Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING LLC•Raleigh, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardinal Civil Contracting, a heavy civil and site development contractor and 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 pipe installation and supports trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting. Work takes place at active underground utility construction sites, including open trenches, excavations, and work zones near traffic. The position requires early starts, extended hours, and occasional Saturdays or other overtime as project needs require. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites.

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.
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.
At least 18 years old.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Reliable transportation to and from job sites.
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 water, sewer, and storm-system pipe installation.
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 specifications and lift requirements.
Follow grade stakes, layout markings, and hand signals to perform 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 promptly report damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman.
Coordinate equipment movement with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers, including around workers in and near trenches.
Assist with manual labor, shoveling, trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipment.
Maintain predictable and reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs require.
Model and enforce the company'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 applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.