Who We Are Kichton Construction LP is the Fort McMurray-based Heavy Civil entity within the Kichton Group of Companies which has been operating since 1963. Kichton Construction LP commenced operations in 2019 as the industrial division of the Kichton Group to serve the Energy and Mining Industries throughout North America. Since inception, KCLP has grown sustainably and exponentially, starting with 30 experienced team members in 2019, to now over 400 team members and over 300 pieces of heavy equipment. KCLP is proud to continue operating alongside our Community Partner, the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, as part of our NOHA/Kichton Joint-Venture.
The RoleWe are looking for an experienced Utility Operator to join our field operations team at the Fort Hills mine North of Fort McMurray. The ideal candidate is well rounded excavator operator (loading tool/finisher) and runs dozer (D8-D10). They have experience doing a variety of tasks from loading haul trucks, working in soft ground and around water. They have dozer experience doing push downs above the shovel, bulking and squeezing mud, and can place material to certain tolerances/elevations. This role reports into the Foreman/General Foreman/Superintendent/General Superintendent.
Location/Project Details

• Fort Hills Mine, AB

• Reclamation, overburden work, haul truck road maintenance, civil scopes.

• 12-hour days (paid for 11.5 hours). 14 days on, 7 off. Day and night shift.

• Camp accommodation is provided.

• Flights are provided to and from Edmonton or Calgary.

• Bussing provided from Firebag to site (before and after rotation).

Compensation/Benefits

• $41 - $45 per hour based on experience.

• Overtime after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, whichever is greater.

• 9.6% vacation and stat holiday pay on all regular hours.

• Performance/competency review after 90 days which could result in a $2.00 per hour increase.

• $2.00 per hour bonus that is paid quarterly to those that do not have safety infractions, disciplinary actions, equipment damage or missed flights.

• Extended health, dental, vision, travel and paramedical benefits after 90 days (50% employer paid).

• Life insurance, dependent life insurance, AD&D after 90 days (50% employer paid).

• $300/year health care spending account.

• Employee assistance and virtual health programs.

• Opportunities for advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate dozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently in an oil sands mining environment.

• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, sloping, stockpiling, and material handling activities.

• Support construction, maintenance, reclamation, and site preparation activities.

• Conduct pre-operational inspections and complete required equipment inspection reports.

• Identify and report mechanical deficiencies, hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.

• Maintain proper housekeeping of equipment and work areas.

• Follow site drawings, grade stakes, work plans, and supervisor instructions.

• Work safely around underground and overhead utilities, pipelines, structures, and other mobile equipment.

• Assist ground crews and other operators as required.

• Adhere to all company policies, site rules, environmental regulations, and safe work procedures.

• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and incident investigations.

• Operate equipment in varying weather, ground, and site conditions.

• Ensure productivity targets are achieved while maintaining safe operating practices.

• Maintain accurate daily logs, inspections, and operational documentation.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 2 – 5 years of heavy utility experience in mining, construction, or oil sands environments required.

• Proven experience operating:

• Dozers (D8, D10 or equivalent)

• Excavators (various sizes and configurations)

• OSSA/BSO/CSO required.

• Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness or H2S Alive, Silica Awareness, OH&S Legislation Awareness, Wood Buffalo Wildlife Awareness required (can be done through Energy Safety Canada online).

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

• Ground Disturbance Level II considered an asset.

• Class 3 driver’s license considered an asset.

• Ability to read site plans, grades, and excavation layouts.

• Strong understanding of safe operating practices and mine/site safety requirements.

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues.

• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and remote site schedules.

• Physically capable of working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong awareness of equipment blind spots, site hazards, and safe work zones.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Skilled in precision excavation and grading.

• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and site conditions.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in active mining, construction, and oil sands environments.

• Exposure to dust, mud, noise, vibration, and extreme weather conditions.

• Long shifts, including days and nights.

• Overtime and extended rotations may be required depending on project needs.

• Experience working in soft ground and around water required.

Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with all applicable OH&S legislation, company policies, and client site requirements.
• Stop work when unsafe conditions exist.
• Properly use all required PPE.
• Report incidents, near misses, and hazards immediately.
• Participate in ongoing safety training and competency evaluations.