95 while maintaining line and grade in accordance with project plans without GPS guidance.
• Coordinate closely with superintendents, grade checkers, and spotters to maintain a safe work zone, particularly around open excavations.
• Maintain equipment stability and adhere to safe operating limits at full reach, including proper load management and equipment setup on mats or uneven ground.
• Support geotechnical construction activities, including excavations for deep foundations, ground improvement, slurry or cutoff walls, and pond or levee construction.
• Perform daily pre-shift inspections, equipment greasing, and basic maintenance; promptly report mechanical issues.
• Adhere to Forgen safety policies, OSHA excavation standards (Subpart P), and site-specific safety and environmental requirements.
• Complete daily equipment logs and timecards accurately.

Basic Qualifications

• Verifiable experience operating a long reach excavator at digging depths ranging from 30 to 90 feet.
• At least three years of experience operating excavators on slurry wall projects.
• Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, cut sheets, and basic project plans.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety, trench protection, and safe work practices near utilities.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and work extended shifts, weekends, and overtime as required by project needs.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and physical examination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using GPS and machine control systems, such as Trimble, Topcon, or Leica.
• Experience supporting levee, dredging, marine, or waterfront projects.
• Completion of OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour training, or equivalent.
• Experience operating additional heavy equipment, including dozers, loaders, or articulated trucks.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, extended standing or walking on project sites, climbing in and out of equipment, and working in confined spaces or at heights. Work conditions and demands may vary, with possible exposure to heavy machinery, chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and extreme weather. Proper PPE, including protective eyewear, gloves, a hard hat, and steel-toed boots, is required. Effective communication, tool use, and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed. Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.

Forgen is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit s discrimination based on any legally protected status.

Privacy Policy

At Forgen, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use your personal data to manage the recruitment process, including assessing your application, verifying information, and, if applicable, entering into an employment contract. Your information may be shared with authorized third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as background checks, and only where permitted by law. We implement appropriate security measures to safeguard your information and retain it only as long as necessary for recruitment and legal purposes.

You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data, and to withdraw your consent at any time where applicable. For questions or to exercise your rights, please contact [e-mail] .

Definitions:

Related Person – A “Related Person” means an individual who is related to the Supervisory Employee, the Supervisory Employee’s spouse, or the Supervisory Employee’s domestic partner as father, mother, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, domestic partner, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in- law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, step-grandson, step-granddaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother or half-sister, or a person living in the same household as the Supervisory Employee.

Supervisory Relationship – A supervisory relationship exists when a Forgen employee has or could have direct or indirect administrative, evaluative, or decision-making authority over a Related Person or whose decisions or actions may affect the evaluation or compensation of, or other Forgen decisions or actions concerning, a Related Person.

In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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