Shovel Operator - Syncrude Aurora - 14 Days On / 14 Days Off
North American Construction Group (NACG) is hiring experienced Hydraulic Shovel Operators for the Syncrude Aurora site near Fort McMurray, Alberta. This unionized position under IUOE Local 955 operates on a 14/14 schedule rotating between day and night shifts. Although camp accommodations are not provided, bussing is available from Fort McMurray. Operators will earn up to $54.82/hour plus a night shift premium, receive weekly pay, and be eligible for full benefits after 400 hours worked. This is an excellent opportunity for skilled operators seeking long-term work on one of the largest contracts in the region.
Position
Field
Equipment OperatorsWork Rotation
Accommodations
Responsibilities
As a Hydraulic Shovel Operator, you'll work on heavy earthworks and production support tasks:
- Operate EX2500 to EX8000 hydraulic shovels (Hitachi, CAT) in a mining environment
- Conduct pre-use inspections and safety assessments
- Safely refuel and service equipment
- Work with cleanup and hauling crews on production support
- Comply with all site safety rules and PPE requirements
- Report equipment issues, damage, or incidents promptly
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 2 years of experience operating 5500-class hydraulic shovels
- At least 1 year experience in a mining or overburden removal environment
- Comfort working in high-output production settings
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License and clean abstract
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Strong English communication skills (verbal and written)
- Valid CSO or BSO Certification
- Ability to pass drug/alcohol testing, fitness evaluation, and background screening
Perks and Benefits
NACG offers top-tier benefits and compensation for 5500 Shovel Operators:
- Up to $54.82/hour + $1.20/hour night shift premium
- Vacation and stat holiday pay included in each paycheck
- Up to 61 overtime hours per 14-day rotation
- Weekly pay schedule
- Bussing from Fort McMurray to site provided
- Full medical, dental, and pension benefits after 400 hours
- IUOE Local 955 union membership
- PPE provided (bring own CSA steel-toed boots)
- Growth and advancement opportunities
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