Job Summary

The Bulldozer & Loader Operator at Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited is a precision-driven role vital to the infrastructure and land development projects across the Ottawa region. Working for one of the most established names in Eastern Ontario construction, you will be responsible for the “first move” on a job site—transforming raw terrain into engineered, buildable foundations. This position requires the “wit” to interpret complex grade stakes and site plans with surgical accuracy and the “grit” to handle long shifts in varying weather conditions while maintaining a “Safety-First” mindset.

Job Details

Employer: Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (A major heavy civil and aggregate provider in the Ottawa Valley).
Location: Ottawa, ON (Various job sites across the city and surrounding townships).
Position Type: Full-time.
Compensation: $28.00 – $33.00 per hour (Based on experience and skill level).
Equipment Focus: Heavy-duty Bulldozers (e.g., Cat D6/D8) and Wheel Loaders.
Corporate Culture: Family-oriented, safety-obsessed, and built on a “legacy of quality.”

Core Responsibilities

Precision Grading: Operate bulldozers to perform rough and fine grading, ensuring the site meets exact elevation and slope specifications for drainage and foundations.
Material Movement: Utilize wheel loaders to move aggregate, soil, and debris efficiently across the site and into haul trucks.
Site Preparation: Clear land, strip topsoil, and perform sub-grade compaction to prepare for paving or building.
Daily Maintenance: Conduct thorough pre-shift inspections (oil, tracks, hydraulics) to ensure machinery is in peak “Integrity-first” operating condition.
Safety Compliance: Adhere strictly to OHSA regulations and company-specific safety protocols, including spotting for ground crew and utility locates.
Collaboration: Work closely with grade people and site foremen to adjust operations based on real-time site measurements and soil conditions.

Candidate Requirements

Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional experience operating bulldozers and loaders in a heavy civil or aggregate environment.
Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret grade stakes and familiarity with GPS machine control systems (e.g., Topcon/Trimble).
Soft Skills: A strong commitment to teamwork; you must be a “communicative operator” who looks out for the safety of those around the machine.
Endurance: Ability to work full-time hours, often starting early in the morning and working outdoors in all Ottawa weather conditions.
License: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to reach various regional job sites.

Job Description

Do you take pride in seeing a perfectly level grade and a clean job site? Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited is looking for an experienced Bulldozer & Loader Operator to join our Ottawa crew. We aren’t just moving dirt; we are building the foundation of our community’s future. If you have the “grit” to manage a high-production site and the “wit” to operate with the precision required for fine grading, you belong in our “Arctic Fox” level of construction excellence.

In this role, you are the “Earth Mover.” You understand that the stability of an entire project—whether a new subdivision or a highway—depends on the quality of the initial site prep. Your goal is to be the most efficient, safest, and most precise operator on the line. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who treat their equipment like it’s their own—those who know that a well-maintained machine is the key to a successful day.

Joining Thomas Cavanagh means joining a team that values your skill and your safety above all else. We offer a competitive hourly wage and a workplace culture where hard work is recognized and rewarded. We provide the high-quality equipment and the steady work you need to grow your career in the heavy civil sector. If you are a self-motivated operator with a commitment to “Excellence in Earthworks,” we invite you to apply and help us lead the way in Ottawa.

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited | Ottawa & Eastern Ontario

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (TCCL) is one of Eastern Ontario’s largest and most prominent heavy civil construction companies. Founded in 1953 with a single dump truck, the company has grown into a vertically integrated powerhouse with a team of over 650 employees and a massive fleet of 500+ pieces of heavy equipment. Based just west of Ottawa, they are the go-to partner for large-scale site development, road rehabilitation, and aggregate supply across the region.

Company Culture: “Family-Rooted Infrastructure”

The culture at Thomas Cavanagh is a blend of “old-school” family values and high-tech operational scale.

Family-Oriented Origins: Despite its size, TCCL remains a family-owned business. They emphasize a “mutually beneficial” working environment where employees are often treated like extended family.
Safety Above All: Because the work involves heavy machinery and complex sites, the culture is deeply safety-focused. They maintain a rigorous “Environment, Health & Safety” program designed to protect their greatest asset—their people.
Growth and Education: TCCL is known for its “promote from within” mindset. They regularly hire students and provide extensive on-the-job training, making it a common starting point for long-term careers in the trades.
Bilingual & Community Active: As a fixture in Eastern Ontario, the company is deeply involved in local community events, amateur sports, and local charities, fostering a culture of pride in building the communities where they live.

Key Locations: The Ashton Command Center

The company’s operations are headquartered in Ashton, but their footprint spans dozens of aggregate sites across the Ottawa Valley.

Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited – Main Office

Located at 9094 Cavanagh Road, Ashton, ON K0A 1B0.
The Hub: This sprawling facility houses their corporate offices, state-of-the-art asphalt plants, and massive equipment maintenance shops.
Aggregate Network: TCCL operates a network of 42 licensed pits and quarries, including major sites like the Goulbourn Quarry, Appleton Quarry, and Henderson Quarry (Stittsville).

Core Business Divisions

Division	Services	Key Impact
Heavy Civil	Highways, paving, earth moving, and sewer/water.	Critical infrastructure projects for the City of Ottawa and MTO.
Site Development	Residential and commercial subdivisions.	Developed over 50 subdivisions in the last 20 years.
Aggregates	Crushed stone, sand, and gravel supply.	One of the region’s largest licensed aggregate producers.
General Contracting	Full-service construction management.	Acts as a “one-stop shop” from site plan to occupancy.

Associate Benefits: “The Cavanagh Rewards”

Working for TCCL provides a stable, high-value rewards package typical of a top-tier construction firm:

Competitive Wages: TCCL is known for offering “fair pay for the job.” Typical 2026 hourly rates in Ottawa include:
- Labourers: ~$27.00 – $30.00/hr.
- Operators (Backhoe/Bulldozer): ~$29.00 – $35.00/hr.
- Heavy Duty Mechanics (310T): ~$43.00+/hr.
Comprehensive Benefits: Includes vision care, dental, life insurance, and disability coverage.
Retirement Planning: The company offers a Pension Program with employer contributions to support long-term financial security.
Wellness & Support: Access to a dedicated Wellness Program and a safe, healthy workplace that promotes overall well-being.
Internal Advancement: Robust opportunities for career progression, transitioning from seasonal labour into site supervision, estimating, or project management.
Tuition Reimbursement: Support for employees pursuing relevant certifications or post-secondary education in engineering and trades.

For Students and Early Careers

TCCL is a major regional employer for summer students and recent graduates. They offer roles ranging from Traffic Controllers and Surveyors to Junior Project Coordinators, providing a high-intensity environment to gain practical experience with modern equipment and state-of-the-art software.

To apply for this job please visit thomascavanagh.ca.