Matting Equipment Operator

Backwoods Energy Services; Nisku; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Overtime opportunities

Benefits package

PPE provided

Training & career development

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Backwoods Energy Services in Alberta is seeking a safety‑focused Matting Operator to safely transport, install, relocate, maintain and remove access mats across industrial, pipeline, construction and oilfield projects.

You will operate skid steers, excavators, loaders, and telehandlers, perform pre‑trip inspections, ensure proper mat installation, log daily records, and coordinate with supervisors and drivers in remote outdoor environments, with rotational schedules and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in industrial environments.
• Experience installing access mats is a strong asset.
• Valid driver’s license with clean abstract.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors.
• Strong safety knowledge and hazard recognition.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment to load, unload, transport, install and remove mats.
• Operate skid steers, excavators, loaders, telehandlers and other machinery.
• Perform pre-trip and daily equipment inspections and report deficiencies.
• Install mats according to project specs while minimizing environmental impact.
• Complete daily inspections, logbooks, and required documentation.
• Secure loads in accordance with provincial regulations.
• Coordinate with supervisors, drivers and project personnel for efficiency.
• Follow all company policies and client site requirements.
• Participate in toolbox talks and hazard assessments; keep areas tidy.
• Assist with general labour duties as required.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety consciousness

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Tools

Skid steer

Excavator

Loader

Telehandler

Job description

Backwoods Energy Services is 100% Indigenous‑owned and provides construction services to the oil, gas, and utility industries in North‑Western Alberta. We are one of the largest Indigenous community owned companies in Alberta and focus on building lasting client relationships with a commitment to safety excellence and quality service. Our business consists of five operating divisions: Civil Works and Clearing, Environmental Services, Pipeline and Integrity Maintenance, Matting Supply and Installation and Security Services. Our mission is to drive economic opportunity by empowering Indigenous people and communities.

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated, safety‑focused Matting Operator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe transportation, installation, relocation, maintenance, and removal of access mats used to support industrial, pipeline, construction, forestry, and oil and gas projects. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, excellent equipment operating skills, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment to load, unload, transport, install, and remove access mats.
• Operate equipment such as skid steers, excavators, loaders, telehandlers, or other assigned machinery.
• Perform pre‑trip and daily equipment inspections and report deficiencies.
• Ensure mats are installed according to project specifications while minimizing environmental impact.
• Complete daily equipment inspections, logbooks, and required documentation.
• Secure loads in accordance with provincial transportation regulations.
• Work closely with supervisors, truck drivers, and project personnel to complete work efficiently.
• Follow all company policies, safe work procedures, and client site requirements.
• Participate in daily toolbox meetings and hazard assessments.Maintain clean and organized work areas and equipment.
• Assist with general labour duties as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment in industrial, construction, forestry, or oilfield environments.
• Experience installing access mats is considered a strong asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence (Class 1 or Class 3 considered an asset).
• Clean driver's abstract.
• Ability to work long hours and rotational schedules.
• Strong understanding of safe work practices and hazard recognition.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CSTS 2020 or CSO
• H2S Alive
• Standard First Aid & CPR
• Ground Disturbance Level II
• WHMIS
• TDG
• Wildlife Awareness
• Equipment operating certifications (asset)

What We Offer

• Competitive wages.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Company‑provided PPE where applicable.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• A strong safety culture with opportunities for advancement.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Rotational schedules and overtime may be required.
• Travel to various project locations.
• Physically demanding work in remote industrial environments.

Why Join Us?

At Backwoods, safety, integrity, teamwork, and professionalism are at the core of everything we do. We invest in our employees by providing ongoing training, modern equipment, and opportunities for career growth. If you're looking to build a rewarding career in a dynamic and safety‑focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, copies of applicable certifications, and a current driver's abstract.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Backwoods is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.