Heavy Equipment Operator – Civil & Utility Construction
M West Excavating & Contracting Ltd. is a growing excavation contractor based in Kamloops, BC. We specialize in residential excavation, underground utility construction, BC Hydro installations, retaining walls, septic systems, and final grading.
We're looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator who takes pride in producing quality work, works safely around existing underground infrastructure, and enjoys being part of a small, hardworking team where every employee makes a difference.
What You'll Be Doing
- Operate excavators, skid steers, loaders and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
- Excavate around existing live utilities using safe digging practices.
- Install BC Hydro underground services and shallow utilities.
- Install water, sewer, storm and communications infrastructure.
- Perform residential excavations including foundations, driveways, septic systems and site servicing.
- Construct retaining walls and prepare building lots.
- Complete final grading and finish work to a high standard.
- Read and interpret site plans, grades and utility drawings.
- Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
- Work closely with supervisors, labourers and subcontractors to keep projects moving safely and efficiently.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience in civil construction (must be verifiable through previous employers or professional references).
- Experience operating excavators and skid steers.
- Comfortable working around existing underground utilities.
- Strong understanding of safe excavation practices.
- Ability to read plans, grades and utility layouts.
- Experience with pipe installation and utility construction is considered a strong asset.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
- Dependable, punctual and self-motivated.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence (Class 3 with Air Brakes is an asset).
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following:
- BC Hydro underground installations.
- Shallow utility construction.
- Water, sanitary and storm systems.
- Residential excavation.
- Septic system installation.
- Retaining wall construction.
- Fine grading and site finishing.
What We Offer
- $38.00–$42.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Wage is negotiable for exceptional candidates with extensive utility construction and BC Hydro experience.
- Overtime opportunities.
- Modern, well-maintained equipment.
- Small team with a strong culture and room for advancement.
- Diverse work with new challenges every day.
- Opportunity to build your career with a growing company.
We're looking for operators who care about quality, safety, and representing the company professionally. If you're someone who enjoys challenging excavation work and wants to be part of a team that's building a strong reputation in the Interior, we'd like to hear from you.
Please include a résumé with references. Only applicants with verifiable experience will be considered.
Pay: $38.00-$42.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
