Mainline Excavator Operator

KLS Earthworks; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages based on experience

Full benefits on day 1

Group RSP eligibility

Training and development

Modern, well-maintained equipment

Supportive team environment

Career growth across equipment

Safe and inclusive workplace

Job summary

KLS Earthworks & Environmental is seeking an experienced Mainline Excavator Operator to join our Underground utility team. This role focuses on mainline installations and requires confidence working at depth around existing utilities in a fast-paced civil construction environment, across Western Canada.

Established in 1990, KLS emphasizes safety, quality and continuous learning. Join a family-rooted company with modern equipment and strong growth opportunities in Alberta and beyond.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of excavator operating experience in underground utility construction.
• Mainline underground experience required.
• Experience installing water, sanitary and storm utilities.
• Confident excavating at varying depths and in tight/congested areas.
• Strong understanding of trenching, grades and underground construction practices.
• Ability to read construction drawings and grade information is an asset.
• Strong attention to safety, quality and production.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work extended hours during peak season.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators for underground mainline utility installation, including water, sanitary and storm systems.
• Excavate trenches to required line, grade and depth.
• Perform mainline digging, structure excavation and backfilling.
• Work safely around existing underground utilities and infrastructure.
• Support installation of pipe, manholes, catch basins and related underground infrastructure.
• Work closely with Foremen, Pipe Layers and ground crews to maintain production.
• Read and understand grade stakes, plans and underground utility layouts.
• Perform safe and efficient trenching while maintaining proper slopes and excavation requirements.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and identify maintenance or repair concerns.
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe operating condition.
• Follow KLS safety procedures and site‑specific requirements.

Skills

Excavator operation

Underground utility construction

Trenching & grading

Safety focus

Reading drawings

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Job description

Join Our Team

KLS Earthworks & Environmental is looking for experienced Mainline Excavator Operator to join our Underground utility team.

This position is specifically for an operator with proven experience working on underground utility mainline installations. We are looking for someone who is confident working at depth, around existing utilities, and alongside pipe crews in a fast‑paced civil construction environment.

If you are an experienced mainline operator who takes pride in your work, understands underground construction, and knows how to work efficiently while keeping safety and quality top of mind, we want to hear from you.

Established in 1990, KLS Earthworks & Environmental is a family‑rooted company and a leader in excavation, earthworks, and environmental construction across Western Canada. Built on a foundation of safety and operational excellence, we deliver time‑and‑cost saving solutions through a modern fleet and a highly skilled team of professionals.

At KLS, we value people who Help First, stay Hungry, are Willing to Learn, and remain Committed to doing the job right.

What You’ll Do

• Operate excavators for underground mainline utility installation, including water, sanitary and storm systems
• Excavate trenches to required line, grade and depth
• Perform mainline digging, structure excavation and backfilling
• Work safely around existing underground utilities and infrastructure
• Support installation of pipe, manholes, catch basins and related underground infrastructure
• Work closely with Foremen, Pipe Layers and ground crews to maintain production
• Read and understand grade stakes, plans and underground utility layouts
• Perform safe and efficient trenching while maintaining proper slopes and excavation requirements
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and identify maintenance or repair concerns
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe operating condition
• Follow KLS safety procedures and site‑specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of excavator operating experience, with proven experience in underground utility construction
• Mainline underground experience is required
• Strong experience installing water, sanitary and storm utilities
• Confident excavating at varying depths and working in tight or congested areas
• Strong understanding of trenching, grades and underground construction practices
• Ability to work effectively with pipe crews and follow direction from site supervision
• Ability to read construction drawings and grade information is an asset
• Strong attention to safety, quality and production
• Reliable, punctual and able to work extended hours during peak construction season
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

What we are Offering

• Competitive industry wages based on experience and equipment capabilities
• Full benefits on day 1
• Group RSP eligibility after 2 years of employment
• Training and development opportunities
• Modern, well‑maintained equipment
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities to expand your skills across different equipment
• Opportunity to grow with a leading Alberta earthworks company
• Play an important role in supporting workplace safety and employee success

KLS Earthworks Inc. is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.