Top Man - Civil Construction

Blackline Civil; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health benefits

Growth opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Blackline Civil Inc. seeks an experienced Top Man to lead trench and underground utility operations for water and sewer projects in Alberta. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and productivity on site.

Responsibilities include directing excavator operators, maintaining line and grade, performing elevation checks, and coordinating with pipelayers and foremen to ensure quality construction and compliance with project specifications.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years experience as a Topman or in underground construction.
• Strong understanding of line & grade, trench work and pipe installation.
• Ability to read blueprints and construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Direct excavator operators to maintain trench depth and alignment.
• Read and maintain line and grade for pipe installation.
• Conduct elevation shots and verify pipe placement.
• Coordinate with pipelayers, labourers, and foremen.
• Inspect pipes and materials for quality and defects.
• Use hand signals and communication to ensure safe operations.
• Ensure trench safety and monitor ground conditions.

Skills

Line & grade

Trench work

Reading blueprints

Field surveying

Tools

Surveying tools

Job description

Top Man - Civil Construction

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

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Top Man to lead trench and underground utility operations for water and sewer construction projects. This role is critical to maintaining safety, accuracy, and productivity on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct excavator operators to maintain proper trench depth and alignment
• Read and maintain line and grade
  for pipe installation
• Conduct elevation shots and verify pipe placement
• Coordinate with pipelayers, labourers, and foremen
• Inspect pipes and materials for quality and defects
• Use hand signals and communication to ensure safe operations
• Ensure trench safety and monitor ground conditions
  

Qualifications & Experience

• 2–3+ years experience as a Topman or in underground construction
• Strong understanding of:
  • Line & grade
  • Trench work and pipe installation
  • Surveying tools (levels, transits, pipe lasers)
• Ability to read blueprints and construction drawings
  
• Safety-focused mindset
  

What We’re Looking For

• Strong grade-reading skills
• Ability to control the job from the top of trench
• Good communication with operators and crew
• Proven experience in water & sewer or underground utilities

• Ability to make decisions quickly and solve problems in the field
• High accountability
• Team-first mindset with a focus on execution
• Commitment to safety, quality, and getting the job done right

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Extended health and benefits package
• Opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding civil division
• Strong pipeline of work across Alberta