Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

Cardinal Infrastructure Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 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, a Cardinal Infrastructure Group company, seeks an experienced Utility Backfill Excavator Operator to join underground utility crews in Raleigh, NC. You will operate a hydraulic excavator to backfill trenches, install bedding materials, and support pipe installation on water, sewer, and storm projects.

You will follow grade stakes and signals, assist with lifting heavy components, and keep detailed equipment logs.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating hydraulic excavators on utility/pipeline work.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow layout signals.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety regulations and daily equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic excavator to backfill and compact trenches for water, sewer, and storm systems.
• Lift, move, and set pipe and precast structures using proper rigging and attachments.
• Perform pre/post-operation inspections and complete equipment logs.
• Coordinate with foreman and crew to ensure safe trench operations and material handling.
• Maintain safety and regulatory compliance on active underground sites.

Skills

Excavator operation

Grade stakes reading

Safety compliance

Clear communication

CDL preferred

Education

CDL or Heavy Equipment Operator Certification

Tools

GPS grading technology

Laser grading equipment

Job description

Utility Backfill Excavator Operator# Utility Backfill Excavator OperatorCCC Raleigh - Raleigh, NC 27609## OverviewPosition TypeFull Time## 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.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].**Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.*## 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.