Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING CHARLOTTE LLC•Charlotte, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardinal Civil Contracting, part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group, is hiring a Utility Backfill Excavator Operator for underground wet utility pipe crews. The operator runs a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind water, sewer, and storm pipe installation, while also supporting trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting. The work takes place at active outdoor underground utility construction sites, including open trenches, excavations, and work zones near traffic. Employees may be exposed to varying weather, heat, cold, noise, dust, mud, and moving heavy equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites. The schedule includes early starts and extended hours, with occasional Saturdays and potential overtime or weekend work depending on project needs. The position is full-time. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and holidays. Employment is at-will; the listed duties are not exhaustive, and additional related work may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

At least 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.
Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty.
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.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Reliable transportation to and from job sites.
Ability to sit and operate equipment for extended periods and safely climb on and off equipment using three points of contact.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; occasionally lift and carry 25–60 pounds; and remain alert while operating near workers and open trenches.
Proven experience operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators in civil construction.
Ability to read and understand grading plans and site layouts.
Strong understanding of safety regulations and equipment maintenance.
Physical ability to lift, climb, and work in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

OSHA 10 certification.
Operator certification or qualification on hydraulic excavators.
Working knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements.
Valid driver’s license.
Familiarity with GPS and laser grading technology.
Valid CDL or heavy equipment operator certification.

Responsibilities

Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind pipe installation for water, sewer, and storm systems.
Excavate trenches as directed, maintaining proper slope, benching, and spoil pile placement while 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 to complete work to line, grade, and project specifications.
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.
Perform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections; grease equipment, check fluids, and keep the cab, tracks, and windows clean.
Complete daily equipment logs and immediately report damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman.
Communicate with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers to coordinate equipment movement around workers in and near the trench.
Assist with manual labor, shoveling, trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipment.
Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs require.
Model and enforce the company safety program; work 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 other applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.