Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING CHARLOTTE LLC; Whispering Oaks (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 Charlotte LLC is seeking an experienced Utility Backfill Excavator Operator for work on underground utility projects in North Carolina. You will operate a hydraulic tracked excavator, backfill trenches, and support pipe installation with material handling and equipment setup.

The role requires 2+ years of excavator experience, ability to read grade stakes, and strong safety practices on active sites. Expect early starts, overtime, and outdoor conditions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years operating a hydraulic excavator on underground utility or pipeline work.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow hand signals.
• Familiarity with OSHA trenching, shoring, and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydraulic excavator for backfill and trench backfill behind pipe installation.
• Load, place, and spread bedding stone, select fill, and backfill materials to spec.
• Follow grade stakes and signals to meet project specs.
• Assist with manual trench work when not operating equipment.
• Maintain equipment and document inspections.

Skills

Operate hydraulic excavator

Read grade stakes

Safety compliance

Math skills

Clear communication

Education

OSHA 10

Heavy equipment operator certification

Tools

GPS

Laser grading tech

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYCardinal 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 RESPONSIBILITIESExcavation & BackfillOperate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind pipe installation for water, sewer, and storm systemsExcavate trench as directed, maintaining proper slope, benching, and spoil pile placement and working safely around trench boxes and shoringLoad, place, and spread bedding stone, select fill, and backfill materials to specification and lift requirementsFollow grade stakes, layout markings, and hand signals so work is performed to line, grade, and project specificationsLifting & Material HandlingLift, move, and set pipe, precast structures, and other heavy loads using proper rigging techniques and rated attachmentsLoad and unload materials and keep the work area organized to support crew productivityEquipment Care & DocumentationPerform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections; grease, check fluids, and keep the cab, tracks, and windows cleanComplete daily equipment logs and report any damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman immediatelyCrew SupportCommunicate clearly with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers to coordinate equipment movement around workers in and near the trenchAssist with manual labor, shovel and trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipmentMaintain predictable and reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs requireSafety & ComplianceModel 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 unsafeComply with company policies, OSHA regulations (including excavation, trenching, and shoring requirements), and federal, state, and local safety requirements applicable to the roleOther related duties as assignedREQUIRED SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEDemonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty2+ 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 structuresAbility to read and understand grade stakes and follow hand signalsBasic math skills for measuring and counting materialsClear communication with supervisors and teammates; ability to follow directions accurately and adapt as priorities changeSound judgment and situational awareness in a fast-paced environmentMust be at least 18 years old and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background checkReliable transportation to and from job sitesPREFERRED SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEOSHA 10; operator certification or qualification on hydraulic excavatorsWorking knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirementsValid driver’s license preferredPHYSICAL DEMANDSSit 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 trenchesWORK ENVIRONMENTActive underground utility construction sites, including open trenches, excavations, and work zones near trafficExposure to outdoor weather, heat, cold, noise, dust, mud, and moving heavy equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sitesSchedule: early starts and extended hours; occasional Saturdays as project needs requireWHAT WE OFFERMedical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidaysThe 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] only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.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.