Heavy Equipment Operator

Location:
Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Alberta(On-site)

Work Type:
Permanent

This Heavy Equipment Operator role is ideal for a skilled operator who enjoys working outdoors, operating a variety of heavy machinery, and contributing to large-scale Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) or civil construction projects. The right person takes pride in operating equipment safely and efficiently, solving site challenges, and working as part of a collaborative construction team. This role is a natural fit for an experienced operator looking to work on diverse projects while continuing to grow their technical expertise.

This role offers the opportunity to work on exciting infrastructure and construction projects, operate a modern fleet of heavy equipment, and expand your skills across a variety of job sites. You'll gain exposure to complex construction environments while working alongside experienced tradespeople and project teams. Unlike similar roles, this position emphasizes safe equipment operation, teamwork, and the opportunity to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on communities.

In this role, you will spend most of your time operating heavy equipment to support excavation, grading, site preparation, material handling, trenching, and other construction activities. You will work closely with Foremen, Site Superintendents, Project Managers, survey crews, and labourers to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to project specifications. This role balances precision equipment operation with daily equipment inspections, maintenance, and collaboration to keep projects moving on schedule.

• Safely operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, skid steers, backhoes, and compactors.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, back filling, site preparation, and material handling activities.
• Read site plans, grade stakes, and construction drawings to complete work accurately.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and ensure machinery is kept in good working condition.
• Work closely with ground crews, surveyors, and supervisors to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Follow project specifications, safety procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain awareness of underground utilities and changing site conditions.
• Keep accurate equipment logs and daily production reports.
• Support a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in commercial, industrial, civil, or infrastructure construction.
• Proven experience operating one or more of the following: excavator, dozer, grader, wheel loader, skid steer, or backhoe.
• Valid Heavy Equipment Operator certification or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of excavation techniques, grading, utility work, and site preparation.
• Ability to read site plans, grade stakes, and construction drawings.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding work when required.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license (Class 1 or 3 is considered an asset).

Benefits for this role include competitive wages, overtime opportunities, comprehensive health and dental benefits, retirement savings programs, ongoing training and equipment certification opportunities, and the chance to work on diverse, high-profile construction projects. You'll join a team that values safety, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement while providing a stable work environment and opportunities for long-term career growth.

Since 1951, Drake International has connected people with meaningful work across Canada and globally. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. For accommodation requests, contact your Branch Representative at

This hiring process may use AI-enabled tools to support.