Excavator Operator - Syncrude Mlx - Drive In/Out - 14x7 Rotations
NACG is hiring experienced Excavator Operators for the Syncrude MLX project in Fort McMurray, AB. This role involves operating various sizes and models of excavators to complete mining tasks while ensuring safety and compliance with operational standards. The position follows a 14-days-on, 7-days-off schedule with 12-hour shifts. Bussing is provided from Fort McMurray to the site. This is a unionized role under IUOE Local 955.
Position
Field
Equipment OperatorsWork Rotation
Accommodations
Responsibilities
The Excavator Operator will operate heavy machinery to perform mining and reclamation work while maintaining safety and efficiency.
- Operate excavators (870 or larger) for mining and reclamation tasks
- Read stakes and accurately place grades as required
- Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulations
- Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
- Review and follow safe work plans and hazard assessments before starting work
- Conduct equipment inspections, safety checks, and field-level risk assessments
- Report any necessary or anticipated repairs to maintenance teams or supervisors
- Report all incidents, near misses, or equipment damage immediately
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in excavator operation and a strong commitment to safety.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience operating excavators (870 or larger)
- At least one year of experience in a mining environment preferred
- At least one year of experience in reclamation work
- Experience safely loading from windrows
- Ability to work in soft ground conditions (Muskeg) and rip frost above shovels
- Strong organizational skills and a safety-first attitude
- Proficiency in English, both verbal and written
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with a recent acceptable Driver's Abstract
- Valid CSO or BSO Certification
- High school diploma, GED, or post-secondary education is considered an asset
Perks and Benefits
Excavator Operators at Syncrude MLX receive competitive pay and union benefits.
- Up to $53.82/hour
- Vacation and statutory holiday pay allocated to each paycheck
- Earn up to 61 hours of overtime per 14-day rotation
- Night shift premium +$1.20/hour
- Paid weekly
- Union membership with IUOE Local 955
- Medical and dental benefits after 400 hours worked
- Transportation from Fort McMurray to the site
- PPE provided (excluding CSA-certified steel-toed boots)
- Room for career growth and future advancements
Worksite/Project
Syncrude Mildred Lake Extension
The Mildred Lake Extension (MLX) project is designed to sustain Syncrude's production levels by extending the life of the North Mine. The project involves developing new mining areas to replace the depleting resources of the existing mine. In July 2019, the Alberta Energy Regulator approved the MLX project, which is expected to add approximately 14 years to the mine's life, with an estimated 730 million barrels of recoverable bitumen. The project includes constructing a new bridge across the MacKay River and relocating a section of Highway 63 to facilitate access to the new mining areas.
Syncrude Mildred Lake ExtensionEmployer Hiring
North American Construction Group
North American Construction Group (NACG) is one of Canada's largest mining and heavy civil construction contractors, publicly traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the ticker NOA. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Acheson, Alberta, the company provides contract mining, overburden removal, site development, earthworks, tailings management, and mine reclamation services across Canada, the United States, and Australia. Its core operations are concentrated in the Fort McMurray oil sands region of northern Alberta, where it delivers large-scale earthmoving and mine support to major oil, natural gas, and resource producers. NACG operates one of the largest independently owned fleets of haul trucks, shovels, and earthmoving equipment of any contractor in the region, and provides heavy equipment maintenance, rebuild, and support services through subsidiaries such as ML Northern Services. Its Australian operations, expanded through the acquisition of the MacKellar Group, serve the mining sector as a Tier 1 contractor. The company also works through several Indigenous partnerships, and holds a 49% interest in the Nuna Group of Companies, Canada's largest majority Inuit-owned mining and heavy civil contractor.
North American Construction Group