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Ditch Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Farm Attendant (Yuma, AZ)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Coordinate andcommunicate with irrigation district ditch riders to secure water deliveriesfrom main canals. * Assist withmanaging irrigation pumps, set gates, and adjust flow rates to ensure ...

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Ditch information

See Arizona salary details

$4

$16

$31

How much do ditch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch in Arizona is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by ditch diggers and how can they be addressed?

Ditch diggers often encounter physical challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and maintaining safety while operating in trenches or near utilities. To address these, it’s important to use proper protective gear, follow safety protocols, and participate in regular training. Communication with supervisors and team members is also crucial to coordinate tasks and prevent accidents, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ditch digger?

To thrive as a Ditch Digger, you need physical stamina, familiarity with basic construction practices, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with hand tools, power equipment, and sometimes safety certifications like OSHA training are important. Reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic help you excel in this physically demanding role. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining site safety, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring quality workmanship.

What is a ditch?

Ditch workers are laborers responsible for digging, maintaining, and repairing ditches, trenches, and other types of excavations. Their work is essential for projects like irrigation, drainage, utility line installation, and construction site preparation. Ditch workers use hand tools or machinery to move earth, ensure proper slope and drainage, and may also install pipes or other infrastructure. Safety is a significant concern due to the physical nature of the job and potential hazards on site.

What is the difference between Ditch vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDitchExcavator Operator
Primary RoleDesigning, digging, and maintaining ditches for drainage or irrigationOperating heavy machinery to excavate, move, and remove earth and materials
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, landscaping projects, agricultural areasConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Required CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety training, possibly CDLHeavy equipment operation, safety certifications, CDL often preferred

While both roles involve earth-moving tasks, a Ditch primarily focuses on designing and maintaining drainage or irrigation channels, whereas an Excavator Operator operates machinery to perform various excavation tasks. The Ditch role is more specialized in drainage systems, while the Excavator Operator has a broader scope in construction and earthmoving projects.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Ditch jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Ditch job openings:
Infographic showing various Ditch job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,046 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Entry - Level Technician / Mechanic

Pape DW Inc

Phoenix, AZ

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

DITCH WITCH WEST – PHOENIX, AZ

ENTRY-LEVEL TECHNICIAN / MECHANIC:

Do you love turning wrenches? Are you looking to further establish your career as a technician? Ditch Witch West, the premier capital equipment dealer in the West, is seeking entry-level technician/mechanics to join their team!

We invest in your growth. From robust training programs to continuous support, we equip our team members with the tools to succeed. In return for your hard work, we offer competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a strong work-life balance designed to support you and your family.

Make a difference. Grow your career. Join the Pape’ Team!

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

As an Entry-Level Technician/Mechanic, you will work on various makes and models of heavy equipment including troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, and making the necessary repairs in a timely and efficient manner. Every day you will work on equipment under the guidance of senior technicians, all while you continue building your skills and knowledge as a Technician. To thrive in this job, you must be a self-starter, a team player, and be willing to learn.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Working knowledge of equipment and one or more years of experience working on heavy equipment. Will also accept applicants with a Diesel Tech Degree in lieu of experience.

Compensation: $25-35/hr (Depending on Experience)Why work for Pape’:
  • Competitive pay based on your skills, training, and experience level.
  • Outstanding benefits including – 401(k) & Roth 401(k) Retirement Plans with Company Match; Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts (Flex Plans); Life Insurance; Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employee Assistance Program; Online and Instructor-Led Training; Tuition Reimbursement for Training Programs.
  • Progressive Vacation Plans, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays – Members receive 80 hours of vacation (First year is prorated for new hires based on start date), 40 hours of Sick Leave, and 7 paid holidays each year. Pape’ vacation plans also have tiers based on your seniority, so as your seniority grows, your vacation time off does as well.
  • Advancement – Pape’ is a dynamic, growth-oriented organization with a focus on promoting from within.
  • Stability and reputation — Pape’ is a family-owned, fourth-generation company with over 160 locations, over 4,000 members and 85 plus years of experience. Pape’ is known for their stability, honesty and integrity.
  • Equipment – Pape’ has the largest equipment inventory in the West and an unparalleled parts inventory!
  • Employee impact – Enjoy an open-door policy where your voice will be heard and your opinions will matter.
  • Training – You will be provided with training and mentoring to prepare you for your role and continued learning to grow your skills.
The Pape’ Group maintains a drug-free workplace and as such, requires candidates to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.