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Digger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator w/ CDL-A

Manassas, VA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Including but not limited to: backhoes, directional drills, trenchers, skid-steer loaders, cranes, digger derricks, bucket trucks, excavators, and crane trucks * Meet all DOT requirements (physical ...

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Equipment includes but not limited to: backhoes, directional drills, trenchers, skid-steer loaders, cranes, digger derricks, bucket trucks, excavators, and crane trucks. * Candidates holding a valid ...

String wire conductors, set utility poles, and erect transmission towers using specialized heavy machinery (e.g., bucket trucks, digger derricks, and cranes). * Inspect, test, and troubleshoot ...

String wire conductors, set utility poles, and erect transmission towers using specialized heavy machinery (e.g., bucket trucks, digger derricks, and cranes). * Inspect, test, and troubleshoot ...

Underground Foreman

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilization of heavy equipment, digger derricks, bucket trucks, trenchers, and groundwork * Establish quality work ethic and commitment amongst the team * Know and enforce safety rules, practices ...

Underground Foreman

Capitol Heights, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utilization of heavy equipment, digger derricks, bucket trucks, trenchers, and groundwork * Establish quality work ethic and commitment amongst the team * Know and enforce safety rules, practices ...

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Showing results 1-20

Digger information

See Washington salary details

$17

$30

$38

How much do digger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for digger in Washington is $30.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by diggers on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Diggers often encounter challenges such as working in varying soil conditions, operating heavy machinery safely, and coordinating with other site workers. These challenges can be managed by adhering to safety protocols, conducting regular equipment maintenance, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and team members. Staying adaptable and attentive to site-specific hazards helps ensure both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is a digger?

Diggers are workers or machines that excavate soil, rocks, or other materials from the ground, typically for construction, mining, or landscaping projects. The term often refers to both manual laborers who use tools like shovels and pickaxes, as well as to heavy equipment operators who control machinery such as excavators and backhoes. Diggers play a crucial role in preparing sites for building foundations, installing utilities, or extracting resources. Their work requires physical strength, attention to safety, and sometimes specialized training for operating equipment.

What is the difference between Digger vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDiggerExcavator Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a basic operating license or certificationRequires a valid excavator operator certification or license
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping, miningConstruction sites, demolition, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageCommonly used term in casual or general contextsFormal job title used in industry and official listings
Job ScopeRefers to the machine or the operatorSpecifically the skilled operator of excavator machinery

While both terms relate to heavy machinery used in construction, a Digger generally refers to the machine itself or a casual term for the operator, whereas an Excavator Operator is a formal job title for a professional trained to operate excavator equipment in various construction and mining projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digger, you need physical strength, stamina, a basic understanding of construction or excavation processes, and sometimes relevant on-the-job training or certifications. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as operating small machinery like mini-excavators, is often required. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate site work, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and maintaining safety standards.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Digger jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Digger job openings:

Infographic showing various Digger job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,194 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

TRANSMISSION-Lineman 3rd (A) Class - Non-union

Utility Lines Construction Services, LLC

Manassas, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Utility Lines Construction Services rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 

NULN33/NULN23-Overhead Transmission Apprentice Lineperson

 

This position assists with building, maintaining, and repairing overhear transmission lines using approved standards under the direction of the Foreperson, General Foreperson, Project Manager, and Supervisor. A willingness to travel is a must.

Job Type:  Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive/Hourly

Benefits:

  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Matching 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • FR Clothing Provided
  • Employee Payroll Deduction Program

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Assists with the installation, connection, and rigging in a high-voltage environment.
  • Erect, frame, and replaces poles.
  • Proper and safe operation of aerial trucks, digger derricks, and associated equipment.
  • Assists in the construction of transmission and substation facilities.
  • Works on various structure types of transmission lines at voltages from 69 kV to 500kV.
  • Establishing OSHA and company/customer safety requirements

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Ability to climb wood poles, steel poles, and lattice steel towers without the assistance of a Boom or Bucket Truck.
  • Ability to work at heights up to and above 100 feet.
  • Able to drive all vehicles assigned to the line crew 

Education & Experience

  • Experience with digger derricks and bucket trucks is required.

 

Pre-Screen

  • Upon offer, employees are required to subject and pass both a pre-employment drug screen and background and/or MVR check.

License & Certifications:

  • CDL highly Preferred but not required. 
  • Driver License Required.

Travel Requirements:

  • Must be willing to travel and work away from home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Requirements:

  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Sitting, Kneeling, and Crawling
  • FREQUENT (up to 66 %): Stooping, Squatting, Body Twisting, Manual Dexterity, Reading, Climbing Ladders, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Poles, Gripping, and Climbing Stairs
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Walking, Sense of Touch, Speaking Clearly, Seeing Distant, Seeing, Reaching, Range of Motion, Hearing-Speech Range, Depth Perception, Color Vision, Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting Over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs., and Lifting Up to 50 lbs.

Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

  • Work nights, weekends, and holidays for extended periods; may be required to perform duties as part of recovery force during emergencies and disasters.
  • Works around hazardous equipment.
  • Works with energized parts or equipment.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, chain saws and other equipment, with proper hearing protection.
  • Works at varying heights above ground, in manholes, and/or in confined spaces with proper Personal Protective Equipment.

What Utility Lines Construction Services employees say

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