Excavator Operator, Local to Fort McMurray

Excavator Operator – Syncrude MLX Project

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 its 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 Role

We are looking for experienced Excavator Operators to join our field operations team at the Syncrude MLX Project at Mildred Lake, approximately 45 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. This role reports directly to the Foreman and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of excavators in an active oil sands mining environment.

This is non-camp work with bussing provided to and from site. Applicants must be local to Fort McMurray.

Location / Project Details

• Syncrude, Mildred Lake
• Two-month project
• 12-hour shifts (paid for 11.5 hours)
• 14 days on / 7 days off
• Days and nights required
• No accommodations provided – locals only
• Bussing provided from Fort McMurray to site

Compensation & Benefits

• $37-$41 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
• Potential opportunities for future work on other Kichton projects
• Benefits after 90 days (50% employer paid):
• Extended Health & Dental
• Travel Coverage
• Paramedical Services
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance

Key Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate hydraulic excavators in an oil sands mining environment
• Perform excavation, trenching, ditching, sloping, backfilling, loading, stockpiling, and material handling activities
• Load haul trucks safely and efficiently while maintaining production targets
• Support construction, maintenance, reclamation, and site preparation activities
• Follow grade stakes, site drawings, excavation plans, and supervisor direction
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and complete required inspection documentation
• Identify and report mechanical deficiencies, hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions
• Maintain housekeeping standards for equipment and work areas
• Work safely around underground and overhead utilities, pipelines, structures, and other mobile equipment
• Assist ground crews and other operators as required
• Participate in toolbox meetings, hazard assessments, and safety initiatives
• Complete daily logs, inspections, and operational documentation accurately

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating excavators in mining, construction, or oil sands environments
• Experience operating large hydraulic excavators considered an asset
• Experience with truck loading, bulk excavation, ditching, grading, and utility work preferred
• OSSA/BSO/CSO required
• Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness or H2S Alive
• Silica Awareness
• OH&S Legislation Awareness
• Wood Buffalo Wildlife Awareness
• Field Ergonomics
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• WHMIS
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
• Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and excavation layouts
• Strong understanding of safe operating practices and mine-site requirements
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and project schedules
• Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Suncor Workday Training:

• SRMWB Safety Orientation
• OSSA Driving in the Mine
• SCL Mine Job Orientation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Skilled in precision excavation and truck loading
• Strong awareness of equipment blind spots, site hazards, and safe work zones
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and site conditions
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Working Conditions

• Active mining and oil sands environment
• Exposure to dust, mud, noise, vibration, and extreme weather conditions
• Long shifts including days and nights
• Overtime may be required based on project demands
• Experience working in soft ground and around water is considered an asset

Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with all applicable OH&S legislation, company policies, and client requirements
• Stop work when unsafe conditions exist
• Wear and maintain all required PPE
• Report incidents, near misses, hazards, and equipment concerns immediately
• Participate in ongoing safety training and competency evaluations
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship