About the job Excavator Operator
Excavator Operator
Project: Upper Nicola River Road Project
Location: Upper Nicola / Merritt, BC Area
Type: Full-Time, Project-Based
Wage Range: $37.00 – $41.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
About the Role
Infracon Construction is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support the Upper Nicola River Road Project, a road upgrade and storm water management project in the Upper Nicola / Merritt area.
This role is best suited for an operator with approximately 5–10 years of civil construction experience, including strong experience in road construction, grading, trenching, drainage work, and working around active construction operations. The successful candidate will be confident operating an excavator safely and efficiently in a busy civil construction environment while supporting road upgrades, storm water management work, and related site activities.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in quality work, understands the importance of safe production, and can work closely with supervisors, labourers, truck drivers, flaggers, and other equipment operators to keep the project moving efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Excavator Operation
- Operate excavators safely and efficiently to support road upgrades, drainage, and storm water management work
- Perform trenching, ditching, grading, backfilling, loading, excavation, and material placement
- Work around active construction crews, traffic control, utilities, trucks, and mobile equipment
- Support culvert installation, drainage improvements, road preparation, and general civil construction activities
- Perform detailed excavation and grading work as directed by the supervisor
- Load trucks and move materials safely and efficiently
- Maintain awareness of ground conditions, slopes, excavation limits, and surrounding work activities
Civil Construction Support
- Work as part of a field crew supporting road construction and storm water management activities
- Coordinate with labourers, flaggers, truck drivers, supervisors, and other operators
- Assist with sequencing work to support safe and efficient production
- Read and understand basic grade stakes, site markings, and field direction
- Support site preparation, access improvements, drainage structures, and roadway upgrades
- Help identify practical solutions in the field when conditions change
Equipment Care & Maintenance
- Complete daily equipment inspections and report deficiencies promptly
- Maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and work-ready condition
- Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical concerns
- Follow proper start-up, shut-down, fueling, and maintenance procedures
- Ensure equipment is operated within safe working limits and manufacturer guidelines
Safety & Site Requirements
- Follow all company and project safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices
- Participate in daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and site orientations
- Work safely around traffic, workers on foot, overhead hazards, underground services, slopes, and active equipment
- Maintain strong situational awareness at all times
- Identify and report hazards, incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to Infracon's safety culture: Safety. No Excuses.
What You Bring
- Approximately 5–10 years of excavator operating experience in civil construction
- Strong experience in road construction, grading, trenching, drainage, and general earthworks
- Ability to operate safely and productively around workers, traffic, trucks, and other equipment
- Good understanding of civil construction sequencing and field operations
- Strong communication skills and ability to follow direction
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
- Strong attention to detail, especially when working to grade or around utilities
- Ability to adapt to changing site conditions and project priorities
- Safety-focused mindset and pride in quality workmanship
Qualifications
- Previous experience operating excavators in civil construction is required
- Experience with roadworks, storm water management, culvert installation, trenching, ditching, and grading is preferred
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence and reliable transportation to site is preferred
- Equipment operator training or relevant certifications are considered an asset
- Ground disturbance, CSTS, First Aid, or other safety certifications are considered an asset
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
Working Conditions
- Outdoor, project-based work in the Upper Nicola / Merritt area
- Work may involve exposure to weather, dust, noise, uneven ground, traffic, and active mobile equipment
- Physically active construction environment requiring attention to safety and changing conditions
- Schedule may vary based on project requirements, weather, and operational needs
- Overtime may be required depending on project demands
Compensation & Benefits
- $37.00 – $41.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
- Full-time, project-based employment
- Benefits and applicable company programs may be available based on employment status and eligibility
- Opportunity to work on a local civil construction and infrastructure project with an experienced team
What Success Looks Like
- Excavation, trenching, grading, and drainage work is completed safely, efficiently, and accurately
- Equipment is inspected daily, maintained properly, and kept work-ready
- Field crews, labourers, truck drivers, and other operators are supported through clear communication and safe coordination
- Work areas are kept organized and hazards are identified early
- Project tasks are completed with strong attention to quality, safety, and production
- The Upper Nicola River Road Project is supported by dependable, skilled, and professional equipment operation
Why Join Us
- Be part of a local road upgrade and storm water management project
- Work with an experienced civil construction team
- Contribute to infrastructure improvements that support the local community
- Join a safety-focused, team-oriented company
- Apply your operating experience in a practical, hands-on civil construction environment