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Controlled Demolition Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PuroClean

Demo Laborer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Position Summary The Demolition Laborer supports restoration and reconstruction projects by performing controlled demolition, site preparation, debris removal, and cleanup activities following fire ...

Volarify

Sales Estimator (ID#621)

Coachella, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

Demonstrate expertise in decontamination, mitigation, controlled demolition, and restoration techniques. * Manage personal workload independently, meeting deadlines and maintaining a clean ...

Volarify

Sales Estimator (ID#621)

Palm Desert, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

Demonstrate expertise in decontamination, mitigation, controlled demolition, and restoration techniques. * Manage personal workload independently, meeting deadlines and maintaining a clean ...

Volarify

Sales Estimator (ID#621)

Palm Springs, CA

$70K - $95K/yr

Demonstrate expertise in decontamination, mitigation, controlled demolition, and restoration techniques. * Manage personal workload independently, meeting deadlines and maintaining a clean ...

Volarify

Sales Estimator (ID#621)

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

Demonstrate expertise in decontamination, mitigation, controlled demolition, and restoration techniques. * Manage personal workload independently, meeting deadlines and maintaining a clean ...

American Iron & Metal

Controller

Colton, CA · On-site

... and demolition, auto-parts sales and recycling, manufacturing of solder assemblies, construction ... We are seeking an experienced Controller to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Director of ...

Kaygen Inc.

Construction Safety Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Experience with demolition, renovation, modernization, and new construction projects. Experience working on Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP) or similar construction insurance programs.

NORTHERN RECYCLING

Heavy Machinery Mechanic

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... upgrades; controlling corrosion; completing winterization procedures. · Corrects vehicle ... Northern Recycling provides construction and demolition processing and recycles green material ...

Leidos

$78K - $103K/yr

... and controlled wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), registered storage tanks, air emission ... and/or demolition projects. * Ability to read, analyze and understand engineering designs ...

HDR

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Approve and supervise the design, inspection, construction, demolition, installation of contracts ... Collaborate with Business/Accounting Manager or Project Controller and Department Manager for ...

HDR

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Approve and supervise the design, inspection, construction, demolition, installation of contracts ... Collaborate with Business/Accounting Manager or Project Controller and Department Manager for ...

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Controlled Demolition information

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$19

$27

How much do controlled demolition jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for controlled demolition in California is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controlled demolition specialist?

To thrive as a Controlled Demolition Specialist, you need a strong background in construction, structural engineering, and explosives handling, often supported by relevant certifications and safety training. Familiarity with demolition-specific tools, remote detonation systems, and regulatory compliance software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are vital for ensuring safety, precision, and regulatory compliance during complex demolition projects.

What is the difference between Controlled Demolition vs Demolition Laborer?

AspectControlled DemolitionDemolition Laborer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, demolition-specific certificationsBasic safety training, OSHA certification
Work EnvironmentSpecialized sites with planned demolitions, controlled proceduresGeneral demolition sites, manual labor tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesPlanning and executing controlled demolitions using explosives or machineryAssisting with debris removal, site cleanup, and manual demolition tasks

Controlled Demolition involves planning and executing precise demolitions using specialized techniques and equipment, often requiring certifications. Demolition Laborers perform manual tasks to assist in the demolition process. While both roles work in demolition sites, Controlled Demolition is more technical and regulated, whereas Demolition Laborers focus on physical labor and site cleanup.

What is a controlled demolition?

Controlled demolition jobs involve the planned and safe dismantling or destruction of buildings, structures, or other constructions using specialized techniques and equipment. Professionals in this field use methods such as explosives, mechanical tools, or other technologies to bring down structures efficiently while minimizing risks to people, the environment, and nearby properties. Safety and precision are paramount, and these jobs require thorough planning, knowledge of structural engineering, and strict adherence to safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced in a controlled demolition role, and how are they addressed on the job?

Controlled demolition professionals often encounter challenges such as working in densely populated urban areas, adhering to strict safety regulations, and managing unpredictable structural behaviors. To address these, teams conduct thorough site assessments, use advanced modeling technology, and collaborate closely with engineers, safety officers, and local authorities. Continuous training and clear communication are essential to ensure that each project is executed safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact to the surrounding environment.
What are popular job titles related to Controlled Demolition jobs in California? For Controlled Demolition jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controlled Demolition jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Controlled Demolition jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Controlled Demolition jobs? Cities in California with the most Controlled Demolition job openings:
Controlled Demolition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controlled Demolition job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,862 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Construction Manager (Demolition)

APTIM

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

APTIM rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary:
APTIM is executing some of the most technically complex federal demolition and environmental redevelopment projects in the country. We are seeking a Construction Manager to lead large-scale, high-visibility demolition operations at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard -- one of the most scrutinized and technically demanding federal redevelopment programs in the United States.
This role is for a seasoned demolition leader who has successfully delivered complex federal projects involving structural teardown, hazardous materials, environmental controls, regulatory oversight, and direct management of union craft labor under Project Labor Agreements (PLA).
The Senior Construction Manager serves as the on-site authority for demolition field execution, responsible for full operational control of demolition planning, sequencing, labor coordination, safety performance, schedule execution, and cost control.
You will directly lead craft workforce starting at 25+ personnel and expanding as project phases intensify -- potentially overseeing 50--75+ multi-trade craft workers during peak demolition operations.
This role requires visible field leadership, production accountability, and strong labor coordination skills in a union environment.
General Responsibilities:
Demolition Execution & Field Authority
  • Take full ownership of demolition planning and daily production management.
  • Develop and implement controlled demolition sequencing in environmentally sensitive conditions.
  • Oversee heavy equipment operations, structural stability planning, and teardown strategies.
  • Integrate demolition with abatement and environmental remediation teams.

Workforce Leadership
  • Directly supervise union or PLA craft workforce (minimum 25+ personnel, scalable to 75+).
  • Coordinate multiple trades including operators, laborers, carpenters, ironworkers, truck drivers, and specialty subcontractors.
  • Conduct daily production meetings and enforce accountability for schedule targets.
  • Monitor labor productivity, equipment utilization, and crew performance.
  • Maintain professional working relationships with union representatives and steward leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and PLA requirements.
  • Scale workforce staffing up or down based on phase requirements and production demands.

Federal & Regulatory Interface
  • Serve as primary field point-of-contact with Navy, USACE, EPA, and state regulators.
  • Maintain strict adherence to federal construction quality standards and environmental commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with HAZWOPER, OSHA, and environmental containment requirements.
  • Maintain defensible field documentation and daily reporting.

Schedule, Cost & Risk Leadership
  • Drive production to meet aggressive federal milestones.
  • Control cost-reimbursable and firm-fixed-price task orders.
  • Identify and mitigate demolition and environmental risks.
  • Lead field-level change management and impact resolution.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 10--15+ years of construction management experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership on heavy industrial or federal demolition projects.
  • Proven experience directly supervising union or PLA craft workforce of 25+ personnel (scalable to larger crews).
  • Experience managing projects $10M--$50M+ (including cost-reimbursable contracts).
  • Direct NAVFAC, USACE, or federal client experience.
  • 40-Hour HAZWOPER (current refresher required).
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction.
  • USACE CQM Certification.
  • Strong background in demolition sequencing, heavy equipment coordination, and environmental compliance.

Highly Preferred
  • Waterfront or shipyard demolition experience
  • Radiological or hazardous site controls
  • Industrial facility decommissioning
  • Large-scale concrete and steel removal
  • Experience operating under active PLA agreements in California
  • Experience scaling workforce during peak demolition operations

Why APTIM?
Senior demolition leaders have options -- ECC, Amentum, and Ferma are active in this market. APTIM offers:
  • Field-level authority with real operational control
  • Direct leadership of scalable union workforce
  • Complex demolition integrated with environmental remediation
  • Exposure to nationally significant federal redevelopment
  • Strong technical environmental bench support
  • Clear pathway into regional construction leadership

If you are a hands-on demolition leader who understands, federal oversight, and the realities of complex industrial teardown -- this is an opportunity to lead from the front.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Strength: Standing 50% Walking 20% Sitting 30% Lifting 35 lb. Carrying 35 lb. Pushing 0 ft-lb. Pulling 0 ft-lb. 2. Climbing O Balancing O 3. Stooping O Kneeling O Crouching O Crawling O Reaching Handling C Fingering C
Explanation for Symbols: NP=Not Present, O=Occasionally (0-33%), F= Frequently (34-66%), C=Constantly (67-100%)
About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
  • Work that is worthy of your time and talent
  • Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
  • Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
  • A voice in making our company better
  • Investment into your personal and professional development

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $85,000 - $130,000 per year. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
Aptim Federal Services, LLC, is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace https://aptim.makeityoursource.com/.
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and several carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
  • Company paid and optional Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
  • 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
    • APTIM 401(k) Guide
    • APTIM - Helpful Documents

Watch our video:
About APTIM - In Pursuit of Better
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