Heavy Equipment Technician – Imperial, Edmonton, AB
Location: Edmonton, AB | Company: ExxonMobil
Imperial is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Technician for its Kearl oil sands operation in Alberta. The position is listed through Edmonton and follows a fly-in/fly-out schedule of 14 days on and 14 days off, with camp accommodations provided.
This full-time position focuses on inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing Caterpillar mining equipment used in demanding production conditions. Imperial is seeking a safety-focused Journeyperson technician with extensive mining experience, strong troubleshooting capabilities, and the ability to support apprentices and other maintenance professionals.
Heavy Equipment Maintenance at Kearl
The Heavy Equipment Technician will support tailings operations at Imperial’s Kearl oil sands site. The technician will work on a large fleet of mining equipment, including Caterpillar haul trucks, dozers, graders, and other support machinery. The main objective is to keep equipment operating safely, reliably, and efficiently while minimizing interruptions to production.
The work includes both planned maintenance and the investigation of unexpected mechanical problems. Technicians may perform their duties in field and shop environments while dealing with changing operational priorities, extreme weather, and the physical demands associated with a large-scale mining site.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The successful candidate will combine hands-on mechanical work with accurate documentation, cross-functional coordination, safety leadership, and technical support for less-experienced team members.
Equipment Inspection and Diagnosis
Inspect mining equipment, investigate reported problems, use diagnostic tools, and determine the mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or powertrain work required to restore reliable operation.
Repairs and Component Replacement
Complete repairs, preventive maintenance, and component replacements on Caterpillar machinery while following applicable manufacturer standards, service procedures, and technical specifications.
Technical Troubleshooting
Use service manuals, equipment schematics, diagnostic information, and practical mechanical knowledge to identify the source of faults and select appropriate corrective actions.
Maintenance Documentation
Record completed work, labour hours, replacement parts, inspection findings, and other relevant information accurately within Imperial’s maintenance management systems.
Operational Collaboration
Work with maintenance, operations, planning, reliability, and engineering teams to coordinate repairs, reduce equipment downtime, and improve the availability of the mining fleet.
Mentoring and Safety Leadership
Provide technical guidance to apprentices and peers, promote safe work practices, lead by example, and contribute to continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives.
Required Certification and Mining Experience
Applicants must hold a Journeyperson Heavy Equipment Technician certification or an equivalent recognized qualification. The posting requires at least five years of experience in oil sands operations or another large-scale mining environment, along with demonstrated experience maintaining Caterpillar heavy equipment.
Relevant equipment includes CAT 797, 793, 789, and 785 haul trucks; D6, D8, D10, and D11 dozers; and 16M and 24M graders. Candidates must also have experience with hydraulic, electrical, and powertrain systems and hold a valid Class 5 driver’s licence. The ability to work in extreme weather and demanding site conditions is essential.
Skills That May Help Candidates Succeed
Imperial is looking for technicians who can complete complex maintenance work while also supporting team coordination, workplace safety, sound decision-making, and professional development within the maintenance group.
Strong troubleshooting skills are needed to evaluate equipment symptoms, interpret technical information, isolate faults, and complete effective repairs without unnecessary delays.
Technicians must follow safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while identifying hazards and positively influencing safe maintenance practices across the worksite.
The ability to prioritize work, coordinate maintenance activities, respond to changing operational needs, and make practical decisions can help support equipment availability.
Experience mentoring apprentices, guiding technicians, leading work groups, or serving as a lead hand can support knowledge sharing and stronger team performance.
Clear communication and respectful working relationships are important when coordinating with operations, maintenance planning, reliability specialists, engineering teams, and supervisors.
FIFO Schedule and Employment Conditions
This role is based at the Kearl oil sands site in Alberta and follows a 14-days-on, 14-days-off rotation. Fly-in/fly-out transportation is available from designated hubs, and camp accommodation is provided while employees are working at the site. Candidates should be prepared for extended shifts, remote-site conditions, and work in both outdoor and shop environments.
The posting lists competitive compensation, overtime opportunities, health, dental, and vision benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Previous experience at Kearl or a comparable oil sands operation, familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems, and qualifications such as CSTS, OSSA, or First Aid are considered assets rather than stated minimum requirements.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply through the official ExxonMobil careers page no later than August 16, 2026. Application materials should clearly identify the applicant’s Journeyperson certification, Class 5 driver’s licence, mining experience, and hands-on work with the Caterpillar equipment models listed in the posting.
Applicants who receive an offer must be eligible to work in Canada on a regular full-time basis without restrictions affecting their start date. Imperial may require current and valid documentation confirming work eligibility before employment begins.