Utility Operator

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 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 RoleWe are looking for an experienced Utility Operator to join our field operations team at the Syncrude MLX project North of Fort McMurray. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded excavator operator (loading tool/finisher) and runs dozer (D8-D10). They have experience doing a variety of tasks, from loading haul trucks, working in soft ground and around water. They have dozer experience doing push downs above the shovel, bulking and squeezing mud, and can place material to certain tolerances/elevations. This role reports into the Foreman/General Foreman/Superintendent/General Superintendent.

Location/Project Details

• Syncrude, Mildred Lake.
• Two-month project.
• 12-hour days (paid for 11.5 hours). 14 days on, 7 off. Days and Nights.
• No accommodations, locals only.
• Busing provided from the town to the site.

Compensation/Benefits

• $41-45 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 work on other sites after project is over.
• Benefits after 90 days – 50% employer paid. Extended health, dental, travel, paramedicals, life insurance, dependent life insurance, AD&D.
• Telehealth and Employee and Family Assistance programs after 90 days.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 2 – 5 years of heavy utility experience in mining, construction, or oil sands environments required.
• Proven experience operating:
• Dozers (D8, D10 or equivalent)
• Excavators (various sizes and configurations)
• OSSA/BSO/CSO required.
• Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness or H2S Alive, Silica Awareness, OH&S Legislation Awareness, Wood Buffalo Wildlife Awareness required (can be done through Energy Safety Canada online).
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Ground Disturbance Level II considered an asset.
• Class 3 driver’s license considered an asset.
• Ability to read site plans, grades, and excavation layouts.
• Strong understanding of safe operating practices and mine/site safety requirements.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and remote site schedules.
• Physically capable of working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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

Working Conditions

• Work performed in active mining, construction, and oil sands environments.
• Exposure to dust, mud, noise, vibration, and extreme weather conditions.
• Long shifts, including days and nights.
• Overtime and extended rotations may be required depending on project needs.
• Experience working in soft ground and around water required.

Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with all applicable OH&S legislation, company policies, and client site requirements.
• Stop work when unsafe conditions exist.
• Properly use all required PPE.
• Report incidents, near misses, and hazards immediately.
• Participate in ongoing safety training and competency evaluations.