Top Man Position - Civil Construction

Blackline Civil; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Blackline Civil is seeking an experienced Top Man to lead trench and underground utility operations for water and sewer construction projects on-site in Alberta. This role focuses on safety, accuracy, and productivity on active sites.

You will direct excavator operators, read grade for pipe installation, and coordinate with pipelayers and foremen to maintain quality and schedule. This position requires field leadership and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years experience as a Topman or in underground construction.
• Strong knowledge of line & grade, trench work, and pipe installation.
• 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

Line & grade

Trench work

Pipe installation

Surveying tools

Blueprint reading

Tools

Levels

Transits

Pipe lasers

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