Lead Heavy Equipment Operator

Job summary

The Lead Heavy Equipment Operator will operate heavy earthworks and processing equipment while taking full ownership of project execution at remote sites. They are responsible for leading crews, ensuring safety and quality standards, and resolving mechanical or site obstacles independently.

Job details

We are seeking a highly self-motivated and independent Lead Heavy Equipment Operator to operate heavy earthworks and processing equipment across remote job sites. You will spend the vast majority of your time behind the controls, taking full ownership of project execution, holding yourself and your crews strictly accountable for quality work, and proactively solving problems on the fly. This role requires a true self-starter who thrives in high-autonomy environments, thinks quickly on their feet, and takes immediate initiative to overcome unexpected field challenges without waiting for direction. Why Join GFL? Competitive Compensation: High earning potential that reflects your willingness to work hard, operate equipment, and manage remote site requirements. High-Impact Role: Take full accountability for field outcomes while leading by example behind the controls. Professional Challenge: Work on projects across Western Canada. Stability & Growth: Join an industry leader committed to sustainability and professional excellence. What You’ll Do Hands-On Operation: Spend most of your time directly operating heavy earthworks and processing equipment at peak performance. Take Initiative & Solve Problems: Think fast on your feet to resolve unexpected mechanical and site obstacles instantly without waiting for step-by-step guidance. Drive Accountability: Lead remote work sites by setting a high standard of work ethic, holding both yourself and your crew accountable for safety, output, and quality. Manage Remote Workflows: Work independently across distant project locations, managing daily tasks, equipment care, and project deadlines seamlessly. What You Bring Travel Commitment: Ability and willingness to undertake frequent travel throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan to support critical project sites. Deep Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in heavy earthworks and processing equipment (e.g., forestry or gravel crushing operations). While landfill experience is an asset, a strong background in similar heavy industrial environments is highly valued. Problem-Solving Ability: Ability to troubleshoot operational issues instantly and adapt to changing conditions on site. Mobility: Must be available for significant travel throughout Western Canada. Commitment: Ability to work a schedule involving heavy overtime to ensure the success of critical projects. Independence: Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, autonomous environment and make sound, on-the-spot decisions. If you are a driven operator who takes pride in your work and thrives in a remote, high-initiative environment, apply today! #GFLTalent We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact myworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date. This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.

What you’ll do

The Lead Heavy Equipment Operator will operate heavy earthworks and processing equipment while taking full ownership of project execution at remote sites. They are responsible for leading crews, ensuring safety and quality standards, and resolving mechanical or site obstacles independently.

Requirements

Candidates must have extensive experience in heavy industrial environments and the ability to travel frequently across Western Canada. A strong commitment to working a schedule with heavy overtime and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, autonomous environment are required.

Listed skills

• Heavy equipment operation · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Heavy equipment operation
• Earthworks
• Processing equipment
• Problem-solving
• Leadership
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Site management
• Safety compliance
• Project execution
• Equipment maintenance
• Self-Starter
• Accountability
• Workflow Management
• Project Implementation
• Strong Work Ethic
• Self-Motivation
• Forestry
• Problem Solving
• Operations
• Proactivity
• Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)

Job areas

• Construction
• Trades
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Energy
• Logistics
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
• Earthmoving and Related Plant Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

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