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Digging Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Layer

Cartersville, GA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Position requires physical labor tasks such as shovel work and trench digging as involved with commercial construction pipe laying * Must adhere to safety protocol, and work in a drug-free ...

Pipe Layer

Carrollton, GA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Position requires physical labor tasks such as shovel work and trench digging as involved with commercial construction pipe laying * Must adhere to safety protocol, and work in a drug-free ...

Underground Groundhand

Jonesboro, GA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Perform construction tasks including loading, delivery, digging, and operating equipment * Install underground telecommunications cabling * Operate construction equipment, and maintain work areas

Pipe Layer

Cartersville, GA ยท On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Position requires physical labor tasks such as shovel work and trench digging as involved with commercial construction pipe laying * Must adhere to safety protocol, and work in a drug-free ...

Cost Analyst

Lawrenceville, GA ยท On-site

$85K - $87K/yr

... digging into the numbers behind how products are built and priced. This role is fully in office. Responsibilities: Maintain and update product costing information in the ERP system for new and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Digging information

See Georgia salary details

$9

$14

$20

How much do digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging in Georgia is $14.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Digging job?

A Digging job involves using tools or machinery to excavate soil, sand, or other materials for construction, landscaping, utility installation, or archaeological purposes. Workers may operate hand tools like shovels or use heavy equipment such as excavators. Physical strength and endurance are often required, as well as knowledge of safety protocols. Digging jobs can be found in industries like construction, agriculture, and mining.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Digging position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Digging position, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and experience with manual and mechanical earth-moving techniques, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with excavation tools such as shovels, trenchers, backhoes, and safety gear is typically required, along with knowledge of workplace safety standards like OSHA regulations. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to following instructions help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure safe and efficient digging operations, prevent accidents, and support larger construction or utility projects.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in a Digging role?

A typical day in a Digging role involves preparing worksites, operating manual and powered digging equipment, and ensuring trenches or holes meet specified dimensions and safety standards. Team members often collaborate closely with supervisors, utility locators, and other crew members to coordinate tasks and avoid hazards such as underground cables or pipelines. The work may be physically demanding and could take place outdoors in various weather conditions. Attention to safety protocols and clear communication with the team are important aspects throughout the workday.

What are the most commonly searched types of Digging jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Digging jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Digging jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Digging job openings:
Infographic showing various Digging job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,959 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Highway Construction Heavy Equipment Operator

Highway Construction Heavy Equipment Operator

CMES, Inc.

Norcross, GA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Welcome to CMES INC, a leading player in the heavy highway construction industry. With a rich history spanning over 25 years, we have firmly established ourselves as a reputable and innovative force in the field of infrastructure development. At CMES INC, we take immense pride in our commitment to building and maintaining the critical transportation networks that keep communities connected and businesses thriving.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/ObjectiveThe heavy equipment operator shall possess skills to operate a variety of contractor equipment and trucks used in construction, maintenance and repair activities and performs a variety of semiskilled tasks in the maintenance of light, street, and storm drainage systems.
Heavy Equipment Operator Level I Essential Functions
1. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies.
2. Must be competent in safety, understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3. Basic operational techniques of trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, man-lift, dump truck, hydraulic excavators, skid steers.
4. Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
5. Shoot grades.
6. Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, road grater or front-end loader.
7. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
8. Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
9. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
Preferred Education and Experience for Level I Operator
โ€ข 1-3 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience
Heavy Equipment Operator Level II Essential Functions
1. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies.
2. Must be competent in safety, understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3. Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, backhoe, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-end loader, hydraulic excavators, skid steers, scrapers, and dozer.
4. Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
5. Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, and front-end loader.
6. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
7. Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
8. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
9. GPS
10. Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
11. Identify soil classification.
Preferred Education and Experience for Level II Operator
  • 3 - 6 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience.

Heavy Equipment Operator Level III Essential Functions
1. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies.
2. Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front-end loader, hydraulic excavators, dozers, excavators, Motor graders, Backhoes, skid steers and inductor truck.
3. Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
4. Shoot grades.
5. Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, and front-end loader.
6. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
7. Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
8. Plows snow and salts roads according to departmental policy.
9. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
10. Finishing and grading functions
11. GPS
12. Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
13. Interpret Civil Drawings
14. Identify soil classifications.
Preferred Education and Experience for Level III Operator
  • 3 - 6 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience

Heavy Equipment Operator Level IV Essential Functions
1. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies. Non CDL
2. Must be competent in safety understanding the Excavation guidelines as defined by OSHA.
3. Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, backhoe, man-lift, dump truck, road grater, front- end loader, hydraulic excavators, skid steers, motor graders, excavators, dozers.
4. Operates jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
5. Shoot grades.
6. Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, road grater or front-end loader.
7. Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
8. Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
9. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
10. Finishing and grading
11. Shoot grades and perform necessary math.
12. GPS
13. Interpret Civil Drawings
14. Identify soil classifications.
Preferred Education and Experience for Level IV Operator
  • 10 - 15 years of previous Heavy Equipment and Construction Experience

Competencies
1. Technical Capacity.
2. Time Management.
3. Thoroughness.
4. Customer/Client Focus.
5. Good communication skills
6. Attention to detail.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervision responsibilities.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, and smell.
The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Travel
Local travel to various worksites is required.
Required Education and Experience
1. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
2. Four years' experience involving the use of medium and heavy equipment, two of which must have been related to utility or street systems.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
1. Valid CDL License.
Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Career advancement potential
  • A positive and inclusive work environment

At CMES INC, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth, diversity, and innovation. If you are ready to be part of a team that makes a meaningful impact on infrastructure development, we invite you to join us in our mission to build a better tomorrow through heavy highway construction.
EEOC Statement
CMES, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer M/F/V/H/AA. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CMES, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, and without regard to any other characteristic, protected by applicable law, all in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. CMES, Inc. complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, classification, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, job training, and other aspects of employment.
Compensation: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
CMES, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer M/F/V/H/AA. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CMES, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, and without regard to any other characteristic, protected by applicable law, all in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. CMES, Inc. complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, classification, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, job training, and other aspects of employment
CMES Inc. was founded in February 1996 by professional civil engineers. The initial operations of CMES Inc. were conducted from their home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The founders were only employees for a time, working diligently to obtain and complete projects within budget and on time as per contract specifications.
Today, we are still young, but also an aggressive company comprised of experienced professionals from the engineering, design, analysis, construction, and project management fields. We have grown to a workforce of over 300 dedicated employees and a fleet of more than 400 heavy construction equipment and vehicles. Our corporate office is located on a 67,000 square foot facility which houses contracts, estimating, administrating, accounting, human resources, and our fleet departments. CMES Inc. ranks among the Top 5 Heavy Highway Contractors based in Atlanta. In turn, the company has grown steadily over the years which is evidenced by revenues exceeding $100M.
Certifications from various entities in the Metro-Atlanta area are held by CMES Inc. and include DOT certifications, MBE and EBO/ABE.