Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to manage the of 20-ton class and 26 – 30-ton class long-reach excavators on our expanding sugarcane farm development project. You will be responsible for performing bush clearing, stump removal, canal excavation, and drainage works while maintaining equipment in optimal working condition and adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operate 20-ton class excavators fitted with skeleton bucket attachments for bush-clearing and clean-up operations, including grubbing and extraction of tree stumps, deep roots, stones and other obstructions that cannot be effectively removed by wheel loaders.

2. Operate 26–30-ton class long-reach excavators for excavation and maintenance of irrigation canals, drainage channels, reservoirs and water abstraction works. Position and operate the equipment from stable ground or canal banks to minimize machine entry into wet or unstable areas and protect both equipment and infrastructure.

3. Work alongside wheel loader and other plant operators during bush-clearing operations to ensure efficient coordination of grubbing, root separation, collection, loading and disposal, supporting the estate's targeted productivity two operating units.

4. Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections of excavators and attachments, including hydraulic systems, undercarriage, fluid levels, controls, safety devices and other critical components before commencing operations.

5. Safely carry out attachment changes, ensuring correct installation, secure locking and inspection of buckets and other specialized attachments before use.

6. Monitor fuel consumption, machine utilization and operating hours, identifying inefficiencies and supporting optimal equipment utilization and minimal operational downtime.

7. Execute excavation, canal cleaning, drainage, reservoir and water abstraction works with high precision, ensuring compliance with approved levels, dimensions, gradients and site instructions.

8. Comply with all HSE and environmental requirements, including safe machine positioning, exclusion zones, ground stability, underground and overhead hazards, watercourse protection and prevention of unnecessary environmental disturbance.

9. Conduct routine post-shift equipment checks and operator-level maintenance, and promptly report defects, abnormal machine performance, damage or maintenance requirements to the Plant/Workshop Supervisor.

10. Maintain accurate daily machine operation and production logs, recording operating hours, work completed, hectares or quantities achieved, fuel consumption, attachment changes, maintenance issues, downtime, and any safety or environmental incidents.

11. Coordinate closely with Plant Supervisors, Surveyors, Irrigation Teams, Land Development Teams and other plant operators to ensure excavation and land development works are completed safely, accurately, efficiently and within planned production schedules.

Required Qualifications

1. You must hold a valid NTSA Class G4 for excavator operation.

2. Minimum five years of hands-on experience operating tracked excavators in demanding field conditions is essential.

3. You should demonstrate proficiency with skeleton bucket attachments and experience working on land development, bush clearing, or similar earthmoving projects. A current heavy commercial driving license and valid operator safety card are mandatory.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

1. Strong understanding of equipment mechanics, hydraulic systems, and attachment operation is required. You must be capable of performing basic troubleshooting, identifying maintenance issues, and communicating technical problems clearly to the maintenance team.

2. Proficiency in GPS and RTK-guided operations is advantageous, particularly for canal and drainage alignment work.

3. You should understand soil conditions, compaction principles, and the challenges of operating in tropical climates with seasonal drainage variations.