Heavy Civil Operator
Operate heavy equipment to move earth, materials, and support major infrastructure builds.
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Job Details: Full-time,
Location: St.Catharines, ON
Thinking about joining the team?
Rankin Construction is a family-run business with over four decades of experience in the heavy civil construction sector. Built on strong core values, we take pride in delivering high-quality projects while fostering a culture of integrity, teamwork, and community. Our long-standing reputation reflects our commitment to excellence and the people who make it possible.
Joining the Rankin team is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career with a company that values its people as much as its projects. With a proven track record in the heavy civil construction industry, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. At Rankin, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across a diverse range of projects, allowing you to develop your skills and grow both personally and professionally. We are committed to investing in our team, fostering growth, and helping every individual reach their full potential.
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What will my role be?
A heavy civil operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth, materials, and structures on infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, water control systems, and site developments. The operator plays a key role in maintaining productivity, quality, and safety on site.
As a Heavy Civil Operator, you will:
- Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, rollers, haul trucks, or backhoes to perform earthmoving, grading, trenching, concrete demolition, grinding, and material handling tasks.
- Read and interpret construction plans, grade sheets, and signals from grade personnel to achieve correct elevations, slopes, and alignments.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections, checking fluid levels, controls, tires/tracks, and ensuring equipment is in safe working condition.
- Perform minor maintenance, cleaning, and adjustments on equipment as needed, and report any mechanical issues promptly.
- Work closely with foremen, grademen, pipelayers, and labourers to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
- Monitor and maintain awareness of site conditions, ensuring safe operation around personnel, utilities, and obstacles.
- Follow all site safety procedures, including wearing required PPE, respecting exclusion zones, and complying with traffic control plans.
- Maintain productivity while minimizing equipment wear, material waste, and environmental impact.
- Assist with other general construction activities when not operating equipment.
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What we’re looking for!
Are you a collaborative and driven individual with:
- Proven experience operating heavy equipment in a construction environment, with knowledge of machine capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to read grade stakes, drawings, and follow instructions accurately.
- Strong situational awareness and commitment to operating safely at all times.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions as part of a team.
Assets that will set you apart are:
- Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s license: Your ability to reliably travel to various job sites—often located in rural or high-traffic areas—is crucial to staying on schedule and being available when needed.
- Ability to join or membership to the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 793): Union affiliation ensures access to standardized training, safety certification, and allows for smoother onboarding and dispatch to union-supported projects.
- Minimum 3 years experience within the heavy civil construction sector: Hands-on experience with grading, trenching, excavation, or site prep—particularly in road, bridge, or utility work—demonstrates your readiness for complex and high-precision operating environments.
- Experience Operating Multiple Types of Equipment: Operators skilled with various machines—such as excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, or rollers—bring versatility to our crews and help maintain productivity during equipment changes or downtime.
- Strong Understanding of Site Layouts and Survey/Grade Control Systems: Being able to read grade stakes or use laser/GPS systems reduces errors, improves efficiency, and minimizes rework on-site.
- Mechanical Awareness and Basic Maintenance Knowledge: Operators who can detect minor issues early—fluid levels, wear, unusual sounds—play a key role in reducing downtime and extending equipment life.
- Willingness to extend hours, when necessary: Project demands don’t always stick to a standard workday. A commitment to being available during peak activity, pours, or schedule-critical phases shows strong work ethic and dedication.
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How to Apply
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit your application online via Indeed, email us at careers@rankin.ca, or drop off your resume in person — we’d be happy to meet you!
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