Overview
Heavy equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures; in surface mining and quarrying activities; and in material handling work. They are employed by construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments and pipeline, logging, cargo-handling and other companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, loaders and graders to excavate, move, load and grade earth, rock, gravel or other materials during construction and related activities
Operate bulldozers or other heavy equipment to clear brush and stumps prior to logging activities and to build roads at logging and surface mining sites
Operate heavy equipment with pile driver head to drive piling into earth to provide support for buildings, bridges or other structures
Operate heavy dredging equipment to deepen waterways or reclaim earth fill
Operate heavy paving and surfacing equipment to lay, spread or compact concrete, asphalt and other surface materials during highway and road construction
Operate power shovels to excavate rock, ore or other materials from open-pit mines, strip mines, quarries or construction pits
Operate heavy equipment to move, load and unload cargo
Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and clean, lubricate and refill equipment.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$50,054
$72,162
$93,852
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
2,355expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Some secondary school education is required.
Completion of a one- to two-year apprenticeship program or Some high school, college or industry courses in heavy equipment operating combined with on-the-job training are required.
Internal company certification may be required by some employers.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Heavy equipment operators in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Heavy Equipment Operators
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Red Seal Certification
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) Red Seal Certification
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Heavy Equipment Operators
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a heavy equipment operator in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in several provinces and territories outside of British Columbia. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in several provinces and territories outside of British Columbia. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in several provinces and territories outside of British Columbia. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.