Heavy Equipment Operator: Logging / Forestry
About this role
Heavy Equipment Operators – Forestry Operations
Now Hiring
We are currently seeking experienced, safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operators to join our forestry operations team. We are hiring experienced operators for the following equipment:
- 250 HP Forestry Mulcher
- Feller Buncher
- Processor
- Skidder
- Excavator
This position reports directly to the Foreman and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forestry equipment while maintaining productivity and adhering to all company safety standards. Operators are also expected to assist with general labour duties when equipment operation is not required.
Work Location & Schedule
Our current project is located between Edmonton and Edson, Alberta.
Successful candidates must be willing to:
- Travel to and remain at the project site for their scheduled rotation.
- Work a rotational schedule of approximately 10 days on / 4 days off.
- Work 12-hour shifts
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum 2 years' experience operating one or more of the following: Feller Buncher, Processor, Skidder, 250 HP Forestry Mulcher, or Excavator.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with a clean driver's abstract.
- Standard First Aid
- CSTS 2020
- Ground Disturbance Level II
Equipment Operator Responsibilities
250 HP Forestry Mulcher Operator
- Operate a 250 HP forestry mulcher for right-of-way and land-clearing projects.
- Clear brush, trees, and vegetation while following project flagging and specifications.
- Operate safely in soft ground and challenging terrain.
- Complete daily inspections and routine servicing.
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and report mechanical issues.
Feller Buncher Operator
- Safely harvest and bunch standing timber.
- Follow flagged boundaries and production plans.
- Operate efficiently in varying terrain and ground conditions.
- Perform daily inspections and preventative maintenance.
- Maintain equipment in good working condition.
Processor Operator
- Process and cut timber to required lengths.
- Maximize production while maintaining quality standards.
- Perform routine servicing and daily inspections.
- Operate safely in forestry environments.
Skidder Operator
- Transport and stack logs into designated log decks.
- Operate safely in soft ground conditions.
- Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance.
- Work closely with harvesting crews to maintain production.
Excavator Operator
- Minimum 3 years of excavator experience preferred.
- Perform stumping and grubbing operations.
- Load and handle brush during forestry operations.
- Operate safely on forestry worksites.
- Conduct daily inspections and routine maintenance.
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and report deficiencies.
General Responsibilities
- Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
- Complete pre-trip and daily equipment inspections.
- Perform routine servicing and preventative maintenance.
- Keep equipment clean and in good working order.
- Assist with loading and unloading equipment when required.
- Perform general labour duties as assigned.
- Follow company safety policies and environmental requirements.
- Report hazards, incidents, and equipment concerns promptly.
Qualifications
- Previous experience operating one or more of the listed equipment types.
- Forestry, right-of-way, or land-clearing experience preferred.
- Strong commitment to workplace safety.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, dependable, and motivated.
- Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to work rotational shifts, overtime, weekends, and travel as required.
- Ability to successfully complete a practical competency assessment.
Why Join Our Team?
- Competitive wages
- Consistent rotational work schedule
- Opportunity to work on large-scale forestry and land-clearing projects
- Safety-focused work environment
- Long-term opportunities for qualified operators
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Company at a glance
About Backwoods Energy Services
Backwoods Energy Services is one of the largest Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada and a leading service provider for utilities, oil and gas, forestry and mining industries in western Canada, with headquarters located in Edmonton, Alberta. Having been in operation for more than 30 years and was acquired by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in 2015. Backwoods takes pride in delivering exceptional outcomes to our clients while simultaneously generating economic opportunities for the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation.
Access Mats/ Rig Mats / Crane Mats
Matting sales, rentals, logistics, washing and other services for reliable access and terrain protection. Pre-job field assessments with services.
Civil Earthworks
Civil earthworks projects including pipeline reclamation, lease abandonment, construction of access roads, bridges, leases, well pads, laydown yards, and ponds, excavation and backfill, finish grading, vegetation management, spill recovery & disaster/emergency response, and traditional land use.
Environmental
Reclamation, pipeline abandonment, well-site abandonment, facility abandonment, pipeline segment removal, remediation and reclamation, lease and access reclamation and restoration and environmental construction.
Forestry
Timber salvage, commercial logging, clearing pipeline and powerline right of ways, well and lease pad and seismic lines, grubbing, mulching, burning and log haul and skidding.
Mechanical
Pipeline maintenance services on steel piping; flex pipe; flex steel; fiberglass; plastic and poly mainline; gathering systems; and riser and camelback installs. Facility Installation including pumpjacks; single and multi-well pads; compressor stations; gas plants; and oil batteries. Integrity & Repair Solutions for line digs, pipe repairs include cut-outs, recoating, and inline inspection assistance.
Top Benefits
- Competitive wages
- Consistent rotational work schedule
- Long-term opportunities
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