Utility Excavator Operator
Grande Prairie, Alberta | Full-Time | Competitive Wages | Overtime Available | Comprehensive Benefits
Build Alberta's Infrastructure with RAHCAR Power Corp.
RAHCAR Power Corp. is a growing utility construction and maintenance contractor proudly serving utility, industrial, municipal, and infrastructure clients throughout Alberta.
Our reputation is built on Safety, Quality, Accountability, and Performance. We believe exceptional projects begin with exceptional people, and we're committed to providing a workplace where skilled professionals are respected, supported, and given opportunities to build long-term careers.
We are currently seeking experienced Utility Excavator Operators to join our Grande Prairie team.
This is an opportunity to work on challenging utility construction projects using modern equipment while collaborating with experienced Power Line Technicians, Utility Foremen, and construction crews. If you take pride in precision excavation, working around underground infrastructure, and operating equipment safely and efficiently, we'd like to hear from you.
Why Join RAHCAR?
- Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications
- Overtime opportunities
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Modern fleet of well-maintained equipment
- Year-round employment
- Diverse and challenging utility infrastructure projects
- Strong safety culture
- Opportunities to learn additional utility construction equipment and advance your career
- A company where hard work, initiative, and professionalism are recognized and rewarded
Position Summary
The Utility Excavator Operator is responsible for the safe, precise, and efficient operation of hydraulic excavators on underground utility construction projects.
Success in this role requires excellent equipment control, sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to safely excavate around existing underground infrastructure while supporting productive, high-quality utility construction.
This is not a bulk earthworks position. It requires precision excavation, teamwork, and a commitment to protecting existing infrastructure while maintaining productivity.
Key ResponsibilitiesPrecision Excavation
- Safely operate hydraulic excavators on utility construction projects.
- Perform precision trenching for electrical, communications, and gas installations.
- Excavate around existing underground infrastructure while minimizing risk to existing utilities.
- Install electrical duct banks, conduits, utility vaults, transformers, and related infrastructure.
- Complete backfilling, grading, compaction, and final site restoration activities.
- Maintain trench quality, depth, alignment, and productivity while meeting project specifications.
Utility Construction
- Work closely with Power Line Technicians, Foremen, Labourers, and Equipment Operators to safely complete daily work objectives.
- Interpret utility locates, construction drawings, grades, and site layouts.
- Assist with material handling and jobsite logistics.
- Support overhead and underground utility construction projects throughout Alberta.
- Operate additional utility construction equipment as required.
Equipment Operation & Care
Primary equipment includes:
- Hydraulic Excavators
- Mini Excavators
Additional equipment include:
- Rubber Tire Backhoes
- Derrick Digger Trucks
- Skid Steers
- Compaction Equipment
- Other utility construction equipment
Responsibilities include:
- Daily pre-trip inspections.
- Routine fueling, lubrication, and cleaning.
- Identifying and reporting maintenance requirements.
- Maintaining accurate equipment inspection records.
- Ensuring equipment is clean, secure, and properly maintained.
Safety & Professionalism
- Participate in daily tailboard meetings and hazard assessments.
- Follow all company, client, and regulatory safety requirements.
- Maintain awareness of underground utility locates, overhead hazards, and changing jobsite conditions.
- Promote a positive safety culture through hazard recognition and proactive communication.
- Maintain professional housekeeping standards on all projects.
QualificationsRequired
- Minimum 3 years operating hydraulic excavators in utility construction, civil construction, municipal infrastructure, pipeline, or related industries.
- Demonstrated experience performing precision trenching around existing underground infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of safe excavation practices.
- Ability to read utility locates, construction drawings, grades, and site plans.
- Valid Class 3 Driver's Licence (Class 1 considered a strong asset).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Excellent situational awareness and attention to detail.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Physically capable of assisting the crew with manual tasks when required.
- Willingness to travel throughout Alberta as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience operating:
- Rubber Tire Backhoes
- Derrick Digger Trucks
- Skid Steers
- Wheel Loaders
- Compaction Equipment
Additional certifications considered an asset:
- Ground Disturbance Level II
- Standard First Aid / CPR
- CSTS 2020
- H2S Alive
- Utility Safety Partners Training
Experience working around:
- Electrical distribution systems
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Natural gas utilities
- Municipal underground infrastructure
- Water and sewer systems
Who You Are
You're more than an equipment operator—you are a skilled trades professional who understands that precision, communication, and safety are essential to every successful project.
You:
- Take pride in operating equipment safely and efficiently.
- Understand the importance of protecting existing underground infrastructure.
- Communicate effectively with your crew and supervisors.
- Take ownership of your equipment and your work.
- Enjoy challenging work that requires skill, precision, and attention to detail.
- Want to build a long-term career with a growing Alberta contractor.
Compensation & Benefits
RAHCAR Power Corp. offers competitive wages based on experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits Include:
- Extended Health Care
- Dental Care
- Vision Care
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Join the RAHCAR Team
If you're an experienced excavator operator looking for stable work, modern equipment, and the opportunity to work on challenging utility infrastructure projects, we'd like to hear from you.
Join a team that values safety, craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement while helping build the infrastructure that powers Alberta.
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Grande Prairie, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- excavator trenching: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Class 3 Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
