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Ditch Digging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Landscaper

Livermore, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to: ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Landscaper

Livermore, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to: ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Gardener

Martinez, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Gardener

Vacaville, CA

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Gardener

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Gardener

Martinez, CA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors ...

Crew Lead

Livermore, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

... digging. * Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to: ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, bobcats, tractors, and bull dozers.

Ditch Digging information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do ditch digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch digging in California is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in ditch digging, you need physical stamina, strength, familiarity with manual labor, and experience with basic hand tools like shovels and pickaxes. Knowledge of safety protocols, and sometimes operation of small machinery such as trenchers or backhoes, may also be required. Attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills in this physically demanding environment. These competencies help ensure tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to the required specifications, minimizing risks and meeting project deadlines.

What is a Ditch Digging job?

A ditch digging job involves manually or mechanically excavating trenches for various purposes, such as drainage, utility installation, or construction projects. Workers use tools like shovels, pickaxes, or machinery to dig, shape, and clear ditches according to project specifications. The job requires physical stamina, as it often involves heavy labor in outdoor conditions. Safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and following guidelines, are essential to prevent injuries. Experienced ditch diggers may also assist in grading or reinforcing trenches to ensure stability and proper functionality.

What are some typical challenges faced by ditch diggers on the job?

Ditch digging often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and on different types of terrain, which can be physically demanding and requires constant awareness of safety hazards. You may encounter unexpected obstacles underground such as rocks, roots, or utility lines, requiring adaptability and problem-solving. Teamwork is essential, as you will often coordinate with other laborers, supervisors, and equipment operators to maintain steady progress and ensure job site safety. Maintaining a consistent pace while managing fatigue is important for both personal wellbeing and project efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ditch Digging jobs in California? The most popular types of Ditch Digging jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Ditch Digging jobs in California? For Ditch Digging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ditch Digging jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ditch Digging jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Ditch Digging job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,184 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Enhancement Crew Leader

Monarch Landscape Companies

Martinez, CA • On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

JENSEN LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Monarch Landscape Companies is a family of successful landscape brands in eight states across the United States. We are a values-based learning organization committed to being the best place to work as a landscape professional. Our approach to investing in people is simple. We put the Field First!
This posting remains open year-round as we are always looking for great people to join our team! If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application and we will reach out shortly.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the installation of enhancement projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience
  • Commercial landscape construction experience preferred but not required

License or Certification
  • Valid driver license issued by the state where employed is strongly preferred
  • Pesticide license issued by the state where employed preferred

Specialized Skills
  • Apply common sense understanding to carry out tasks
  • Deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables
  • Ability to communicate in English preferred
  • Ability communicate effectively with crew members and manager
  • Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred but not required
  • Strong commitment to high quality of work and customer service
  • Ability to operate commercial landscape equipment and tools
  • Ability to complete tasks assigned in a timely manner

Physical Requirements
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Constantly required to talk, hear, see, sit, stand and walk
  • Must be able to see at close vision, distant vision, peripherally, have depth perception and have the ability to adjust focus
  • Frequent use of hands to manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools or controls
  • Frequently required to reach, bend, twist, stoop, crouch, climb and balance on surfaces that may be narrow and/or slippery
  • Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Work Conditions
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Frequently works with mechanical objects and outside in all weather conditions
  • Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Frequently exposed to loud noise levels

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Perform landscape enhancement tasks, including but not limited to: sod, plant, boulder, stump, soil and bark installation, replacement, and/or removal; debris removal; drainage installation; trench digging.
  • Safe operation of landscape equipment, including but not limited to: ditch witch, wheelbarrows, power tools, backpack blowers, chipper, stump grinder, riding lawn mower, bobcats, tractors, and bull dozers.
  • Assist with initial and on-going training of crews
  • Develop and maintain a positive work relationship with manager and team members.
  • Promote and maintain safe working conditions
  • Shows up to work each day on time; completes all tasks within time expectations; adheres to company dress code policy; wears clean clothes to work each day; follows inclement weather policy and sick leave reporting procedures

Total Rewards
At Monarch, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain top talent. Elements of our Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Monarch also provides eligible employees with an array of additional benefits, including:
  • The opportunity to enroll in a variety of healthcare benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision plan options; flexible spending accounts; retirement savings plans; term life/ad&d; and a number of supplemental insurances
  • Company Provided Life/AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 7 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Days Paid Bereavement
  • 5 Days Paid Jury Duty
  • Employee Equity Program
  • Sick Pay in accordance with applicable state or local ordinance
  • On-Demand Pay Through A Partnership with DailyPay
  • Referral Bonuses Programs
  • Gym Membership and Mobile Carrier Discounts
  • Education Assistance
  • Best-in-Class Learning Management System
  • Career Advancement Opportunities

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as position, tenure, geographic location, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Please note that the salary information shown below is provided in compliance with state specific laws. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations, and therefore may be different in other locations or operating divisions.
Pay range: $24.00 - $27.00
Jensen Landscape Services is an EEO and E-Verify participating employer.
Jensen Landscape Services is an On Demand Daily Pay employer.