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Digging Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Labor

Paducah, KY · On-site

$18/hr

Paducah, KY $18 per hour to start 1st Shift Monday - Friday 7am start time General labor, working on the railroad, digging, immediate start Apply today!

Groundman

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Groundman will be expected to perform a variety of tasks including hand digging to various depths, hand digging due to congestion and in areas where equipment can't access, and handling and ...

Operate heavy machinery involved with digging, setting, and tamping poles, pulling overhead and underground conductors, digging and back-filling trenches or other excavations and hurt man rescue by ...

Groundman

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Groundman will be expected to perform a variety of tasks including hand digging to various depths, hand digging due to congestion and in areas where equipment can't access, and handling and ...

Pressure Digger Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

The Operator plays a critical role in safely exposing underground utilities, digging pole foundations, and performing non-destructive excavation in high-risk environments where traditional digging ...

Crew Technician

Lancaster, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

... digging, skid steers, and other large equipment like a pro. ● Provide support by digging trenches and setting braces to support the sides of excavations, leaving sites clean and tidy upon ...

General Labor

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Perform numerous types of manual labor, including digging trenches to lay down piping and mixing concrete inside a portable cement mixer * Maintain all pieces of equipment by routinely inspecting ...

General Labor

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Perform numerous types of manual labor, including digging trenches to lay down piping and mixing concrete inside a portable cement mixer * Maintain all pieces of equipment by routinely inspecting ...

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Digging information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging in Kentucky is $15.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a digging?

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.

How to get a job in digging?

To get a job in digging, you should gain experience operating excavation equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, and obtain relevant certifications like OSHA safety training. Many positions require physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Applying through construction companies or labor unions can also improve your chances of employment.

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 digging do?

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 jobs involve digging?

Jobs that involve digging include construction laborers, excavators, landscapers, miners, and utility workers. These roles often require operating heavy machinery, physical strength, and knowledge of safety protocols in outdoor or construction environments.
Infographic showing various Digging job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,844 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

$31.79/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Title: Outside Plant Technician

Location: Fort Knox, KY

Clearance Type: SECRET

Compensation: $31.79/hr.

Responsibilities:

  • Receive, process, coordinate, and execute cable locate requests for all proposed excavation areas to identify buried or underground government telecommunications cables.
  • Conduct physical site inspections and locate cable paths using contractor-furnished GPS equipment with accuracy to within 1 meter, and mark cable paths using inverted fluorescent orange paint and/or stakes.
  • Provide digital time-stamped photographs of the marked areas and submit red-line drawings to the Government’s CAD/GIS team upon completion.
  • Accurately document all locate activity on the digging permit, return completed permits to DPW, and maintain internal file copies.
  • Identify whether NEC-owned cables are present within the area of concern and ensure compliance with government standards for cable locate response times (within 1 working day).
  • Prepare and submit paperwork necessary for obtaining digging permits and environmental clearances for all excavation projects.
  • Support 24/7 on-call emergency locate requests related to utility damage or urgent infrastructure repairs, including third-party damage and acts of God.
  • Avoid digging in paved or sensitive areas; follow proper boring procedures where required.
  • Ensure all open trenches or pits are properly marked and secured, using plywood covers (if possible), orange safety cones, and yellow caution tape when left overnight

Education and Certifications:

  • High school diploma required, technical training in telecommunications, construction, or underground utility locating preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • OSHA 10  – Workplace safety.
  • NULCA (National Utility Locating Contractors Association) Certification.
  • CPR / First Aid Certification.
  • OSHA Confined Space Entry Training
  • DOT (Department of Transportation) Flagger Certification

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Knowledge of Industry Standards – Understanding of best practices related to underground utility locating (e.g., 811 Call Before You Dig regulations).
  • 2+ Years of Utility Locating Experience – Experience with electromagnetic locating equipment (e.g., RD7100, Metrotech, Vivax).
  • 2+ years of experience working in OSP cable locating, trenching, or telecom utility inspection roles.
  • Experience with GIS and Mapping Software – Some employers prefer knowledge of GIS applications or mobile mapping software. Experience using GPS locating equipment, red-lining methods, and working with GIS/CAD systems.
  • Ability to accurately interpret utility maps, drawings, and field sketches.
  • Familiarity with Blueprints and As-Built Drawings – Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
  • Familiarity with digging permit processes, construction safety standards, and field documentation.
  • Willingness and availability to work on-call and respond to after-hours emergencies.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Prior experience supporting Army NEC or government telecom infrastructure.
  • Knowledge of Fort Knox or other military installation OSP systems and permit processes.
  • Familiarity with environmental and base-level digging clearance protocols.
  • OSHA 30-Hour Certification, NFPA 70E, or similar safety credentials.