Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC, a heavy civil and site development contractor, seeks an experienced Utility Backfill Excavator Operator for our Kernersville, NC project. You will run a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill trenches behind pipe installation, support grading and material handling, and assist with adjacent manual tasks on active utility sites.

Key duties include trench backfill, loading and placing bedding stone, following grade stakes, and ensuring safety compliance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating a hydraulic excavator on underground utility or pipeline work.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow hand signals.
• Familiarity with OSHA trenching and shoring requirements and safety practices.
• Physical ability to lift, climb, and work in various weather conditions.
• Valid CDL or heavy equipment operator certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind pipe installation for water, sewer, and storm systems.
• Excavate trenches with proper slope and protection, following project specs and signals.
• Load, place, and spread bedding stone and backfill materials to specification.
• Follow grade stakes and hand signals to ensure alignment and safety.
• Lift and position pipe and precast structures using proper rigging and attachments.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
• Maintain organized work area and support crew productivity.
• Coordinate with Foreman and crew to manage equipment movement and safety.

Skills

Excavator operation

Grade stakes reading

Communication

Safety awareness

Tools

GPS technology

Laser grading

Job description

Job Location: Triad – Kernersville, NC 27284. Position Type: Full Time.

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 Utility Backfill Excavator Operator runs a hydraulic tracked excavator on an underground wet utility pipe crew, backfilling and compacting behind pipe installation and supporting trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting.

Key Responsibilities

Excavation & Backfill

• Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind pipe installation for water, sewer, and storm systems
• Excavate trench as directed, maintaining proper slope, benching, and spoil pile placement and working safely around trench boxes and shoring
• Load, place, and spread bedding stone, select fill, and backfill materials to specification and lift requirements
• Follow grade stakes, layout markings, and hand signals so work is performed to line, grade, and project specifications

Lifting & Material Handling

• Lift, move, and set pipe, precast structures, and other heavy loads using proper rigging techniques and rated attachments
• Load and unload materials and keep the work area organized to support crew productivity

Equipment Care & Documentation

• Perform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections; grease, check fluids, and keep the cab, tracks, and windows clean
• Complete daily equipment logs and report any damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman immediately

Crew Support

• Communicate clearly with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers to coordinate equipment movement around workers in and near the trench
• Assist with manual labor, shovel and trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipment
• Maintain predictable and reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs require

Safety & Compliance

• Model and enforce Cardinal’s safety program; excavate carefully around existing utilities, require hand-digging near located lines, and use stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe
• Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations (including excavation, trenching, and shoring requirements), and federal, state, and local safety requirements applicable to the role

Other related duties as assigned

Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty
• 2+ years of experience operating a hydraulic excavator on underground utility or pipeline work, including digging inside a trench box and lifting and setting heavy loads such as pipe and precast structures
• Ability to read and understand grade stakes and follow hand signals
• Basic math skills for measuring and counting materials
• Clear communication with supervisors and teammates; ability to follow directions accurately and adapt as priorities change
• Sound judgment and situational awareness in a fast-paced environment
• Must be at least 18 years old and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Reliable transportation to and from job sites

Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• OSHA 10; operator certification or qualification on hydraulic excavators
• Working knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Physical Demands

Sit and operate equipment for extended periods; climb on and off equipment safely using three points of contact; frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; occasionally lift and carry 25–60 lbs; maintain constant alertness while operating near workers and open trenches.

Work Environment

Active underground utility construction sites, including open trenches, excavations, and work zones near traffic. Exposure to outdoor weather, heat, cold, noise, dust, mud, and moving heavy equipment. 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
• holidays

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.

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.

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.