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Ditch Digging Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Performs all required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including but not limited to pavement cutting, ditch digging, asphalt repair, sign repair, and street ...

Pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repair, laying, and backfilling. Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans, and flushes storm water mains, pipes, gates, and ...

Operate backhoes, excavators, and other digging equipment when qualified. * Prepare gravesites for ... Experience operating tractors, Kubotas, Gators, ditch diggers, power washers, or similar equipment.

Ditch Digging information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$15

$21

How much do ditch digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch digging in Tennessee is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.45 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 popular job titles related to Ditch Digging jobs in Tennessee? For Ditch Digging jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ditch Digging jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Ditch Digging jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Ditch Digging job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,277 per year, or $16 per hour.

Streets - Laborer II

The City of La Vergne

La Vergne, TN • On-site

$20.84/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Laborer II
Department:
Public Works - Streets
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt / Hourly
Salary:
Grade:
F
Starting:
$20.84
Supervision:
Street Supervisor
Last Reviewed:
07/02/2026
Why You'll Love Working Here
When you join the City of La Vergne's Public Works team, you're not just taking a job; you're building a career with stability, growth, and benefits that support you and your family:
  • 100% Paid Insurance for employees and their families, covering health, dental, vision, life, disability, and even Lasik.
  • Retirement Security from day one: a 401(a) plan with 4.5% city contribution plus a 457 plan with matching up to 3.5%.
  • Generous Paid Time Off, including vacation, sick, personal days, 12 holidays, and your birthday off.
  • Longevity Pay with additional annual bonuses for years of service.
  • Support & Development with on-the-job training, professional growth opportunities, and a confidential Employee Assistance Program.

Job Summary
Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Operates a variety of equipment used to repair, perform maintenance, and replace street and storm drainage facilities and systems. Provides street-related services to residents, industrial, and commercial customers alike. THIS IS A SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists with the planning, scheduling, and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation activities designed to provide quality street and drainage service.
  • Performs the duties of maintenance, construction, and repair of street and storm drainage facilities.
  • Inspects and/or repairs streets, drainage systems, and storm sewer systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.
  • Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, repairs, etc.
  • Determines the locations of gas, telephone, power, television, water, and sewer lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation by ensuring that a valid TN 811 call was validated.
  • Responds to complaints and service requests regarding potholes, flooding, right-of-way problems, signals, streetlights, or related issues; evaluates situation; explains findings to supervisor.
  • Mows and maintains public rights-of-way.
  • Occasionally required to operate a bucket truck, including but not limited to street light maintenance, tree trimming, and holiday lighting.
  • Contacts residents and business owners in areas where services or access may be discontinued and explains when access or services will be restored.
  • Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking them after use.
  • Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, gravel, salt, and sand.
  • Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to the supervisor.
  • Cleans equipment.
  • Operates medium and heavy-sized construction and power equipment, including but not limited to mechanized brooms, paving rollers, milling machines, skid steers, and zero-turn mowers.
  • Occasionally operates heavy equipment, including but not limited to tractors, backhoes, brush trucks, and excavators.
  • Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
  • Performs all required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including but not limited to pavement cutting, ditch digging, asphalt repair, sign repair, and street light maintenance.
  • Operates a variety of power construction and maintenance equipment used in the street department, including but not limited to chainsaw, weed eater, pole saw, and pneumatic post driver.
  • Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
  • Two (2) years of experience relating to construction, maintenance, general maintenance, landscape management, and/or repair is preferred.
  • Experience in any facet of Public Works is preferred.
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver's License or be able to obtain one in a reasonable period.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
  • Considerable knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities.
  • Skill in the operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work safely.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
  • Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed mainly in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate testing instruments, computers, and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Outdoor and Diverse Work Sites: The Laborer II works primarily outdoors, assisting in various street maintenance projects throughout the municipality. This role involves exposure to different environmental conditions and requires adaptability to work effectively in urban, suburban, and sometimes rural settings.
Physical Work and Skill Development: This position entails engaging in physically demanding tasks such as asphalt repair, sidewalk maintenance, operating small machinery, and manual labor including digging, lifting, and moving materials. The Laborer II is expected to develop skills and efficiency in these tasks, with opportunities for training and growth in specialized areas of street maintenance.
Team Collaboration: Working under the supervision of more experienced personnel, the Laborer II is a key team member, contributing to the completion of projects and daily maintenance activities. Effective teamwork and communication are essential for coordinating tasks and ensuring the safety and productivity of the work crew.
Safety Practices and Compliance: Adherence to safety protocols is paramount, especially when working near traffic, handling tools, and operating equipment. The Laborer II follows established safety guidelines, wears appropriate personal protective equipment, and participates in safety training sessions to mitigate risks associated with street maintenance work.
Emergency Response Support: The position may require participation in emergency response activities, such as snow removal, storm cleanup, or urgent repairs to address safety hazards. Availability for occasional work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is necessary to support these critical operations.
Learning and Professional Development: The Laborer II is encouraged to engage in ongoing learning opportunities, including on-the-job training, workshops, and certifications relevant to public works and street maintenance. This role provides a foundation for career advancement within the department.
Record-Keeping and Documentation: Basic documentation duties, such as completing work logs, tracking materials used, and reporting issues encountered on the job site, may be part of the responsibilities. Accuracy and attention to detail in these tasks support effective project management and departmental reporting.
Flexible Schedule: This position is not remote. The Laborer II must be prepared to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the dynamic needs of street maintenance projects, seasonal activities, and emergency responses, ensuring the municipality's streets and public spaces are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
THE CITY OF LA VERGNE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR VETERAN STATUS IN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.