Shovel Operator

Who We Are

Kichton Construction LP (KCLP) is the Fort McMurray-based heavy civil division of the Kichton Group of Companies, which has been operating since 1963.

Established in 2019 to serve the energy and mining industries across North America, KCLP has grown from 30 team members to more than 400 employees and over 300 pieces of heavy equipment. We are proud to work alongside our community partner, the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, through our NOHA/Kichton joint venture.

The Role

We are looking for experienced 5600 Shovel Operators to join our field operations team at Suncor Basemine, approximately 45 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Reporting to Site Supervision, you will safely and efficiently operate a 5600 shovel in an active oil sands mining environment.

Operators must be able to load out muskeg into 789–930 haul trucks.

Camp accommodations or LOA will be provided.

Location & Schedule

• Site: Suncor Basemine
• Rotation: 14 days on / 7 days off
• Shifts: 12-hour shifts (paid 11.5 hours per day)
• Shift schedule: Rotating day and night shifts
• Accommodations: Camp or LOA provided
• Transportation: Bussing provided from town or camp

Compensation & Benefits

• $29–$48 per hour, based on experience.
• Overtime after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, whichever is greater.
• 9.6% vacation and statutory holiday pay on all regular hours.
• Performance evaluation/wage review after 90 days on the job.
• Benefits after 90 days, with 50% of the premiums paid by the employer.
• Extended health, dental, vision, travel, and paramedical coverage.
• Life and dependent life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D).
• Telehealth and Employee & Family Assistance Programs.
• $300 annual health spending account.
• Long-term work and opportunities for work with other Kichton companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a 5600 shovel in an active oil sands mining environment.
• Load out muskeg into 789–930 haul trucks, maintaining safe truck positioning, controlled loading, and appropriate load distribution.
• Perform excavation, material handling, stockpiling, and truck loading as required.
• Assess soft ground conditions and maintain safe equipment positioning and working distances.
• Follow site plans, grade stakes, work instructions, and supervisor direction, as applicable.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections and complete daily logs and required documentation.
• Identify and report mechanical deficiencies, hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.
• Maintain clean equipment and work areas.
• Communicate clearly with ground crews and haul truck operators during loading and earthworks activities.
• Participate in toolbox meetings, hazard assessments, and safety initiatives.
• Meet production targets while maintaining safe operating practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating a 5600 shovel in mining, construction, or oil sands environments.
• Must be able to load out muskeg into 789–930 haul trucks.
• Experience operating multiple equipment types considered an asset.
• Stacking experience considered an asset.
• Experience with reclamation and earthworks considered an asset.
• Experience working in soft ground and around water considered an asset.
• Ability to read grade stakes and site plans, where required.
• Strong understanding of mine traffic rules, right-of-way requirements, equipment blind spots, and safe operating practices.
• Ability to work day and night shifts and overtime.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and complete a mask fit test (clean-shaven).

Required Safety Training (Energy Safety Canada)

• Common Safety Orientation
• Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness or H2S Alive
• Silica Awareness
• OH&S Legislation Awareness
• Wood Buffalo Wildlife Awareness
• Wood Buffalo Wildlife Intermediate
• Field Ergonomics

Required Suncor Workday Training

Suncor Basemine (Operators)

• RMWB Safety Orientation
• Mine AHS Awareness
• OSSA Driving in the Mine

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of safe operating procedures for a 5600 shovel.
• Awareness of equipment blind spots, ground conditions, site hazards, and safe work zones.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to identify equipment issues.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, equipment assignments, and site conditions.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and efficient operations.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow applicable OH&S legislation, company policies, and client requirements.
• Stop work when unsafe conditions exist.
• Wear and maintain all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report incidents, near misses, hazards, and equipment concerns.
• Participate in ongoing safety training and competency evaluations.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.