Fine Grade Dozer Operator

Cardinal Civil Contracting; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Cardinal Civil Contracting is seeking a Fine Grade Dozer Operator to join its Raleigh, NC grading crew. You will spread and finish dirt, build pads and roadbeds, and support the grading plan using GPS/laser guidance and stakes.

This full-time role requires on-site work at active construction sites with early starts and potential overtime. Candidates should have 1+ years of dozer experience on civil sites, the ability to read grade stakes, and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a dozer on civil sites (1+ years).
• Ability to read grade stakes and interpret a grading plan.
• Familiar with GPS or laser grading technology is a plus.
• Strong safety record and dependability.

Responsibilities

• Clearing & mass grading per plan; clear debris and obstacles.
• Finish grading: pads, slopes, and roadbeds to tolerances.
• Inspect equipment and coordinate with crew on tasks.
• Maintain safety and erosion control practices on site.

Skills

Dozer operation

Read grade stakes & plan

Dependable attendance

Coordinate with crew

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS machine control systems

GPS/laser grading tech

Bulldozers & trackhoe basics

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Grading - Raleigh, NC, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed,

Position Summary

Cardinal Civil Contracting is a heavy civil and site development contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group (Nasdaq: CDNL), a publicly traded infrastructure company with operations across the Carolinas and Atlanta metro and expansion underway into Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

The Fine Grade Dozer Operator shapes the site. Working within a grading crew, this operator spreads and pushes the dirt delivered by the haul trucks, builds fills in lifts, and finishes building pads, roadbeds, and slopes to the engineer's grades.

Key Responsibilities

Clearing & Mass Grading

• Knock down trees, push brush and debris, and assist with stump removal during site clearing
• Push and spread fill dumped by off-road trucks in uniform lifts so the roller can achieve compaction
• Cut high areas and fill low areas to change site topography per the grading plan

Fine Grading & Finish Work

• Finish building pads, subgrade, parking areas, roadbeds, slopes, and swales to plan tolerances
• Work to grade stakes, string lines, laser, or GPS machine control, checking grade frequently and making corrections
• Shape and dress erosion control features, diversion ditches, berms, sediment basin slopes, and stabilize disturbed areas per the approved plan

Equipment Care & Crew Support

• Perform daily pre-shift inspections, track and undercarriage checks, greasing, and fluid checks; report defects promptly
• Direct haul truck dump locations as needed, coordinate with the excavator and roller operators, and step into other roles when the crew needs it

Safety & Compliance

• Model and follow Cardinal's safety program; complete daily equipment inspections, maintain awareness of haul truck traffic and ground personnel, and work safely on slopes and near drop-offs, excavations, and existing utilities
• Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations, and NCDEQ erosion and sedimentation control requirements applicable to the role

Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty.
• Hands-on experience operating a dozer on site work (typically 1+ years), including finish grading - not only rough pushing
• Ability to read grade stakes and cut/fill markings and understand a basic site grading plan
• Must pass a hands-on dozer skills assessment in the field before hire
• Dependable attendance, willingness to take direction, and ability to work as part of a crew
• Reliable transportation to assigned jobsites is required

Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Experience with GPS machine control systems
• Experience running other grading equipment (excavator, roller, off-road truck)
• Interest in growing into a grading foreman role
• OSHA 10 certification; familiarity with NCDEQ erosion and sediment control practices
• High school diploma or GED

Physical Demands

• Sit and operate equipment controls for extended periods, up to 10+ hours per shift, with continuous exposure to whole-body vibration and jarring on rough terrain
• Climb on and off equipment many times per shift using three points of contact; walk on uneven, sloped, muddy, or rocky ground
• Frequently stand, bend, stoop, and kneel during inspections and groundwork; occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs (grease buckets, chains, grade stakes, hand tools)
• Use hands, arms, and feet continuously to operate levers, joysticks, and pedals; maintain the depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and hearing needed to work safely around other equipment and ground personnel

Work Environment

• Active construction sites, ranging from large open-land mass grading projects to tight infill sites next to roads, buildings, and existing utilities
• Exposure to outdoor weather year-round - including extreme summer heat and humidity, cold, and rain - plus noise, dust, mud, vibration, and moving equipment and haul traffic. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites
• Schedule: early starts and extended hours; occasional Saturdays as project needs require

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. This job description does not create an employment contract, and employment with Cardinal Civil Contracting is at-will.

Cardinal Civil Contracting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying for employment, please contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators in civil construction.
• Ability to read and understand grading plans and site layouts.
• Familiarity with GPS and laser grading technology is a plus.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and equipment maintenance.
• Physical ability to lift, climb, and work in various weather conditions.
• A valid CDL or heavy equipment operator certification is preferred.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Outdoor construction sites in varying weather conditions.
• Full-time position with potential overtime and weekend work based on project needs.