Equipment Operator - Paving

Position Summary

Aviator Paving is a paving and grading contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group (Nasdaq: CDNL), a publicly traded infrastructure company. With more than 10 years in the industry, Aviator specializes in fine grading, curb, stone, asphalt paving, repairs, and maintenance, serving residential, commercial, industrial, public, and institutional clients across North and South Carolina from offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and the Triad. Our in-house crews are dedicated to a superior product, with a focus on quality and workmanship.

The Heavy Equipment Operator runs dozers, excavators, loaders, skid steers, and rollers to prepare Aviator Paving sites for curb, stone, and asphalt, from clearing and rough grading through fine grade and base. The role turns plans and grade stakes into subgrade and stone base that is on line, on grade, and ready for the paving crew.

Key Responsibilities

Site Preparation, Grading & Base

• Operate dozers to fine grade, spread, and compact soil, stone, and other materials
• Perform rough and fine grading to project specifications for parking lots, roadways, and curb lines
• Place, spread, and grade aggregate base course to the required depth, grade, and cross-slope ahead of paving
• Load, move, and stockpile materials using wheel loaders, skid steers, and dump trucks
• Operate rollers and compactors to achieve specified subgrade and base density

Excavation, Repairs & Drainage

• Operate excavators to undercut unsuitable soils and excavate for full-depth pavement repairs and patching
• Operate attachments such as buckets, hydraulic hammers, and grapples for specialized tasks
• Dig with caution around existing underground utilities, following locate marks and safe digging practices

Plans, Equipment & Crew Coordination

• Read and interpret 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 the curb and paving crews, and assist ground crews when equipment operation is not required
• Adapt to changing site and weather conditions while maintaining productivity and quality

Safety & Compliance

• Model and follow Aviator Paving's safety program; participate in daily safety briefings, work safely around other equipment, ground workers, and public traffic, and stop work when conditions are unsafe
• Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations (including excavation and trench protective systems), and environmental and erosion control requirements applicable to the role

Other related duties as assigned

Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty
• Proficiency operating dozers and excavators for grading and excavation; ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, and elevations
• 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

Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Heavy equipment operating experience in site development, paving, or roadway construction
• Fine grading experience for curb and asphalt paving, including stone base to tight tolerances
• OSHA 10 certification

Physical Demands

• Sit for extended periods while operating equipment, with whole-body vibration; mount and dismount equipment using steps and grab handles, maintaining three points of contact
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb on uneven terrain; repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 lbs; operate hand tools; work in and around excavations with required protective systems

Work Environment

• 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, mud, vibration, and moving equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites
• Early starts, with overtime and occasional weekends as project schedules require; work is seasonal and weather-dependent

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays

The 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 Aviator Paving is at-will.

Aviator Paving 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

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience in civil construction, site development, or roadway construction preferred
• Experience with site clearing, underground utility installation, grading, and paving preparation
• Ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently
• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred but not required
• Knowledge of construction plans, grades, elevations, and utility layouts
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as project schedules require