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Ditch Hand Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

DXI Construction

Pipe Layer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools. Loads, unloads, identifies and ... a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols Team oriented and works well with others ...

All JobsDitch Hand JobsDitch Hand Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Ditch Hand information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$14

$19

$24

How much do ditch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch hand in Silver Spring, MD is $19.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Ditch Hands?

A Ditch Hand is an entry-level worker in the oil and gas industry, typically responsible for assisting with the maintenance and operation of pipelines, ditches, or other fluid transport systems on drilling sites. Their duties often include setting up and breaking down equipment, monitoring fluid flow, cleaning work areas, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Ditch Hands work under the supervision of more experienced crew members and play a crucial role in keeping drilling operations running smoothly. This position can be physically demanding and usually requires working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Ditch Hand vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDitch HandExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, certification or licensing often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, manual laborConstruction sites, operates heavy machinery, outdoor
Industry UsageCommon in excavation, landscaping, utility workUsed in excavation, demolition, heavy construction
Job FocusAssisting with ditch digging, site prepOperating excavator machinery for digging and lifting

While both Ditch Hands and Excavator Operators work in construction and excavation environments, Ditch Hands typically assist with manual ditch digging and site prep, whereas Excavator Operators operate heavy machinery to perform digging and lifting tasks. The roles differ mainly in skill level, equipment use, and specialization, but both are essential in excavation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a Ditch Hand in the oilfield, and how can they be managed?

Ditch Hands often face physically demanding work and long hours in varying weather conditions, which can be challenging for new employees. Adapting to a fast-paced environment, staying alert to safety protocols, and efficiently handling equipment and materials are essential. Building good communication with team members and being proactive about safety helps manage these challenges. Over time, experience and mentorship from more senior crew members make handling the work more manageable and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ditch Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ditch Hand, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with oilfield equipment, hand tools, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to follow directions are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe operations and support the overall productivity of oilfield crews.

How to make $10,000 a month without a degree?

A ditch hand can increase earnings by gaining experience, developing specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments such as construction or excavation projects. Opportunities may include overtime, certifications like OSHA, and working for larger companies that pay higher wages, which can help reach a $10,000 monthly income with dedication and skill development.

What job digs ditches?

A ditch digger, also known as a trench digger or excavator operator, is responsible for digging trenches and ditches for utilities, drainage, or construction projects. This job typically requires physical strength, knowledge of excavation tools or machinery, and adherence to safety protocols.

Did the US lose 33,000 jobs in June?

The job title 'Ditch Hand' typically refers to a worker involved in ditching or excavation work. Regarding employment figures, the US labor market reports monthly job gains or losses, but there is no specific record of a 33,000 job loss in June for this sector. Job fluctuations are common and depend on economic conditions and industry demand.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A ditch hand typically earns less than $4,000 weekly, but some high-paying manual labor or skilled trades such as oilfield workers, construction supervisors, or specialized equipment operators can reach or exceed that amount with experience and overtime. These roles often require physical stamina, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, but not necessarily a college degree.
What are popular job titles related to Ditch Hand jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Ditch Hand jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ditch Hand jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Ditch Hand jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Ditch Hand jobs near you
Pipe Layer

Pipe Layer

DXI Construction

Sterling, VA • On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches, backfilling excavations, shoveling/raking asphalt and compacting and leveling earth to grade specifications using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers and rakes
Communicate with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Pipelayer must know how to read Cut Sheets.
Positions, aligns and lays out differing pipe routes by communicating with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
Connects water and sewer pipe fittings, to include PVC push on fittings, ductile iron mechanical joint fittings and the required proper restraint mechanisms.
Installs proper bell joint restraint to include the use and understanding of bell harnesses and a joint restraint table.
Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
Sets trench boxes and performs pipe installations. This could involve the use of mechanical tampering equipment or hand tools.
Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
Applicants must have reliable transportation to the work sites and must be willing to work full days
Must be able to travel to different site locations
Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions hot/cold
Must be a safety conscious individual
Frequently lift and carry tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Stoop, kneel, and crouch
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Work in a ditch and trench box while following safety protocols
Team oriented and works well with others
See and hear well (either naturally or with correction)
DXI Construction Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, DXI Construction Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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