Heavy Equipment Operator

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 dozers, excavators, grader and/or loaders as required.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Heavy Equipment Operation & Production

• Operate heavy mining equipment including WA 800, WA 900, PC 2000, PC4000, 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’ experience operating heavy mining equipment (WA 800, WA 900, PC 2000, PC4000, Komatsu D375 dozer and Komatsu GD955 grader) on active mine sites
• Demonstrated proficiency with large-scale material handling (topsoil stripping, overburden removal, ore loading, pit development, waste and stockpile management)
• Proven experience building haul/access roads, bench and ramp maintenance, and supporting drill/blast operations in active pits
• Ability to read grade stakes, survey markings, and basic civil layouts; interpret blueprints, design drawings, and work packages to execute to line/grade
• Zero‑harm mindset with consistent adherence to company safety policies, SOPs, and JHAs/FLHAs
• Proper and consistent use of PPE and participation in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and incident/hazard reporting
• Commitment to regulatory compliance (mining and environmental regulations) and site-specific standards
• Ability to stop work and escalate when encountering unsafe conditions or discrepancies from design
• Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, rotations (days/nights), weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• Capable of working in remote, rugged, and variable weather conditions, including cold, heat, precipitation, and reduced visibility
• Physically able to climb on/off equipment, lift up to 50 lb (23 kg), and maintain alertness for extended periods in equipment cabs

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 hourly range for this position is CAD $44-$52 in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

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 our projects are located.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.