Grader Operator - Suncor Base Mine Extension - Fort McMurray
NACG seeks experienced Grader Operators for the Suncor Basemine in Fort McMurray, Alberta. This unionized IUOE Local 955 role operates articulating motor graders (16-24 ft blade; Caterpillar/John Deere) to maintain haul roads, loading and dump areas in a large open-pit mining environment. The position offers up to $51.29/hour (plus $1.20/hour night premium), paid weekly, and bussing from Fort McMurray. Benefits include vacation/stat pay on each cheque, PPE provided (bring CSA steel-toed boots), union membership, and benefits & pension after 400 hours with room for growth and advancement.
Position
Field
Equipment OperatorsWork Rotation
Accommodations
Responsibilities
The Grader Operator maintains safe, efficient haul road and pit conditions using articulating motor graders within a mining earthworks environment.
- Operate 16-24 ft blade articulating motor graders (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere) to maintain roadways, loading, and dump areas.
- Read grade stakes, place grade as required, and utilize GPS equipment.
- Complete pre-use inspections; perform field-level risk/hazard assessments as tasks change.
- Participate in safe fueling/servicing; interact safely with light vehicles, hauling, loading, and dumping equipment.
- Follow mine driving rules and all company/client/legislated safety standards and procedures.
- Use required PPE; review and follow safe work plans and hazard assessments prior to job commencement.
- Report necessary or anticipated repairs to maintenance; immediately report incidents, near misses, or damage.
Requirements
Candidates demonstrate proven grader proficiency in mining or heavy construction with strong safety and communication skills.
- Minimum 2 years operating graders (16 ft or larger preferred); experience on Caterpillar M-Series an asset.
- Haul road maintenance experience an asset; minimum 1 year in mining or heavy construction earthworks preferred.
- Able to read grade stakes; familiar with GPS.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with acceptable abstract (within 30 days); proficient in English (verbal/written).
- Pre-employment/onboarding (site-based roles): CSO/BSO, Silica Awareness, Wood Buffalo Wildlife Awareness, OHS Alberta Legislation Awareness, H2S Awareness, Field Ergonomics (Energy Safety Canada); alcohol/drug testing, fitness-to-work, audiometric, vision screening, criminal record check; random testing at Suncor/Fort Hills/Kearl.
Perks and Benefits
This unionized mining role provides competitive hourly pay, consistent scheduling, and comprehensive benefits upon hours threshold.
- Up to $51.29/hour combined rate; +$1.20/hour night premium; paid weekly.
- Vacation & statutory holiday pay allocated to each paycheck.
- Membership in IUOE Local 955; benefits & pension after 400 hours (medical, dental).
- Bussing from Fort McMurray to/from site; save on fuel/parking costs.
- PPE provided (bring CSA steel-toed boots).
- Career growth and advancement within a large, safety-focused contractor.
Worksite/Project
Suncor Base Mine Extension Project
The Suncor Base Mine Extension Project is a proposed initiative aimed at sustaining bitumen supply to Suncor's existing Base Plant operations near Fort McMurray, Alberta. As the current mine is projected to be largely depleted by the mid-2030s, this extension seeks to develop a new open-pit mining area adjacent to the existing facilities. The proposed expansion would produce approximately 225,000 barrels of bitumen per day, offsetting and eventually replacing declining production from the original mine. The project is currently undergoing a comprehensive impact assessment, which includes public participation and environmental evaluations, to ensure responsible development.
Suncor Base Mine Extension ProjectEmployer 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