Mainline operator

Job summary

Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to excavate, install, and backfill sewer and watermain infrastructure, maintaining specified depths, grades, and alignment around existing utilities. Inspect equipment, follow safety procedures, coordinate with the construction crew, and support project quality and schedules.

Job details

Position Description Machina Construction Ltd. is seeking an experienced Mainline Operator to join our sewer and watermain construction team. The successful candidate will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy construction equipment during the installation, excavation, and backfilling of underground sewer and watermain infrastructure throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Key Responsibilities: Operate excavators and other heavy equipment for mainline sewer and watermain installations. Perform trench excavation, pipe bedding, backfilling, and grading in accordance with project specifications. Experience working within trench boxes and shoring Work closely with pipe layers, labourers, foremen, and site supervisors to ensure safe and efficient operations. Maintain proper trench depths, grades, and alignment while working around existing underground utilities. Safely operate equipment in deep excavations, confined work areas, and challenging ground conditions. Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns. Follow all company safety procedures and applicable Ontario construction regulations. Assist in maintaining project productivity, quality standards, and construction schedules. Qualifications and Requirements: Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating excavators on sewer and watermain projects. Strong experience with mainline sewer and watermain excavation and installation. Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, grades, and elevations. Experience working around existing underground utilities and trench protection systems. Knowledge of Ontario construction safety regulations and excavation procedures. Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a crew. Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation. Experience working on municipal infrastructure projects is considered an asset.

What you’ll do

Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to excavate, install, and backfill sewer and watermain infrastructure, maintaining specified depths, grades, and alignment around existing utilities. Inspect equipment, follow safety procedures, coordinate with the construction crew, and support project quality and schedules.

Requirements

Requires 3–5 years of excavator experience on sewer and watermain projects, including excavation, installation, and work with underground utilities and trench protection systems. Candidates must be able to interpret construction drawings, grades, and elevations, understand Ontario construction safety procedures, communicate effectively, and have a valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.

Listed skills

• Heavy equipment operation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Excavator Operation
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Sewer and Watermain Construction
• Trench Excavation
• Pipe Bedding
• Backfilling
• Grading
• Construction Drawing Interpretation
• Grade and Elevation Reading
• Underground Utility Awareness
• Trench Boxes and Shoring
• Equipment Inspection
• Construction Safety
• Crew Communication
• Municipal Infrastructure

Job areas

• Construction
• Trades
• Security & Safety