Backhoe Operator – Pipe Crew

Jobtailor; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to support underground utility installation projects in Charlotte, NC. You will excavate trenches for water, sewer, and storm drain, grade and backfill, and ensure trench depth and alignment match project plans.

Read grade stakes and blueprints, coordinate with pipe crews, and perform daily equipment checks, maintaining safe work practices per OSHA guidelines. Strong teamwork, reliability, and message safety are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating a backhoe, preferably in underground utility or pipe work.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation practices.
• Able to work in a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable transportation to job sites.
• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe to excavate trenches for utilities.
• Safely perform trenching, grading, and backfilling.
• Maintain trench depth, alignment, and grade per plans.
• Coordinate with pipe layers and crew.
• Identify and avoid underground utilities and hazards.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Assist crew with general labor when not operating.

Skills

Backhoe Operation

Trenching Safety

Blueprint Interpretation

Underground Utility Installation

Team Collaboration

Education

OSHA Compliance

Job description

• Operate backhoe equipment to excavate trenches for underground utilities (water, sewer, storm drain)
• Safely perform trenching, grading, and backfilling operations
• Maintain proper trench depth, alignment, and grade according to project plans
• Coordinate with pipe layers and crew members to ensure efficient installation
• Identify and avoid underground utilities and hazards
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks
• Maintain clean and organized work areas
• Assist crew with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience operating a backhoe, preferably in underground utility or pipe work
• Experience working on pipe crews (water, sewer, storm) preferred
• Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints
• Strong understanding of trench safety and excavation practices
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Reliable transportation to job sites
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and job site requirements

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in operating backhoe equipment for trenching and excavation of underground utilities, with a strong focus on safety practices and teamwork. Proficient in reading site plans and blueprints to ensure accurate trench depth and alignment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Backhoe Operation
• Trenching Safety
• Blueprint Interpretation
• Underground Utility Installation
• Team Collaboration

Hard Skills

• Backhoe Operation
• Trenching
• Grading
• Backfilling
• Equipment Inspection
• Routine Maintenance
• Site Plan Interpretation
• Grade Stake Reading
• Excavation Practices
• Utility Identification

Soft Skills

• Teamwork
• Reliability
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Organization

Certifications & Qualifications

• OSHA Compliance

Industry Keywords

• Underground Utilities
• Pipe Work
• Water
• Sewer
• Storm Drain