Mainline Excavator Operators Undergrounds

Golderado Contracting Corp; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

RRSP matching

Vacation pay

Job summary

Golderado is seeking an experienced Mainline Excavator Operator to join our underground utilities construction team. You will excavate mainline trenches for water, sewer, or pipeline projects, coordinating closely with pipe layers and foremen to ensure safe, high-quality installations.

Qualified candidates have 3–5 years of mainline experience, read grades accurately, and hold CSTS 2020, Ground Disturbance Level 2, and WHMIS 2015 tickets. A valid license and reliable transport are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years as a mainline operator or equivalent.
• Experience in water/sewer installation and trenching.
• Ability to read grade and follow specifications or survey stakes.
• Valid safety tickets: Ground Disturbance Level 2, CSTS 2020, WHMIS 2015.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract within 30 days of start date.

Responsibilities

• Excavate mainline trenches to specified depth, width, grade and alignment.
• Assist with trenching for water, sewer, storm or pipeline installations.
• Maintain trench integrity and support underground utilities.

Skills

Grade reading

Safety awareness

Teamwork

English proficient

Production focus

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Mainline Excavator Operators Undergrounds — At Golderado, the work we do is built by the people on our sites every day. We’re looking for skilled, hardworking tradespeople who take pride in their craft, look out for their crew, and want to go home safe at the end of every shift. We’re committed to providing a safe, respectful, and productive work environment where skilled tradespeople can do their best work every day. Our teams take pride in quality craftsmanship, collaboration, and getting the job done right. We invest in training, development, and the right tools to help our people grow their skills and advance their careers, while supporting work-life balance along the way.

We are seeking an experienced Mainline Excavator Operator to join our underground utilities construction team. This role is responsible for excavating and maintaining the primary (mainline) trench for water, sewer, or pipeline installation, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, and to project specifications. This is a key production role, working closely with pipe layers, foremen, and support operators to maintain efficient workflow and high-quality installation. At Golderado, your hard work is valued, your safety comes first, and challenging work leads to real opportunities and long-term rewards. The Mainline Excavator Operator is critical to project success—accuracy in trenching directly impacts installation quality, safety, and overall productivity.

Key Information

• Hours: Project dependent
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends on various schedules.
• Hourly rate is dependent on experience.
• Health benefits, pension plan, RRSP matching, vacation pay offered.

Job Description

• Excavate mainline trenches to specified depth, width, grade, and alignment
• Perform trenching for water, sewer, storm, or pipeline infrastructure
• Excavate bell holes and tie-in areas as required for installation
• Support installation of underground utilities, ensuring trench conditions are ready for pipe placement
• Work closely with pipe layers and crews to maintain safe and efficient production
• Assist with placing and positioning materials where required
• Prepare trench for proper bedding placement and grading prior to installation
• Assist with backfilling operations and maintain trench integrity
• Complete rough grading as required to support downstream work
• Safely locate and expose existing utilities (daylighting) prior to excavation
• Operate with caution in congested areas or around live services
• Maintain clear communication with ground crew using hand signals and/or radios
• Ensure safe operation around personnel and equipment, maintaining exclusion zones
• Monitor ground conditions and stop work if unsafe conditions arise (e.g., sloughing, water accumulation)
• Follow all company safety policies and site-specific procedures
• Operate excavators (typically 30-50 ton class) safely and efficiently
• Conduct daily inspections and basic maintenance of equipment
• Maintain clean and organized work area
• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment, secure special attachments to equipment
• Operate two-way radios and other communication equipment, perform minor repairs to equipment
• Execute high-volume production
• Fine grading and finishing
• When required, assist other operators, labourers, and trades
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks for equipment

Experience and Certification Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5 years as a mainline operator or equivalent experience is required.
• Proven experience in:
• Water and Sewer installation
• Pipeline or heavy civil trenching
• Strong ability to read grade and follow specifications or survey stakes
• Experience working around existing utilities and underground services
• Valid safety tickets (Ground Disturbance Level 2, CSTS 2020, WHMIS 2015) are required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• A clean driver’s abstract is required and must be obtained no more than 30 days prior to employment start date.
• A reliable means of transportation is required.
• Proficient English language skills required.
• High level of precision and control in excavation work
• Strong safety awareness and situational awareness
• Ability to work in tight or confined spaces and around active crews
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and production-focused
• Fast-paced civil construction and/or pipeline projects
• Work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions
• May require extended hours and travel depending on project location

Education

Completion of high school or equivalent is required.

Go ahead and be yourself. We\'ll pay you for it!

We are an equal opportunity employer. While only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview, be sure to continually check our website for other related positions as they are posted.

Additional Note

A successful pre-access drug and alcohol test may be required depending on the project.