Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Canada
Occupation: Heavy equipment operator (except crane), NOC 73400 · Sector: Construction & Trades · Typical provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia
Role overview (what employers actually hire for)
A Heavy Equipment Operator supports production on civil and commercial construction sites by operating machines safely, accurately, and consistently. In Canada, the same job title can cover multiple machines and responsibilities (earthmoving, fine grading, trench support work, road base, snow-season operations, or quarry support), depending on the province and project.
Typical equipment you may operate
- Excavator (trenching, lift plans support, backfill, slope finishing)
- Bulldozer (rough grading, cut & fill, stripping, push/loading support)
- Wheel loader (stockpiles, aggregate handling, truck loading)
- Motor grader (road base shaping, fine grade, drainage crown)
- Backhoe / tractor-loader-backhoe (multi-task utility work)
- Skid steer / compact track loader (site cleanup, tight-access tasks)
- Roller / compactor (subgrade and base compaction where assigned)
Core responsibilities (detailed)
- Pre-start inspection: walkaround checks, fluids, leaks, attachments, safety devices, housekeeping.
- Safe operation: blind-spot control, swing radius awareness, spotter coordination, exclusion zones.
- Production accuracy: follow grades, stakes, drawings, laser/GPS references; protect existing services.
- Material handling: load trucks, manage stockpiles, avoid contamination of aggregates/soil.
- Trenching discipline: slope/bench awareness, spoil placement, safe approach to utilities.
- Machine care: greasing schedule, track/tire checks, minor troubleshooting, clean cab policy.
- Communication: radio protocol, hand signals, reporting hazards and near-misses early.
Short candidate portrait (fast self-check)
- You can explain which machines you run and what tasks you do on each (not just “operator”).
- You work with a safety-first mindset: you stop the job when visibility, ground conditions, or spotting is not safe.
- You can hold a steady grade and understand the difference between rough and finish work.
- You keep production moving without abusing equipment (smooth cycles, smart positioning, controlled travel).
- You can work outdoors in changing weather and remain consistent across long shifts.
Field note (unique anti-template block)
This page describes a typical role profile (not a single employer advertisement). Final duties, schedules, and rates depend on the province, project type, union status, and your machine list.
Working conditions in Canada (what to expect)
What hiring teams evaluate (practical signals)
- Machine list clarity: excavator sizes, dozer class, grader experience, attachments, GPS exposure.
- Finish quality: can you hold grade and slope without rework; understanding of drainage and compaction sequence.
- Utility discipline: spotting, daylighting, controlled digging near services, and safe spoil placement.
- Attitude and reliability: punctuality, radio discipline, respect for exclusion zones, clean incident history.
Work authorization & documents (overview)
Legal work in Canada requires the appropriate authorization. Requirements depend on your nationality, the employer, and the program used for hiring.
Common document expectations (non-exhaustive)
- Valid passport and identity documents.
- Employer documents supporting the job offer (for many cases: LMIA or an LMIA-exempt offer/number, depending on program).
- Biometrics (when required by IRCC).
- Medical exam (when required for the intended work or stay).
- Police certificate (may be requested depending on program and personal history).
Trade & competency notes
- Employer training / internal certification may be required for site access and equipment sign-off.
- Trade certification rules vary: some certifications are compulsory in Quebec and may be voluntary elsewhere (employer/project dependent).
- Red Seal may be available for qualified operators (province-dependent).
This section is informational. Final requirements are always defined by Canadian law, the employer, and the province.
How to apply (CV-based selection)
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Include: machine list, years per machine, project types (roads/utilities/quarry), tickets, GPS experience, and availability.
- Add proof where possible: references, certification scans, and a short project list (2–5 lines per project).
- Submit. We contact shortlisted candidates for pre-screening.
Anti-duplicate note: this page uses a category-wide “anti-template” module to vary structure, lists, and FAQ across pages while preserving design consistency.
Related roles in Construction & Trades
Internal links to similar vacancy pages
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
What gross pay range is typical for Heavy Equipment Operators in Canada?
Common gross hourly ranges are roughly 24–48 CAD/hour, depending on province, project type, overtime, and specialization (finish grade/GPS, remote work, etc.).
Do I need certification or an apprenticeship?
Often you need a combination of training and on-the-job experience. Certification rules vary by province and project; some certifications are compulsory in Quebec while other provinces may be voluntary or employer-driven.
Which machines should I list on my CV?
List each machine separately and add the tasks you perform on it (e.g., excavator: trenching, slope finishing, pipe bedding). This is one of the strongest selection signals.
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