Why Join GS Construction?
You will work with one of the longest-serving general contractors in the Edmonton area who specialize in water and sewer rehabilitation and new land development. Since 1974, GS Construction has centered its mission on safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
You will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that emphasizes integrity, hard work, and community involvement. With us, you will find numerous opportunities for personal and professional development as a part of an industry leading team. Our structure ensures that every business function supports a field-focused mentality, allowing you to execute with Safety, Quality and Efficiency.
Join us if you’re eager to embrace challenges, advance your career, and grow in a company that values who you are as much as the contributions you make.
What We Offer You
- Safety First: Emphasis on working safely and team well-being.
- Competitive Wages: Including overtime.
- Skill-Based Adjustments: Wage increases based on skills and experience.
- Bonuses: Eligible for job bonuses, year-end profit sharing, & safety awards.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access to full benefits with no waiting period.
- Modern Equipment: Work with the latest tools and equipment.
- Growth Potential: Upward advancement based on performance.
- Training Programs: Opportunities for professional development.
- Positive Environment: A safe and supportive workplace culture.
Role Summary
As a Mainline Hoe Operator, you are a critical team member, responsible for safe, precise excavation, trenching, and pipe placement for underground water and sewer installations.
In this role you will be responsible for the following:
- Excavation & Grading – Operate an excavator to dig trenches for mainline water and sewer installations, ensuring precise depth and grade using laser levels and grade stakes while avoiding existing utilities. Maintain spoil piles at least 1 meter away from trenches to ensure a safe and efficient worksite.
- Utility Awareness & Trenching – Read and interpret underground locates before excavation to avoid damaging existing infrastructure. Perform specialized trenching techniques, including V-ditching for drainage and stability and double ditching to create safer workspaces and improve pipe installation efficiency.
- Trench Safety & Protection – Ensure proper use of trench boxes, shoring, slide rails, and slope angles to maintain safe excavation conditions before beginning work.
- Pipe Handling & Material Lifting – Assist in lowering, aligning, and bedding large-diameter pipes in trenches. Safely lift and maneuver pipes, manholes, trench boxes, and fittings using the excavator. Set up properly for big lifts, ensuring safe rigging and positioning.
- Backfilling & Hoe Packing – Carefully backfill trenches while maintaining proper compaction and grade. Operate a Hoe Pac or bucket attachment to compact material around pipes and structures, ensuring backfill coverage is completed by the end of each workday.
- Truck Loading & Material Handling – Load trucks properly, distributing material evenly to maintain stability and ensure safe transport.
- Communication & Coordination – Use clear hand signals, radios, or verbal instructions to coordinate with crew. Adjust movements based on trench sequencing and foreman direction.
- Site Safety & Compliance – Follow Alberta OHS, ground disturbance rules, and GS Construction safety protocols. Maintain a clean and organized worksite. Participate in daily hazard assessments and report any unsafe conditions or equipment defects immediately.
- Equipment Care & Maintenance – Perform daily checks on fluids, hoses, and fittings. Grease, refuel, and clean equipment as needed to maintain safe operation.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating an excavator in mainline water and sewer construction setting.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, site plans, grade stakes, and underground locates to ensure precise excavation.
- Strong understanding of trenching, grading, backfilling, and compaction techniques, with expertise in precise excavation near infrastructure, double ditching, proper loading, and hydrant cut-outs.
- Knowledge of construction safety regulations; certifications such as Ground Disturbance Level II, First Aid/CPR, CSTS, and Confined Space Entry are an asset.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- This is a physically active, outdoor role. You'll be working in all kinds of weather.
- You’ll need to be comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs and handling physically demanding tasks throughout the day.
- Work takes place on active construction sites with heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and live underground utilities.
What it takes to Succeed
- Willing to learn, promote, and implement GS Construction's culture, core values, and "GS Way" processes.
- Ability to manage tasks, operate effectively, and remain focused in high-pressure, fast-changing environments.
- Enjoys problem-solving and thinking "outside the box" to develop innovative solutions for complex tasks.
- Openness to learning from others and collaborating on new ideas and approaches to improve efficiency and teamwork.
- Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate effectively with crew members and leadership.
Note: We appreciate every application we receive, but we can only contact the candidates who are selected to move forward in the hiring process.
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