Mainline Excavator Operator

Blackline Civil; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health benefits

Growth opportunities

Modern equipment

Job summary

Blackline Civil Inc. is seeking an experienced Underground Mainline Excavator Operator to support our civil construction team in Alberta. You will install water, sanitary, and storm mains, reading grades and using laser/GPS guidance to ensure precise trenching and line-and-grade accuracy.

You will collaborate with pipe layers and grade crews, perform safe trenching and shoring, inspect equipment daily, and uphold site safety culture while delivering projects to spec.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of excavator experience in underground civil construction.
• Proven experience installing water, storm, and sanitary mains.
• Strong ability to read grades and work to tight tolerances.
• Experience using laser or GPS machine control systems.
• Valid driver’s license (Class 5 preferred).

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators for underground utility installation (water, storm, sanitary).
• Excavate trenches to line and grade using laser and GPS guidance.
• Work with pipe layers and grade personnel to ensure accurate installation.
• Perform safe trenching, sloping, and shoring practices per regulations.
• Handle bedding placement, pipe support, and backfill operations.
• Maintain awareness of existing utilities and safe excavation around them.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Follow site safety protocols and contribute to a strong safety culture.
• Communicate effectively with foreman, superintendent, and crew members.
• Assist with site preparation, clean-up, and other tasks as needed.

Skills

Excavator operation

Underground utilities

Laser/GPS control

Grade reading

Safety practices

Tools

GPS machine control

Laser guidance

Job description

Underground Mainline Excavator Operator – Civil Construction

Location: Alberta (Central / Northern Projects)
Company: Blackline Civil Inc.
Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced
Underground Mainline Excavator Operator to join our civil construction team, specializing in the installation of water, sanitary, and storm systems.

This role is critical to the success of our underground operations, requiring precision, efficiency, and a strong understanding of grades, trenching, and safe excavation practices. The ideal candidate is a skilled operator who takes pride in quality work and works closely with grade crews and supervision to deliver projects safely and on spec.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators for underground utility installation (water, storm, sanitary)
• Excavate trenches to proper line and grade using laser and/or GPS guidance
• Work closely with pipe layers and grade personnel to ensure accurate installation
• Perform safe trenching, sloping, and shoring practices in accordance with regulations
• Handle bedding placement, pipe support, and backfill operations as required
• Maintain awareness of existing utilities and ensure safe excavation around them
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
• Follow site safety protocols and contribute to a strong safety culture
• Communicate effectively with foreman, superintendent, and crew members
• Assist with site preparation, clean-up, and other tasks as needed

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of experience operating excavators in underground civil construction
• Proven experience installing: Water, storm, and sanitary mains
• Deep utilities and trenching operations
• Strong ability to read grades and work to tight tolerances
• Experience working with laser and/or GPS machine control systems
• Solid understanding of safe excavation practices and ground conditions
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and stakes
• Experience working on municipal or commercial development projects
• Valid driver’s license (Class 5 minimum; Class 3 considered an asset)

What We’re Looking For

• A detail-oriented operator who takes pride in precision work
• Strong awareness of grade, safety, and production targets
• Ability to work as part of a high-performing crew
• Reliable, accountable, and safety-focused
• Willingness to adapt to changing site conditions and priorities
• Builder/operator mindset with a focus on getting the job done right

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience
• Consistent work with a strong pipeline of projects
• Extended health and benefits package
• Performance-based incentives
• Modern, well-maintained equipment
• Opportunity to grow within a rapidly expanding civil division