What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator position at Cardinal Civil Contracting, LLC?
Position Summary
Cardinal 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 Heavy Equipment Operator runs bulldozers, trackhoe excavators, and other earthmoving equipment to clear and grade sites and install underground utilities on Cardinal Civil projects. The role turns plans and grade stakes into finished grades and trenches that are on line, on grade, and ready for the next crew. Success is measured by safe operation, accurate work that passes inspection the first time, and equipment that stays in good working order.
Key Responsibilities
Site Clearing, Grading & Earthwork
Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience
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
Cardinal 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 Heavy Equipment Operator runs bulldozers, trackhoe excavators, and other earthmoving equipment to clear and grade sites and install underground utilities on Cardinal Civil projects. The role turns plans and grade stakes into finished grades and trenches that are on line, on grade, and ready for the next crew. Success is measured by safe operation, accurate work that passes inspection the first time, and equipment that stays in good working order.
Key Responsibilities
Site Clearing, Grading & Earthwork
- Operate bulldozers to clear sites and to push, spread, and compact soil, gravel, and other materials
- Perform rough and fine grading to project specifications for building pads, roadways, and paving preparation
- Cut and shape terrain for road, pad, and drainage construction, working from grade stakes and plans
- Load, move, and stockpile materials using wheel loaders, skid steers, and articulated or standard dump trucks
- Operate rollers/compactors, street sweepers, and other construction equipment as assigned
- Operate trackhoe excavators to dig foundations and trenches to the required line, depth, and width
- Excavate, bed, and backfill trenches for storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water lines, and electrical conduit and cable
- Shape and level trench bottoms to grade for proper drainage and pipe or conduit placement
- Support pipe-laying crews with precise excavation, pipe setting, and backfill
- Operate attachments such as buckets, hydraulic hammers, and grapples for specialized tasks
- Excavate with caution around existing underground utilities, following locate marks and safe digging practices
- Read and interpret construction plans, site plans, grade stakes, elevations, and specifications
- Conduct daily pre- and post-operation inspections, perform routine preventive maintenance, keep equipment clean, and report mechanical issues promptly
- Complete equipment inspection reports and daily activity logs accurately
- Coordinate with superintendents, foremen, and crew members, and assist ground crews when equipment operation is not required
- Adapt to changing site and weather conditions while maintaining productivity and quality
- Model and enforce Cardinal’s safety program; participate in daily safety briefings and stop work when conditions are unsafe
- Work safely around other equipment, laborers, and public traffic on active construction sites
- Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations (including excavation and trench protective systems), and environmental and erosion control requirements applicable to the role
Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience
- Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty
- Proficiency operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators for grading, trenching, and utility installation; ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, elevations, and utility layouts
- Working knowledge of safe excavation practices, including working around existing underground utilities
- Ability to perform pre-operation inspections and basic equipment maintenance
- Clear communication and ability to work effectively as part of a crew
- Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation to job sites
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Heavy equipment operating experience in civil construction, site development, or roadway construction
- Experience with fine grading for paving and with storm, sanitary sewer, and water line installation
- Experience operating hydraulic hammers and other excavator attachments
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb, including mounting and dismounting equipment; sit for extended periods while operating equipment; repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 lbs; operate hand tools and equipment; work in and around trenches with required protective systems
- Active construction sites, including uneven terrain, confined work areas, and areas near live traffic and existing utilities
- Exposure to outdoor weather, heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, and moving equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites
- Schedule: early starts, with overtime and occasional weekends as project schedules require
- Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays
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.
- Outdoor construction sites in varying weather conditions.
- Full-time position with potential overtime and weekend work based on project needs.