1

Dirt Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dirt Crew Foreman

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Lead the dirt work, teach what you know, and take on a role with real earning potential. How You'll Contribute I built this company with people who started with almost no experience, and now I'm ...

Dirt Crew Foreman

Highland Park, MI · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Lead the dirt work, teach what you know, and take on a role with real earning potential. How You'll Contribute I built this company with people who started with almost no experience, and now I'm ...

Laborer

Paris, TX · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Circle H Dirt Work & Excavation LLC is committed to delivering high-quality sitework services with a focus on safety, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement. We empower our teams to build ...

Be Seen First

Grading and all dirt work too. Class A license is a plus.

You will support civil dirt work and site preparation activities by safely and efficiently operating dozers and related equipment on an active construction project. Essential Skills * Must have ...

New

Be Seen First

Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Rose Hill, KS · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

We are looking for a good replacement Company Description Family owned operation, where we do some trucking, dirt work commercial mowing, cut and sell hay, raise cattle etc.

Laborer

Douglas, WY · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Since 1970, Earth Work Solutions has been shaping Wyoming and the surrounding states through dirt work, infrastructure, and civil construction. Based out of Gillette, WY, with a branch in Douglas, we ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Dirt Work information

See salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do dirt work jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for dirt work in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Dirt Work job?

A Dirt Work job involves preparing and shaping the ground for construction projects, such as roads, foundations, or landscaping. It includes tasks like excavation, grading, trenching, and soil compaction using heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators. Workers ensure the land is properly leveled and stable to support buildings, roads, or other structures. Dirt work is essential in construction and infrastructure development.

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

To thrive in Dirt Work, you need a solid understanding of operating heavy machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and graders, along with basic knowledge of earthmoving techniques and safety standards. Familiarity with GPS-based grading systems, OSHA safety certifications, and routine equipment maintenance procedures is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and reliability will make you stand out in this hands-on, team-focused role. These skills ensure efficient, accurate site preparation while maintaining safety and productivity on construction projects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Dirt Work?

In a Dirt Work role, your daily tasks often include operating heavy equipment to move soil, level surfaces, and prepare foundations for construction projects. You’ll also perform routine equipment inspections, communicate with supervisors and team members about project plans, and ensure compliance with all safety protocols. Collaboration with other construction professionals, such as site managers and surveyors, is common to meet deadlines and project specifications. This role is highly active and outdoors, making adaptability and a strong work ethic essential for success.

More about Dirt Work jobs
What cities are hiring for Dirt Work jobs? Cities with the most Dirt Work job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dirt Work jobs? The most popular types of Dirt Work jobs are:
What states have the most Dirt Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Dirt Work jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dirt Work job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,084 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Dirt Crew Foreman

Gillett Excavating

Port Huron, MI • On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Lead the dirt work, teach what you know, and take on a role with real earning potential.

How You’ll Contribute
I built this company with people who started with almost no experience, and now I’m looking for someone whose deep earthwork background can fill in our knowledge gaps. You'll help push the company forward with production, quality, and field leadership that keeps work moving and profitable.

What You'll Get To Do

  • Build $100K - $3M high-quality projects out of Earth's most basic material: dirt
  • Drive smooth, efficient production with advanced planning, coordinating crews, tools, materials, information, and a multi-million dollar fleet of heavy iron
  • Turn raw dirt into the subdivisions and commercial sites of customers' dreams, owning the highest standards of quality
  • Help train and bring out the best in a 2-8 person crew
  • Protect schedule and profitability by spotting weather, soil, groundwater, and field condition issues early and communicating change order opportunities fast
  • Keep your office support team informed with daily reports
  • Take ownership of production quality and efficiency by operating equipment as needed
  • Work with a team of high performers who are hungry to grow, proud of the work they put in, and care about doing things right, not just fast. 

What You Bring

  • 5 years of mass earthwork and grading experience, including 3 years leading a mass earthwork and grading crew as a Foreman
  • You can operate equipment when the team needs your help (dozer, excavator, grader, scraper, etc...)
  • You know your way around blueprints
  • You have experience with Trimble GPS
  • You lead with a service mentality. You guide the crew, share what you know, and jump in where you’re needed without making it about ego or title.

Even Better, But Not Required

  • You've got a CDL-A
  • You've used Blue Beam and/or Excel
  • You can do surveys

Typical Schedule: 
Strong annual earning potential for someone who wants the overtime that comes with peak season. 5 days a week, minimum 8 hours a day, with peak season schedules likely running 50 to 60 hours a week. The posted schedule has typically been 5-12s in peak season and 4-10s in the winter with occasional Saturdays. Dirt Foreman may require some after-hours work for preparations. Most jobs are in the counties north of Detroit and out west toward Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. Per diem for projects over 1.5 hours away from the office.


What’s In It For You
Position-Specific Perks

  • Bonus based on core values and performance, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
  • 1.5 ton Ford F-550 service truck or Ford F-350 pickup, take home daily
  • Computer and tablet
  • Team training resources
  • Professional development and leadership training

Culture & Work Environment

  • Semi-flexible hours and days off with year-round work close to home
  • A culture built on accountability, consistency, and open feedback
  • The owner works alongside the team, leading from the field as much as the office
  • A company mindset focused on growth, constantly learning, improving, and evolving together

Tools, Tech, & Equipmemt

  • Late model heavy equipment, including multiple-sized excavators, dozers, off-road haul trucks, wheel tractor scrapers, compactors, loaders, and more
  • In-house survey capabilities
  • Trimble GPS
  • Large variety of crew support and safety equipment
  • Constant evolution of updated tech, old school methods, and machines to drive project success and efficiency
  • Modern estimating and project management tools, including Insite Elevation Pro, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, B2W, Dropbox, Microsoft Planner, and GanttPro
  • High-end computers and software to keep performance fast and reliable
  • A tech-forward team that’s always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to bid and build

Pay & Benefits

  • 401K with 4% company match
  • 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, and 50% for family
  • Paid bonus program tied to company and individual performance
  • Two weeks of paid time off

About Gillett Excavating

In just ten years, we’ve grown from a small residential startup into a company trusted to build the infrastructure that millions of people rely on every day, most of it buried underground, unseen but essential. We started by building assets; now we’re focused on building people. We believe hard work should lead to real rewards, accountability should create opportunity, and every project is a chance to raise the standard for what this industry can be.

 


We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We comply with all applicable laws governing EEO and affirmative action, and we ensure that all employment decisions are made solely based on job-related qualifications and merit.

Powered by JazzHR

UxKcGci5Km