If you’re skilled at operating excavators, bulldozers, or loaders—or just starting to explore the field—heavy equipment operator jobs offer steady, rewarding careers in the construction industry. With demand for infrastructure growing across North Carolina and beyond, there’s never been a better time to get started.
At Cardinal Civil Contracting, our infrastructure contracting company is proud to support large-scale residential, commercial, and municipal projects—and we’re always looking for dependable operators to join our team. Learn how to find heavy equipment operator jobs, what qualifications you need, and why a career with Cardinal Civil might be the right fit for you.
What Does a Heavy Equipment Operator Do?
Heavy equipment operators are the backbone of civil construction projects, using powerful machinery to prepare sites, install infrastructure, and shape the environment for everything from roads and neighborhoods to office complexes and government buildings.
At Cardinal Civil Contracting, operators work on a variety of job types that require skill, safety, and precision. Below are some of the key paths a heavy equipment operator can take within the industry.
Site Grading and Excavation
Operators in grading and excavation roles are responsible for moving large volumes of soil and rock to create a level base for buildings, roads, and utilities. This work involves operating bulldozers, motor graders, compactors, and excavators. Precision is crucial—site grading sets the foundation for everything that follows. Construction projects can range from single-family lots to complex commercial and institutional developments.
Civil Drilling and Blasting
For operators interested in more technical work, the civil drilling and blasting division offers a highly specialized path. These roles involve operating drills and coordinating with blasting teams to break through rock or tough soil conditions. It’s a critical part of site preparation, especially for large infrastructure projects where standard excavation just won’t cut it.
Aviator Paving
Operators who specialize in aviator paving work on building durable, high-quality paved surfaces. This includes running paving machines, rollers, and skid steers to lay roads, parking lots, and walkways. Paving requires a blend of timing, temperature awareness, and technique to ensure a smooth, long-lasting result.
Utility Installation
Many construction projects involve underground utility work, and operators play a central role in trenching, laying pipe, and backfilling. Whether it's water, sewer, storm, or electrical systems, utility teams rely on skilled machine operators who understand the importance of safety and sequencing in tight, complex work zones.
Heavy Hauling and Material Handling
Another operator path involves moving equipment, aggregates, and other construction materials across job sites. These roles include operating loaders, articulated trucks, and forklifts to keep crews supplied and projects on schedule. It’s fast-paced and essential work that supports every part of a construction jobsite.
Leadership and Specialized Paths
As operators gain experience, many move into crew leadership or equipment-specific specializations. At Cardinal Civil, we value professional growth and provide opportunities for advancement into roles such as foreman, safety coordinator, or operations support. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to elevate your career, we offer the training and support to help you grow.
Skills and Certification Requirements for Heavy Equipment Operators
To succeed as a heavy equipment operator—especially on complex infrastructure projects like those at Cardinal Civil Contracting—you need a mix of technical ability, safety awareness, and the right certifications. Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets top operators apart.
Technical Skills
Operators should know how to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment used in site development and utility work.
Key Skills:
- Proficiency with excavators, dozers, graders, backhoes, and skid steers
- Experience with GPS-controlled and laser-guided machinery
- Understanding of hydraulics and mechanical systems
Strong Focus on Safety
A safety-first mindset is essential on every jobsite—protecting yourself, your crew, and the public.
Key Safety Qualities:
- Familiarity with OSHA jobsite safety practices
- Consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like goggles, hard hats, etc.
- Awareness of surroundings and safety hazards
Physical Stamina and Spatial Awareness
The job demands physical and mental alertness in all weather conditions and terrain types.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work long hours outdoors
- Good hand-eye coordination and reflexes
- Strong depth perception and spatial judgment
Essential Certifications
While experience matters most, these certifications help you stand out and may be required for certain projects.
Recommended Certifications:
- OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Construction Safety
- CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
- NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator
- First Aid/CPR Training
- Trenching and Confined Space Awareness
A Willingness to Learn and Grow
At Cardinal Civil, we value workers who show up ready to learn and move up.
What We Look For:
- Positive attitude and reliability
- Willingness to cross-train across divisions
- Commitment to doing the job right the first time
Where to Search for Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
If you're ready to start or advance your career as a heavy equipment operator, knowing where to look is key. Fortunately, there are several great resources—both online and in person—that can help you find the right opportunity.
Company Career Pages
One of the best ways to find reliable job openings is by going straight to the source. Many construction and civil contracting companies, including Cardinal Civil Contracting, post available jobs directly on their websites. These listings are often more up to date than third-party sites and give you direct access to employer expectations and application instructions.
Online Job Boards
Platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn regularly feature listings for heavy equipment operator roles. You can filter by location, pay range, experience level, and certifications to find a position that matches your background. Setting up job alerts can also help you stay ahead of new openings.
Trade Schools and Training Programs
If you’re just starting out, connect with local vocational schools or training centers. Many of these programs offer job placement assistance and may have relationships with construction companies actively seeking certified operators. Some programs even offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
Industry Networking and Word of Mouth
Don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Reach out to other operators, foremen, or contractors you’ve worked with in the past. Construction is a tight-knit industry, and many job opportunities are filled through personal connections before they’re ever posted online.
Unions and Trade Associations
Some regions have operating engineers’ unions or trade groups that maintain job boards and offer hiring events. Joining one of these organizations can connect you with employers, provide additional training, and open doors to larger-scale infrastructure projects.
Why Work for Cardinal Civil Contracting?
When you’re building your career in civil construction, the company you choose matters. At Cardinal Civil Contracting, we offer more than just a paycheck—we offer purpose, growth, and the chance to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of North Carolina’s infrastructure.
Diverse Projects Across North Carolina
Our work spans a wide range of sectors—from single-family and multi-family residential to commercial, municipal, and institutional development. This means you’ll gain experience working on everything from large-scale utility installations to road construction, site grading, and complex infrastructure prep.
The variety keeps your day-to-day interesting while helping you develop a versatile skill set.
Technical Projects with Long-Term Growth
We don’t just move dirt—we handle technically demanding work that requires problem-solving, precision, and coordination. Whether it’s civil drilling and blasting, GPS-controlled grading, or high-volume paving, our projects challenge you to grow. With opportunities to advance into specialized or leadership roles, our civil construction company is a great place to build a lasting career.
Strong Culture and Work Ethic
At Cardinal Civil, we believe in doing things right the first time. That philosophy applies not only to our projects but also to how we treat our team. You’ll work in a supportive, safety-first environment with experienced crews, modern equipment, and leadership that values your input and commitment.
Competitive Pay and Great Benefits
We offer industry-competitive wages along with a benefits package that supports you on and off the job. Employees enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) options, paid time off, and reimbursement for training or certifications. With consistent work across multiple regions, you can count on financial stability and year-round opportunities.
Locations in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro
With job sites and offices in three of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions—Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro—you can work close to home and still be part of major infrastructure projects. Whether you’re based in the Triangle, Triad, or Queen City, we’ve got work that fits your location and lifestyle.
How to Apply for a Career in Operating Heavy Equipment
Whether you're new to the field or an experienced operator looking for your next opportunity, starting a career in heavy equipment operation can open doors to steady, rewarding work. At Cardinal Civil Contracting, we make it simple to take the next step toward joining our team.
Build a Strong Resume
Your resume should highlight your equipment experience, certifications, and work history in construction or related trades. Be sure to include any specialized training, safety certifications, and licenses like a CDL. Even if you’re new to the industry, showing a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can help you stand out.
Gather Certifications and Credentials
While not all entry-level roles require formal certification, having credentials like OSHA 10/30, NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator certification, and First Aid/CPR can improve your chances. If you’re interested in roles involving civil drilling or utility installation, task-specific training can be a plus.
Apply Directly Through Cardinal Civil
We post job openings regularly on our career opportunities page. Review the available positions, select the one that fits your skills and location, and submit your application online. Be sure to attach your resume and include any relevant project experience or certifications in your submission.
Be Ready for an Interview or Site Evaluation
If your application is a good fit, you may be invited to interview with our team or demonstrate your equipment knowledge in a practical setting. We look for candidates who are dependable, safety-conscious, and ready to contribute to a team.
Start Building Your Future–Contact Us Today
From training and advancement opportunities to working on high-profile projects across North Carolina, a career at Cardinal Civil means more than just a job—it’s a long-term path forward. If you’re looking to be part of a growing civil construction company that values hard work and professional development, get in touch with our team today.