Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; 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, LLC in Raleigh, NC is hiring a Hydraulic Excavator Operator for underground utility and trench work. You will backfill, grade, and assist with pipe installation, while maintaining safety and adhering to project specs.

The role requires 2+ years of excavator experience, ability to read grade stakes, and a commitment to safety. Full-time with overtime as project needs demand; employer provides training and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Reading and understanding grade stakes and following hand signals.
• Basic math skills for measuring and counting materials.
• Clear communication with supervisors and teammates; ability to follow directions.
• Must be at least 18 years old and pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches for water, sewer, and storm systems.
• Excavate trenches with proper slope and safety around trench boxes and shoring.
• Load, place, and spread bedding stone, select fill, and backfill materials per specs and lift requirements.
• Follow grade stakes and signals to align work with project specs.
• Lift, move, and set pipe and precast structures using proper rigging techniques.
• Perform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.

Skills

Hydraulic excavator operation

Reading grade stakes

Safety awareness

Team communication

Education

CDL or heavy equipment operator certification

Tools

GPS/laser grading technology

Job description

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.

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 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 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.