Excavator Operator – Civil Mainline / Underground Utilities

Highroad Excavating Ltd. | $35–$42/hour | Full-time

About Us

Highroad Excavating Ltd. is a well-established civil construction and trucking company serving the Lower Mainland. We specialize in site servicing, underground utilities, trenching, grading, and bulk excavation. We take pride in quality work, safe operations, and a supportive team with a small-company feel.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced mainline excavator operator with a strong background in installing storm, sanitary, and water services.

You must be confident excavating around existing underground utilities, maintaining line and grade, and working closely with a foreman, pipelayers, and spotters. This position requires previous mainline excavator experience and sound judgment when working in congested utility corridors.

Responsibilities

- Operate excavators for mainline utility installation and civil servicing projects.
- Excavate trenches and prepare bedding to the required line and grade.
- Safely excavate around existing live and exposed utilities, following utility locate, exposure, and clearance requirements.
- Coordinate with spotters and ground crews, maintaining explicit communication and stopping when visibility or conditions are uncertain.




- Work with trench boxes and shoring systems in accordance with the excavation plan and safe work procedures.
- Read servicing drawings and follow grade stakes, elevations, and excavation limits.
- Complete daily equipment inspections, report defects, and perform routine operator maintenance.
- Support the crew and follow company procedures and WorkSafeBC requirements.

Qualifications
- Minimum three years of excavator operating experience on civil underground utility projects, including mainline installation.
- Demonstrated experience digging around existing utilities is required.
- Experience supporting storm, sanitary, and watermain installation.
- Strong understanding of line and grade, trench safety, soil conditions, and excavation limits.
- Ability to read civil servicing drawings and work from grade stakes and elevations.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence.
- Reliable, safety-minded, and able to work effectively with a crew.

Compensation & Benefits
- $35–$42/hour, based on demonstrated mainline experience and operating ability.
- Overtime opportunities and year-round work.
- Extended health and dental benefits after probation.
- Well-maintained, late-model equipment.
- Supportive team and strong safety culture.

Job Type: Full-time Pay: $35.00-$42.00 per hour

Benefits

- Dental care
- Extended health care

Work Location: In person

📌 Excavator Operator – Civil Mainline / Underground Utilities (Vancouver)
🏢 Highroad Excavating u0026 Trucking
📍 Vancouver