72021

Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 720 › 7202

Definition

Contractors and supervisors of heavy equipment operator crews supervise and coordinate the activities of workers classified in the following unit groups: Crane operators (72500), Water well drillers (72501), Heavy equipment operators (73400), Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction (73402), Railway yard and track maintenance workers (74200), Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers (74205), Longshore workers (75100), Material handlers (75101), and Public works and maintenance labourers (75212). They are employed in a wide range of establishments; places of employment are indicated in the above unit group descriptions. Contractors may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers who operate cranes and construction, paving, drilling, railway maintenance and other similar heavy equipment
Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other project supervisors or managers
Requisition materials and supplies
Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity
Train or arrange for training of workers
Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
Prepare production and other reports
May manage the operations of own company
May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers
Small businesses' contractors may execute tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Example job titles

•demolition foreman/woman
•drilling and blasting foreman/woman - construction
•excavating contractor
•heavy equipment operators supervisor
•logging road construction foreman/woman
•oil field construction supervisor
•paving contractor
•pipeline construction supervisor

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 72021 identifies contractors and supervisors of heavy equipment operator crews. Classified as a TEER 2 occupation, this category comprises professionals who supervise, coordinate, and schedule the daily activities of heavy equipment operators. These individuals are commonly employed by civil engineering and construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, and municipal or public works departments, or they may operate their own independent businesses.

The core duties for this occupational group include overseeing operations, establishing methods to meet tight work schedules, resolving work-related problems, and coordinating activities with other departments or subcontractors. Furthermore, supervisors in this unit group are responsible for requisitioning materials and supplies, training workers, and enforcing strict compliance with safety regulations. Qualifying for this role in Canada typically requires completion of secondary school, several years of experience as a heavy equipment operator, and potentially industry-specific certifications.

As a TEER 2 occupation, NOC 72021 is eligible for several federal and provincial immigration pathways, including the Express Entry system (such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program and Federal Skilled Worker Program) as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

72020Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.