We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator with proven skills in both Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and rubber tire backhoe operation to join our team. The successful candidate will play an integral role in the safe, efficient, and precise execution of underground utility construction projects, including telecommunications and power infrastructure, throughout the Edmonton region.

This position requires a versatile, safety-focused operator capable of operating mid-to-large size horizontal directional drills and rubber tire backhoes, working around existing underground utilities, interpreting construction drawings, and coordinating closely with locators, labourers, supervisors, project managers, and utility representatives. The successful candidate will be committed to maintaining high standards of safety, productivity, and workmanship while adapting to changing site conditions and project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation & Underground Construction

- Safely and efficiently operate horizontal directional drills, rubber tire backhoes, and other heavy equipment as required for underground utility construction projects.
- Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, site preparation, and utility exposure activities as required.
- Execute horizontal directional drilling operations in accordance with engineering drawings, project specifications, designated alignments, and depth profiles.
- Safely excavate around existing underground utilities, including gas, power, telecommunications, water, and sewer infrastructure.
- Assist with the installation, exposure, and protection of underground utilities while minimizing the risk of damage to existing infrastructure.
- Safely transport, load, secure, and unload equipment to and from jobsites as required.
- Maintain precise control of equipment and complete all drilling and excavation activities safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Utility Locates, Planning & Safety
- Review Alberta One-Call documentation, private utility locates, engineering drawings, and site plans before beginning work.
- Identify potential utility conflicts and coordinate hydrovac verification of existing infrastructure where required.
- Conduct field-level hazard assessments (FLHAs) and review the planned drill path, ground conditions, mud mixing requirements, and applicable safety measures with the crew before commencing work.
- Follow utility locate information, safe excavation procedures, and established protocols when working in congested utility corridors.
- Maintain clear,



continuous communication with the locator via radio to monitor and confirm drill head location, depth, pitch, and direction throughout drilling operations.
- Identify and respond appropriately to unexpected ground conditions, potential utility conflicts, and deviations from planned alignments in coordination with supervisors, project managers, and clients.
- Follow all company health and safety policies, applicable regulations, site-specific requirements, and project specifications.

Crew Coordination & Project Execution
- Work collaboratively with locators, labourers, equipment operators, supervisors, utility representatives, and other contractors to coordinate daily construction activities.
- Provide effective direction and leadership to crew members as required, promoting a safe, productive, and professional work environment.
- Communicate project requirements, potential hazards, and changes in site conditions clearly and promptly.
- Maintain strong time management and work efficiently to meet project schedules, production targets, and quality expectations.
- Conduct post-job inspections and quality checks to confirm completed work meets project specifications.
- Assist with general construction duties when required to support the crew and keep projects moving efficiently.
- Maintain skilled working relationships with clients, utility partners, and other contractors on site.

Equipment Maintenance & Documentation
- Complete daily pre-trip inspections, equipment checks, and required safety inspections before operating machinery.
- Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues, maintenance requirements, or unsafe operating conditions.
- Maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and operational condition.
- Complete daily paperwork, equipment reports, hazard assessments, and other required documentation accurately and on time.

Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience operating horizontal directional drills.
- Previous experience operating a rubber tire backhoe in underground utility construction, civil construction, or a related field.




- Strong understanding of underground utility infrastructure, utility locates, safe excavation practices, and damage prevention procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate heavy equipment in congested utility corridors and varying jobsite conditions.
- Ability to read, interpret, and execute civil engineering drawings, construction plans, utility locates, alignments, and depth profiles.
- Knowledge of drilling operations, drill head tracking, ground conditions, and drilling fluid or mud mixing requirements.
- Ability to identify potential hazards, assess changing site conditions, and make sound operational decisions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to coordinate effectively with locators, crew members, supervisors, and project managers.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to maintaining a safe, productive work environment.
- Strong work ethic, time management, attention to detail, and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Ability to complete physically demanding work and assist with general construction activities when required.
- Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
- Commitment to following company safety procedures, project specifications, and applicable regulations.

What We’re Looking For We are looking for a dependable, versatile operator who takes pride in their work and can confidently transition between directional drilling and backhoe operations as project needs require. The ideal candidate combines strong technical operating skills with sound judgment, attention to safety, effective communication, and a team-oriented approach to underground utility construction.

If you are an experienced operator who values safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: $22.50-$40.79 per hour

Benefits

- Dental care
- Extended health care

Application question(s):
- Have you independently operated an HDD locator system, interpreted drill head depth and pitch, and coordinated drilling with a locator by radio?
- Are you experienced reading engineering drawings, drill profiles, utility locates, and required installation depths?
- Are you experienced with HDD drilling fluid or mud mixing, ground condition assessment, and troubleshooting drilling challenges?
- What makes and sizes of HDD machines have you operated?

Experience:
- Directional Drilling: 3 years (required)
- Backhoe operation: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Heavy Equipment Operator – Horizontal Directional Drill & Rubber Tire Backhoe (Sherwood Park)
🏢 Elite HDD
📍 Sherwood Park