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Ditch Digging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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HDD locator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

... digging requirements. * Other duties as assigned Requirements Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience * 3+ years of directional drilling experience required * Familiarity with Ditch ...

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HDD locator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

... digging requirements. * Other duties as assigned Requirements Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience * 3+ years of directional drilling experience required * Familiarity with Ditch ...

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... digging requirements. * Other duties as assigned Requirements Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience * 3+ years of directional drilling experience required * Familiarity with Ditch ...

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... digging requirements. * Other duties as assigned Requirements Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience * 3+ years of directional drilling experience required * Familiarity with Ditch ...

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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 ...

... 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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 Aug 8, 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 skills and qualifications are needed for ditch digging?

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 ditch digging?

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 challenges do ditch diggers face 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,184 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

HDD locator

VAST Networks

Fresno, CA • On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Locator

We are seeking a Drill Locator to join our team in Fresno, CA. In this role you will operate drilling equipment to complete assigned projects and complete drilling in both standard and high-risk areas; with live utilities.
Why VAST Networks?

  • Full Time
  • Paid Weekly
  • Compensation: $25 - $38 per hour, DOE
  • Full Benefits Package (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) with Company Match!
  • Independent Work & Team Collaboration
  • Career Development & Advancement Opportunities!

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide horizontal directional drill head location services for drill operator
  • Operate and interpret electronic locating equipment to guide drill operators along planned bore paths in standard and high-risk areas with live utilities
  • Read and understand telecom utility staking sheets/prints and bore plans
  • Coordinate with utility locators to ensure all utility locates for work are complete
  • Communicate bore depth, alignment, and steering corrections clearly to drill operator
  • Identify and avoid conflicts with underground utilities through potholing, mapping and utility verification
  • Support setup, monitoring and completion of bores and maintain accurate records of bore logs, as-builts and daily progress reporting.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of utility depths and placements
  • Ensure vehicles, equipment and tools are properly maintained, in good repair and secured in a safe manner
  • Review field designs, communicating discrepancies to supervisors
  • Assist with duct, vault, pedestal and fiber placement as needed
  • Assist with minor equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Complete all projects with safety as the #1 priority, ensuring compliance with internal safety standards and 811 safe digging requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Requirements

 

Education:  High school diploma or equivalent

 

 

 

 

Experience

  • 3+ years of directional drilling experience required
  • Familiarity with Ditch Witch or Vermeer HDD equipment a plus
  • Strong communication and coordination with managers, driller, support crews, and other team members
  • Understanding of drill mechanics, soil types, fluid mixtures and locator technology
  • Ability to travel and work outside of business hours when needed, overtime, etc., in all seasons
  • Excellent customer service, time management, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • High level of energy, motivation and attention to detail
  • Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred
  • Passing of all pre-employment requirements (MVR, Background Check, Drug Screen)

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, and lift up to 75 lbs regularly
  • Manual dexterity to operate drilling controls and hand tools
  • Visual acuity for operating and monitoring bore path and tracking systems
  • Tolerance for working around noise, dust, and heavy equipment

Please Note
This is a safety-sensitive position. The employee has responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. The employee must be able to perform all duties in accordance with safety regulations, company policies, and client requirements. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Following all required safety protocols and procedures
  • Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Operating vehicles and equipment safely
  • Maintaining valid certifications and licenses as required
  • Participating in mandatory safety training and meetings
  • Reporting unsafe conditions or practices
  • Passing required drug and alcohol screening
  • Maintaining physical capabilities necessary to perform essential job functions safely

Failure to meet these safety requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Company Description

www.vastnetworks.com
Since 1995, Vast Networks offered a full line of state-of-the-art network services designed to help meet the demands of today's sophisticated users and to remain competitive industry leaders in an ever-changing marketplace. Vast Networks has over 2,500 miles of ALL fiber network designed to improve the availability of broadband networking infrastructure for 23 counties within the California.