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Ditch Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Midland

Equipment Operator I

Midland, TX

$45K/yr

Skill in the use of various equipment and machinery such as hand and electrical power tools. Skill in the use of heavy equipment utilized in maintenance activities such as backhoes, ditch witch, and ...

Goods Tree Care Inc

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

... hand equipment including but not limited to pickup trucks, box trucks, bucket trucks, tree chippers, stump grinders, ditch witch's, trailers, chain saws, and spray rigs. We offer: * Competitive Pay ...

Cinterra

HDD Foreman

Hope Mills, NC · On-site

A minimum of 5 years' operating a directional drill (Vermeer and/or Ditch Witch) * A minimum two ... Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination. Cinterra ...

City of Clemson

Stormwater Utility Technician

Clemson, SC

$17 - $23/hr

... ditch witch, etc. *Uses a variety of tools and supplies including saws, pumps, compressors, sanders, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, etc. Additional Job Functions

Cinterra

HDD Foreman

Hope Mills, NC

A minimum of 5 years' operating a directional drill (Vermeer and/or Ditch Witch) * A minimum two ... Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination. Cinterra ...

City of Midland, TX

Equipment Operator I

Midland, TX · On-site

$45K/yr

Skill in the use of various equipment and machinery such as hand and electrical power tools. Skill in the use of heavy equipment utilized in maintenance activities such as backhoes, ditch witch, and ...

Cinterra

HDD Foreman

Hope Mills, NC · On-site

A minimum of 5 years' operating a directional drill (Vermeer and/or Ditch Witch) * A minimum two ... Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination. Cinterra ...

Spy Ego Media

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Havre, MT · On-site

... hand/power tools, trenchless machines and heavy equipment, surveying, and other related ... and/or Ditch Witch, locators, vibratory utility plow, various types of Trucks, Excavators ...

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All JobsDitch Hand Jobs

Ditch Hand information

See salary details

$14

$19

$23

How much do ditch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch hand in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $20.19 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.
More about Ditch Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Ditch Hand jobs? Cities with the most Ditch Hand job openings:
What states have the most Ditch Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Ditch Hand jobs include:
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Ditch Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ditch Hand job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,992 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Pipe Crew Pipelayer

Vallencourt Construction Co., Inc.

Green Cove Springs, FL

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Vallencourt Construction rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Pipe Crew Pipe layer- Responsible for the hands on installation of utilities in a trench.

  • Knowledge of sewer systems, storm drains, and water mains.
  • Experience with machine-operated trenching tools.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints
  •  Install and repair manholes.
  • Maintains area around pumps stations and pipelines.
  • Prepare pipe for installation including beveling, installations of retainers, mastic, etc. Safely rig pipe and structures for lifting and placement in ditch
  • Install and assemble underground sewer, water, reuse, force main, and storm drain pipe.
  • Set structures
  • Perform a variety of task involving physical labor 
  • Operate hand and power tools.
  • Work is performed under various field and weather conditions
  • Must be able to list 50 lbs carry, stand, walk, climb, kneel, bend, twist, push and pull.
  • Must  wear required PPE as per safety manual and OSHA regulations.
  • Work weekends if requested by Foreman
  • Communicate effectively with Foreman
  • Must have reliable transportation to transport self to the jobsites. 
  • Jobsites range anywhere from 10-80 miles in one direction
  • Must be DRUG FREE
  • Medical Drug cards are NOT accepted

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