Mainline Hoe Operator

Stretchconstruction; Alberta; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading construction firm as a Mainline Hoe Operator, where your expertise in excavator operation will be crucial for safe and precise excavation in water and sewer installations. This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and efficiency, providing a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. You'll work with modern equipment and have opportunities for skill-based wage adjustments and bonuses. If you're ready to embrace challenges and advance your career in a dynamic setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Bonuses

Comprehensive Benefits

Training Programs

Modern Equipment

Growth Potential

Positive Environment

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of excavator operation experience in water/sewer construction.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and certifications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavator for trenching and pipe placement in water/sewer projects.
• Ensure safety compliance and maintain equipment.

Skills

Excavator Operation

Blueprint Reading

Trenching Techniques

Grading and Backfilling

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Construction Safety Certifications

Tools

Laser Levels

Excavator

Two-way Radios

Job description

Why Join GS Construction?

You will work with one of the longest-serving general contractors in the Edmonton area who specialize in water and sewer rehabilitation and new land development. Since 1974, GS Construction has centered its mission on safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

You will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that emphasizes integrity, hard work, and community involvement. With us, you will find numerous opportunities for personal and professional development as a part of an industry leading team. Our structure ensures that every business function supports a field-focused mentality, allowing you to execute with Safety, Quality and Efficiency.

Join us if you’re eager to embrace challenges, advance your career, and grow in a company that values who you are as much as the contributions you make.

What We Offer You

• Safety First: Emphasis on working safely and team well-being.
• Competitive Wages: Including overtime.
• Skill-Based Adjustments: Wage increases based on skills and experience.
• Bonuses: Eligible for job bonuses & year-end profit sharing, plus safety awards.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to full benefits after a trial period.
• Modern Equipment: Work with the latest tools and vehicles.
• Growth Potential: Upward advancement based on performance.
• Training Programs: Opportunities for professional development.
• Positive Environment: A safe and supportive workplace culture.

Role Summary

As a Mainline Hoe Operator, you are a critical team member, responsible for safe, precise excavation, trenching, and pipe placement for underground water and sewer installations.

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Excavation & Grading: Operate an excavator to dig trenches for mainline water and sewer installations, ensuring precise depth and grade using laser levels and grade stakes while avoiding existing utilities. Maintain spoil piles at least 1 meter away from trenches to ensure a safe and efficient worksite.
• Utility Awareness & Trenching Techniques: Read and interpret underground locates before excavation to avoid damaging existing infrastructure. Perform specialized trenching techniques, including V-ditching for drainage and stability and double ditching to create safer workspaces and improve pipe installation efficiency.
• Trench Safety & Protection: Ensure proper use of trench boxes, shoring, slide rails, and slope angles to maintain safe excavation conditions before beginning work.
• Pipe Handling & Material Lifting: Assist in lowering, aligning, and bedding large-diameter pipes in trenches. Safely lift and maneuver pipes, manholes, trench boxes, and fittings using the excavator. Set up properly for big lifts, ensuring safe rigging and positioning.
• Backfilling & Hoe Packing: Carefully backfill trenches while maintaining proper compaction and grade. Operate a Hoe Pac or bucket attachment to compact material around pipes and structures, ensuring backfill coverage is completed by the end of each workday.
• Truck Loading & Material Handling: Load trucks properly, distributing material evenly to maintain stability and ensure safe transport.
• Communication & Coordination: Follow directions from ground crews regarding craning, gravel placement, and grading. Maintain clear communication using hand signals and two-way radios.
• Equipment Maintenance & Inspection: Conduct daily pre-operational checks, including fluid levels, hydraulics, and tracks. Perform minor maintenance such as greasing, refilling fluid tanks, and switching buckets and attachments efficiently, performing bump tests, and securing safety pins or wedges.
• Site Safety & Compliance: Follow all Alberta OHS regulations, company safety policies, and ground disturbance regulations. Identify and report mechanical issues, unsafe site conditions, or equipment defects to supervisors. Maintain a clean and organized worksite.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating an excavator in mainline water and sewer construction setting.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, site plans, grade stakes, and underground locates to ensure precise excavation.
• Strong understanding of trenching, grading, backfilling, and compaction techniques, with expertise in precise excavation near infrastructure, double ditching, proper loading, and hydrant cut-outs.
• Knowledge of construction safety regulations; certifications such as Ground Disturbance Level II, First Aid/CPR, CSTS, and Confined Space Entry are an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driving record.

What it takes to Succeed

• Willing to learn, promote, and implement GS Construction's culture, core values, and "GS Way" processes.
• Ability to manage tasks, operate effectively, and remain focused in high-pressure, fast-changing environments.
• Enjoys problem-solving and thinking "outside the box" to develop innovative solutions for complex tasks.
• Openness to learning from others and collaborating on new ideas and approaches to improve efficiency and teamwork.
• Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate effectively with crew members and leadership.

Note: We appreciate every application we receive, but we can only contact the candidates who are selected to move forward in the hiring process.

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