Utility Loader Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING LLC•Raleigh, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardinal Civil Contracting, a heavy civil and site development contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group, is hiring a Utility Loader Operator to support underground water, sewer, and storm pipe crews. The operator safely loads, moves, and places pipe, stone, dirt, and other materials on active construction sites, staging materials ahead of the crew to keep pipe installation moving. The role operates a rubber-tired front-end loader and may operate a skid steer or excavator as assigned. It also involves unloading and staging pipe and materials, assisting with pipe placement, performing equipment inspections and routine maintenance, and carrying out general labor when not operating equipment. The operator works closely with the Foreman, Pipe Layer, and crew while following jobsite plans, safety requirements, and applicable OSHA regulations. Work takes place at active underground utility construction sites near open trenches, heavy equipment, and moving machinery, with exposure to outdoor weather, noise, dust, grease, fuel, and concrete. The schedule includes early starts and extended hours, with overtime and Saturdays as project needs require. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites.

Requirements

At least 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, with the ability to prioritize tasks and adapt as conditions change.
Team-oriented, reliable, and able to communicate effectively with crew members.
Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty.
Must be at least 18 years old and pass a pre-employment and random drug screen.
Ability to 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; and operate hand and power tools.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around open trenches, heavy equipment, and moving machinery.

Nice To Haves

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.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate a rubber-tired front-end loader to scoop, lift, carry, and place bedding stone, backfill, dirt, and other bulk materials.
Operate a skid steer or excavator as assigned to move and place pipe and materials.
Follow hand signals, grade stakes, and jobsite plans while working safely around open trenches and ground crews.
Unload sewer and water pipe, fittings, and structures from delivery trucks using proper rigging and lifting practices.
Stage pipe and materials 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.
Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and immediately report damage or defects to the Foreman.
Perform routine loader maintenance, including greasing, fueling, checking fluids, and cleaning.
Perform general labor when not operating equipment, including laying pipe, shoveling, and site cleanup and restoration such as seeding.
Communicate with crew members and provide feedback to coordinate work safely.
Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime and weekends as project needs require.
Model and enforce the company safety program, remain aware of ground personnel, keep the work area clean and organized, and use stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe.
Comply with company policies and applicable OSHA regulations, including excavation and heavy equipment requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.