Utility Backfill Excavator Operator
About The Position
Cardinal Civil Contracting, a heavy civil and site development contractor within Cardinal Infrastructure Group, is hiring a Utility Backfill Excavator Operator for underground wet utility construction. The operator runs a hydraulic tracked excavator on a pipe crew, backfilling and compacting behind pipe installation and supporting trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting. The work takes place at active construction sites and involves coordinating closely with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers while working safely around trenches, workers, and existing utilities. The role includes inspecting and maintaining equipment, documenting equipment condition, following grade and layout directions, and supporting manual labor and pipe installation when not operating equipment. The operator is expected to follow company and applicable safety requirements, maintain reliable attendance, and work early starts and extended hours, with overtime and occasional Saturday or weekend work as project needs require.
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.
- Physical ability to 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; and occasionally lift and carry 25–60 pounds.
- Ability to maintain constant alertness while operating near workers and open trenches.
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.
- 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.
- A valid CDL or heavy equipment operator certification.
Responsibilities
- Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind water, sewer, and storm pipe installation.
- Excavate trenches as directed while 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 according to specifications 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 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 when not operating equipment.
- Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs require.
- Follow 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, and applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Required PPE is provided.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
