Mining Heavy Equipment Operator

Skeena Gold + Silver is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Reporting directly to the Supervisor, Mining, the Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment for mining and construction activities at the Eskay Creek Open Pit Mine.

This role will be responsible for the safe operation of loaders and graders as required.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Heavy Equipment Operation & Production

• Operate heavy mining equipment, including WA 800, WA 900, 900-series loaders, 500 series loaders, PC 2000, PC 4000, Komatsu D375 dozer, and Komatsu GD955 grader, in accordance with site procedures, manufacturer guidelines, and industry standards.
• Carry out large-scale material handling such as topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, waste dumping, and stockpile management
• Support drilling, blasting, and extraction activities by preparing work areas, maintaining benches and haul roads, and ensuring compliance with safety distances and operational protocols
• Operate equipment efficiently to meet production targets while minimizing fuel consumption, equipment wear, and environmental impact

Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Works

• Build and maintain haul roads and access roads to industry standards
• Assist with the installation of environmental control measures
• Construct tailings facilities, collection ponds, and other mining infrastructure as required

Safety, Communication & Compliance

• Conduct pre-shift inspections and routine maintenance checks, reporting defects or hazards promptly
• Comply with all company safety policies, environmental regulations, PPE requirements, and mine site standards
• Read and interpret grade stakes, blueprints, and plans; follow written and verbal instructions to execute work scopes accurately
• Maintain clear communication with dispatch, supervisors, and coworkers using radios and standard signaling procedures
• Adapt to changing site conditions, weather, and production requirements while maintaining high situational awareness
• Participate in safety meetings, ongoing training, and competency assessments to meet regulatory and site standards

Additional Duties

• Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned

The Ideal Candidate

Education / Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record suitable for site vehicle use

Experience / Skills

• 3–5+ years of experience operating heavy mining equipment on active mine sites, including Komatsu WA800 and WA900 wheel loaders, 900- and 500-series loaders, PC2000 and PC4000 hydraulic excavators, Komatsu D375 dozers, and Komatsu GD955 graders.
• Demonstrated proficiency in large-scale material handling, including topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, and waste and stockpile management.
• Proven experience constructing and maintaining haul and access roads, maintaining benches and ramps, and supporting drilling and blasting operations in active open pits.
• Ability to read grade stakes and survey markings, interpret basic civil layouts, blueprints, design drawings, and work packages, and execute tasks to specified line and grade.
• Strong zero-harm mindset with consistent adherence to company safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs).
• Consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), participation in toolbox talks and safety meetings, and timely reporting of incidents, hazards, and near misses.
• Commitment to complying with applicable mining and environmental regulations, company policies, and site-specific standards.
• Ability to recognize and report unsafe conditions, stop work when necessary, and escalate hazards or discrepancies from approved designs and work plans.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts on rotating day and night schedules, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Ability to work in remote, rugged environments and variable weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, precipitation, and reduced visibility.
• Physical ability to safely climb on and off heavy equipment, lift up to 50 lb (23 kg), and maintain concentration and alertness for extended periods while operating equipment.

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is CA$44-CA$48. Individual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant education, training, experience, skills, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Skeena is committed to fair, equitable, and transparent compensation practices and to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories where our projects are located.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.