Top Man - Civil Construction

Blackline Civil; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health benefits

Career growth opportunities

Competitive salary based on experience

Job summary

Blackline Civil Inc. is seeking 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, overseeing pipe installation, surveying, and coordination with the crew.

You will direct excavator operators, read blueprints, verify elevations, and ensure trench safety across multiple sites with strong teamwork and on-site decision making.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Top Man

Line & grade

Trench work

Pipe installation

Read blueprints

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