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Mini Excavator Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

HDD Locator (Travel Required)

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$32 - CA$42/hr

Experience with support equipment such as mini-excavators and hydrovac/vacuum trucks is considered an asset * Comfortable using digital reporting and documentation platforms Core Competencies

Showing results 21-23

Mini Excavator information

What is a mini excavator?

A Mini Excavator job involves operating a compact excavator to dig, move, and grade earth on construction or landscaping sites. Operators use the machine to perform tasks like trenching, backfilling, and site preparation in confined or small areas. This role requires knowledge of safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and efficient machine handling. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience or certification in heavy equipment operation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a mini excavator operator?

A Mini Excavator Operator’s daily tasks typically include inspecting and maintaining their equipment, reading site plans, precisely digging, trenching, and backfilling as required by the job. Operators often work closely with supervisors, site managers, and other equipment operators to ensure each phase of a project is completed on schedule and within safety guidelines. In addition to hands-on operating duties, they may assist with site preparation, material moving, and routine documentation of work completed. This role offers variety each day and requires good communication and teamwork on busy worksites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mini excavator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mini Excavator Operator, you need hands-on experience operating compact excavating equipment, strong mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of safety protocols, proficiency with controls specific to mini excavators, and, in some cases, possession of relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and clear communication help operators succeed on job sites and coordinate with team members effectively. These skills ensure safe, precise excavation work and smooth collaboration within construction or landscaping projects.

What jobs can I do with a mini excavator?

Mini excavators are used in various construction and landscaping jobs, including trenching, digging foundations, utility installation, grading, and small-scale demolition. They are suitable for work in confined spaces and require operator certification and safety training. These machines are commonly employed in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Infographic showing various Mini Excavator job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

HDD Locator (Travel Required)

BAAC

Calgary, AB • On-site

CA$32 - CA$42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

HDD Locator Position Summary

BAAC Construction is hiring a full-time, experienced HDD Locator to support fibre optic and underground utility installations across Western Canada.

In this role, you will be responsible for accurately locating drill heads, tracking bore paths, and guiding Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations in residential, commercial, urban, and high-congestion environments. You will work closely with HDD Drillers and field crews to ensure safe, efficient, and precise installation of fibre optic infrastructure while protecting existing underground utilities.

This position is ideal for an experienced HDD Locator who has strong locating skills, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to work independently in fast-paced field conditions while maintaining production targets and quality standards.


Location

  • Reporting office located in Calgary, Alberta
  • Projects across Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia)
  • Daily Living Out Allowance (LOA) provided for projects outside of Calgary

Compensation & Benefits

  • $32.00 – $42.00 per hour
  • Daily Living Out Allowance paid each day worked outside of Calgary. 

Benefits include:

  • Extended health care (100% employer-paid coverage)
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Company events and birthday celebrations

What You'll Do HDD Locating & Bore Tracking

  • Locate and track HDD drill heads during fibre optic and underground utility installations
  • Guide drilling operations to maintain accurate bore paths, depths, and alignment
  • Monitor drill progress and communicate corrections to HDD operators in real time
  • Accurately identify and verify existing underground utilities prior to and during drilling activities
  • Perform utility crossings safely while maintaining required clearances
  • Operate locating equipment and associated technology to ensure precision and compliance with project specifications

Site Operations & Field Execution

  • Read and interpret:
    • Drill profiles
    • Utility locate sheets
    • Design drawings
    • Construction plans
  • Conduct pre-job inspections, hazard assessments, and ground disturbance reviews
  • Verify bore paths, entry points, exit points, and utility conflict areas before drilling begins
  • Assist with potholing and utility exposure activities when required
  • Support field crews in maintaining safe, organized, and productive work sites
  • Work collaboratively with drill operators, labourers, hydrovac crews, supervisors, and clients

Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all BAAC Construction safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
  • Complete required documentation, including:
    • Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs)
    • Tailgate meetings
    • Digital reporting through Workhub and Bamboo
  • Apply Ground Disturbance Level II practices and environmental protection standards
  • Proactively identify hazards and take corrective action to maintain a safe work environment
  • Promote a strong safety culture on every project

Quality & Production

  • Ensure accurate locating data throughout all phases of drilling operations
  • Troubleshoot:
    • Signal interference
    • Utility conflicts
    • Ground conditions
    • Locating challenges
  • Verify bore path accuracy to minimize utility strikes, rework, and production delays
  • Support successful project completion while maintaining FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) construction standards
  • Communicate clearly with supervisors, drill operators, locators, and clients to ensure project success

What You Bring Required Experience

  • Minimum 3 years of HDD locating experience
  • Proven ability to independently locate drill heads in congested residential and urban environments
  • Experience supporting fibre optic and underground utility construction projects
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
    • Fibre optic construction
    • FTTH installation standards
    • Utility locating best practices

Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid Class 5 Driver's License (or higher) with a clean driver's abstract
  • Ability to travel to project sites as required
  • Current certifications:
    • Ground Disturbance Level II
    • Standard First Aid
  • Confined Space Certification is considered an asset

Technical & Field Skills

  • Proficient with HDD locating equipment and tracking systems
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, utility plans, and drill profiles
  • Strong understanding of underground utility identification and conflict avoidance
  • Experience with support equipment such as mini-excavators and hydrovac/vacuum trucks is considered an asset
  • Comfortable using digital reporting and documentation platforms

Core Competencies

  • Strong safety mindset and proven safety record
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
  • Physically capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Reliable transportation to local job sites

What We Offer

  • Comprehensive 100% employer-paid health benefits
  • Competitive wages based on experience
  • Daily LOA for qualifying out-of-town projects
  • Strong safety culture and well-managed job sites
  • Modern equipment and technology
  • Supportive team environment
  • Opportunities for career growth and advancement within BAAC Construction

Why Join BAAC Construction?

  • Work on high-demand fibre optic infrastructure projects across Western Canada
  • Be part of a team committed to quality, safety, and production excellence
  • Contribute to the expansion of critical telecommunications infrastructure
  • Join a growing company with steady work and long-term career opportunities
  • Build your career with a respected civil construction and telecommunications contractor

Equal Opportunity Employer

BAAC Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to legally protected characteristics.


Apply Today

If you are an experienced HDD Locator looking to join a team that values safety, accuracy, and quality workmanship, we encourage you to apply today and become part of BAAC Construction's growing telecommunications division.