Utility Loader Operator

Cardinal Civil Contracting; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Cardinal Civil Contracting is seeking an experienced Utility Loader Operator in Charlotte, NC to support underground water, sewer, and storm pipe crews by loading, moving, and placing pipe, stone, dirt, and other materials on active job sites to keep installations moving. The role emphasizes safe operation, daily inspections, and coordination with the Foreman and pipe crews.

Candidates should have 2+ years of loader experience, read grade stakes, and be able to work overtime and weekends as

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating a front-end loader or similar heavy equipment.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow signals and plans.
• Willing to pass pre-employment and random drug screens.

Responsibilities

• Operate a rubber-tired front-end loader to scoop, lift, and place bulk materials.
• Move pipe and materials with a skid steer or excavator as assigned.
• Unload pipe, fittings, and structures from trucks using proper rigging.
• Perform pre- and post-shift equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Support crew with laying pipe, shoveling, and site cleanup.
• Enforce safety policies and communicate clearly with the crew.

Skills

Loader operation

Grade stakes reading

Team communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Driver's license

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: CCC Charlotte - Charlotte, NC 28217, Position Type: Full Time,

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 Loader Operator supports underground water, sewer, and storm pipe crews by safely loading, moving, and placing pipe, stone, dirt, and other materials on active job sites. By keeping material staged ahead of the crew, this role keeps pipe installation moving.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate a rubber-tired front-end loader to scoop, lift, carry, and place bulk materials such as bedding stone, backfill, and dirt
• Operate a skid steer or excavator as assigned to move and place pipe and materials
• Follow hand signals, grade stakes, and jobsite plans to work safely and to specification around open trenches and ground crews

Pipe & Material Handling

• Unload sewer and water pipe, fittings, and structures from delivery trucks using proper rigging and lifting practices
• Stage pipe and materials efficiently ahead of the pipe crew to keep installation on schedule
• Assist with setting pipe in the trench under the direction of the Foreman or Pipe Layer

Equipment Care

• Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and report damage or defects to the Foreman immediately
• Perform routine maintenance on the loader, including greasing, fueling, checking fluids, and cleaning

Crew Support

• Perform general labor when not operating, including laying pipe, shoveling, and site cleanup and restoration (e.g., seeding)
• Communicate clearly and professionally with crew members and provide feedback to coordinate work safely
• Maintain predictable and reliable attendance, including overtime and weekends as project needs require

Safety & Compliance

• Model and enforce Cardinal’s safety program; maintain constant awareness of ground personnel, keep a clean and organized work area, and use stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe
• Comply with company policies and OSHA regulations, including excavation and heavy equipment requirements, applicable to the role

Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty
• 2+ years of experience operating a front-end loader or similar heavy equipment in utility or civil construction
• Experience working safely around heavy construction equipment and open excavations
• Ability to read grade stakes, follow signals, and carry out written, verbal, and diagram instructions
• Strong hand-eye coordination and situational awareness; ability to prioritize tasks and adapt as conditions change
• Team-oriented, reliable, and able to communicate effectively with crew members
• Must be at least 18 years old and pass a pre-employment and random drug screen

Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Experience on underground water and sewer pipe crews and knowledge of pipe installation processes
• Experience operating skid steers and excavators
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Physical Demands

Sit and operate equipment for extended periods; climb on and off heavy equipment using three points of contact and in and out of excavations; frequently stand, walk on uneven ground, bend, stoop, and crouch; repeatedly lift and carry up to 50–80 lbs; operate hand and power tools

Work Environment

Active underground utility construction sites, working near open trenches, heavy equipment, and moving machinery

Exposure to outdoor weather in all conditions, loud noise, dust, grease, fuel, and concrete. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites

Schedule: early starts and extended hours; overtime and 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].

Acknowledgment

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.