Excavator Operator

Cranbrook, BC
On-site
Posted Jul 17, 2026
1 position

$34–$36 / hour

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

Safely operate excavators and other heavy machinery to support civil construction and mining projects. Perform pre-operational inspections, maintain equipment, and ensure all work complies with safety legislation and site hazard assessments.

Job details

MacKay Contracting Ltd. is a progressive and well-established Heavy Civil Construction and Mining Services company. For over 40 years, we’ve been tackling the projects others avoid — from highways and overpasses to utilities, mine infrastructure, and earthworks. With operations across Western Canada, we’re proud to build the foundations communities grow on. We’re looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator – Excavator to join our team. This is a key role in ensuring the safe, accurate, and efficient use of equipment that keeps our projects moving forward. How You’ll Contribute As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you’ll bring precision and safety to every task. You’ll work as part of a team that operates multiple types of heavy machinery, supports jobsite productivity, and ensures work is carried out to the highest standard. Your skills behind the controls will directly contribute to project success and safety on site. What You’ll Get to Do Safely and effectively operate excavators and other heavy equipment such as loaders, dozers, graders, and haul trucks Perform work in compliance with MacKay safety practices, as well as provincial and federal safety legislation Operate in crowded, fast-paced environments with strong awareness of potential hazards Interpret verbal directions and hand signals from ground crews and fellow operators Conduct pre-operational inspections, complete logbooks, perform minor servicing, and ensure good housekeeping of equipment Clean tracks and equipment at the end of each shift Complete and submit daily Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) and timecards Identify and address site hazards through proactive hazard assessments Support team operations with flexibility, reliability, and a strong safety mindset Perform other duties as assigned Who You Are You’re an experienced operator who values precision, teamwork, and safety. You know how to work independently when needed but also thrive as part of a crew working toward a common goal. You have: Experience operating excavators in civil construction or equivalent work Knowledge of construction layout and staking Knowledge of 3D machine control systems (an asset) A valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract The ability to operate equipment in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner Strong communication and listening skills The ability to follow instructions and adapt quickly to changing site conditions Willingness to work flexible hours and occasional weekends What’s In It for You This role is based out of our Cranbrook, BC headquarters with regularly scheduled shifts of Monday to Friday, starting at 7:00 a.m. Shifts typically range from 8–12 hours with overtime after 8 hours. While weekend work is occasional, it is not a regular requirement. At MacKay, you’ll find: Competitive compensation and overtime opportunities A strong safety culture and the tools to succeed Training, development, and advancement opportunities A team environment where your skills are recognized and valued At MacKay, we believe great people build great projects. If you’re ready to operate with precision, safety, and pride, we want to hear from you. DRIVEN TO DELIVER

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires experience operating excavators in civil construction and a valid driver's license with a clean abstract. Knowledge of construction layout, staking, and 3D machine control systems is preferred.