Excavator Operator - Syncrude Aurora - Drive In/Out - 14x7 Rotations
North American Construction Group (NACG) is hiring experienced Excavator Operators for work at the Syncrude Aurora site in Fort McMurray, AB. This position follows a 14-day on, 7-day off rotation, alternating between day and night shifts. Camp accommodations are not provided, but bus transportation is available from Fort McMurray to the site. Responsibilities include operating large excavators, reading stakes for grading, working in soft ground conditions, and maintaining compliance with safety policies. Overtime is paid after 8 hours per day or 44 hours per week. Successful candidates will join the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955.
Position
Field
Equipment OperatorsWork Rotation
Accommodations
Responsibilities
The Excavator Operator will be responsible for operating heavy equipment to complete assigned tasks safely and efficiently.
- Operate various sizes and models of excavators
- Read stakes and accurately place grades
- Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures
- Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Review safe work plans and hazard assessments before beginning tasks
- Conduct equipment walk-arounds, safety checks, and field-level risk assessments
- Report necessary repairs to the maintenance team immediately
- Report all incidents, near misses, or equipment damage immediately
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have experience operating large excavators in a mining or reclamation environment.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience operating large excavators
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a mining atmosphere (preferred)
- Minimum 1 year of experience in reclamation work
- Experience safely loading from windrows
- Ability to work in soft ground conditions (Muskeg) and rip frost above shovels
- Ability to ditch/slope and carry grade
- Proficiency in English (verbal and written)
- Strong organizational and safety-oriented mindset
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with a recent Driver's Abstract
- Valid CSO or BSO Certification
- High school diploma, GED, or post-secondary education (preferred)
Perks and Benefits
NACG offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Up to $53.82/hour in combined pay
- Vacation and statutory holiday pay included in each paycheck
- Earn up to 61 hours of overtime per 14-day rotation
- Night shift premium of +$1.20/hour
- Weekly pay schedule
- Union membership with IUOE Local 955
- Medical and dental benefits after 400 hours worked
- Bus transportation provided from Fort McMurray to site
- PPE provided (excluding steel-toed boots)
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
Worksite/Project
Syncrude Aurora
The Syncrude Aurora Mine, located approximately 35 kilometers north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a significant component of Syncrude Canada's oil sands operations. The Aurora North Mine was the first stand-alone oil sands mine and processing plant, producing bitumen froth that is transported to the Mildred Lake processing plant. The mine has a bitumen production capacity of 225,000 bpd and is expected to be depleted by about 2040 at current mining rates. Syncrude is a joint venture operated by Suncor Energy, with partners including Imperial Oil, Sinopec, and Nexen/CNOOC.
Syncrude AuroraEmployer Hiring
North American Construction Group
North American Construction Group Ltd. (NACG) is a leading mining contractor and heavy civil construction company, specializing in oilsands mining, overburden removal, mine site development, and reclamation. Founded in 1953, NACG has grown into one of Canada's largest heavy equipment and mining service providers, delivering earthworks, tailings management, and infrastructure development for the resource extraction industry. The company plays a key role in Alberta's oilsands operations, supporting major mining sites such as Syncrude Mine, Aurora Mine, Suncor Base Mine, Fort Hills Mine, and Kearl Mine. NACG operates one of Canada's largest fleets of haul trucks, shovels, and earthmoving equipment, ensuring cost-effective, high-production mining solutions that drive sustainable resource development. With a strong focus on mine reclamation, environmental management, and operational efficiency, NACG continues to be a trusted partner in large-scale energy and mining projects across North America.
North American Construction Group