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Digging Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities * Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and conduct a 360 degree walk-around visual inspection of the hot pit ...

As the lead technician, you will be responsible for mapping out irrigation areas, digging trenches, installing equipment, testing the system, and conducting regular maintenance checks. You may also ...

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Construction Laborer

Folsom, PA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Hand shovel trenches, backfill excavations, and assist with digging for water, sewer, and drainage lines * Assist with site preparation and cleanup, including loading/unloading materials and debris ...

Laborers

Chester, PA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Perform physical labor including digging, lifting, and site preparation * Work outdoors in various weather conditions * Support the crew to complete projects safely and efficiently What We're Looking ...

Use of hand tools, digging equipment Install Lead Qualifications | WHAT YOU BRING * Experience in excavation including pipe installation, pipe bursting, and pipe relining preferred * Able to lift up ...

Use of hand tools, digging equipment Install Lead Qualifications | WHAT YOU BRING * Experience in excavation including pipe installation, pipe bursting, and pipe relining preferred * Able to lift up ...

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Digging information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for digging in Philadelphia, PA is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.42 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 Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,998 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Hot Pit Truck Driver

Phoenix Global

Wayne, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Hot Pit Loader

Reports To: Mill Services Manager

Location:

Overview of Position:

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities. This role requires strict adherence to all safety protocols, including performing pre-shift equipment inspections and conducting a 360-degree walk-around visual inspection before operation. Duties include coordinating with pot carriers to control dumping, overseeing the de-skulling process, managing quenching pits, and following correct digging techniques to prevent hazards. This job takes place in an extremely hot environment. The Hot Pit Loader plays a critical role in supporting production while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and teamwork.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities
  • Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and conduct a 360 degree walk-around visual inspection of the hot pit loader
  • Knowledge and experience operating front-end wheel loaders, excavators, screening, crushing, and material conveying systems, street sweepers, skid steers, and other similar equipment.
  • Knowledge of preventative maintenance and cleaning standards.
  • Inspect pits for proper grading, dryness, and berms, and maintain safety equipment in working order
  • Coordinate with pot carriers, control dumping, oversee de-skulling, manage quenching pits, and follow proper digging techniques to prevent hazards
  • Pad pots with correct amount of slag depending on type
  • Load haul trucks safely without overloading or spilling
  • Monitor for water intrusion, stop work if steam or moisture is detected, and implement water abatement measures
  • Climb in and out of the loader, maintaining 3 points of contact during ingress and egress (2 hands, 1 foot or 2 feet, 1 hand) in contact with grab rails or stair treads
  • Must be able to activate fire suppression system in case of fire on or in loader
  • Maintain all required certifications required by OSHA and the company safety programs
  • Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations
  • Ability to work independently in a safe and efficient manner and to follow safety policies and procedures.
  • Solid communication, problem-solving and leadership skills

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Problem solving

Work Environment:

This job takes place in a Steel Mill setting, requiring a sense of high-level safety reverence using the required PPE for the environment.

Physical Demand:

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 speak and listen in potentially noisy indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on both flat and uneven surfaces, sit, climb stairs, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. This job requires the employee to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Willingness to work in a Steel Mill
  • Experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred but not required

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

Phoenix Global provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.