Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

Job Details: Job Location: CCC Charlotte - Charlotte, NC, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Position SummaryCardinal 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 Backfill Excavator Operator runs a hydraulic tracked excavator on an underground wet utility pipe crew, backfilling and compacting behind pipe installation and supporting trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting.Key ResponsibilitiesExcavation & Backfill Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind pipe installation for water, sewer, and storm systems Excavate trench as directed, 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 to specification and lift requirements Follow grade stakes, layout markings, and hand signals so work is performed to line, grade, and project specificationsLifting & Material Handling 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 productivityEquipment Care & Documentation Perform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections; grease, check fluids, and keep the cab, tracks, and windows clean Complete daily equipment logs and report any damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman immediatelyCrew Support Communicate clearly with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers to coordinate equipment movement around workers in and near the trench Assist with manual labor, shovel and trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipment Maintain predictable and reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs requireSafety & Compliance Model and enforce 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 (including excavation, trenching, and shoring requirements), and federal, state, and local safety requirements applicable to the roleOther related duties as assignedRequired Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty 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 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 and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check Reliable transportation to and from job sitesPreferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience OSHA 10; operator certification or qualification on hydraulic excavators Working knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements Valid driver’s license preferred Physical Demands 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; occasionally lift and carry 25–60 lbs; maintain constant alertness while operating near workers and open trenchesWork Environment Active underground utility construction sites, including open trenches, excavations, and work zones near traffic Exposure to outdoor weather, heat, cold, noise, dust, mud, and moving heavy equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites Schedule: early starts and extended hours; occasional Saturdays as project needs requireWhat We Offer Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidaysThe 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 careers@cardinalcivil.com.Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.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.