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Ditch Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

LABORER (DRAIN DITCH)

Weslaco, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Job Summary Employee is responsible for the provision of semi-skilled manual work in the maintenance, construction, and repair of City property (streets, sidewalks, grounds, parks, and trees) and the ...

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Key Responsibilities: * Assist with or operate HDD equipment including Ditch Witch JT100 drill, mud systems, and locating systems * Set up and break down drilling equipment at job sites * Read and ...

Assists in the construction of water and sewer taps using equipment such as backhoes, ditch witch, jet truck and other related equipment. Assists in the repair and replacement of fire hydrants and ...

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Ditch information

See Texas salary details

$4

$16

$31

How much do ditch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch in Texas is $16.84, 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 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 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Ditch job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,037 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Underground Utilities- Top Man / Deck Man

PURIS Corporation, LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position: Top Man (Deck Man) - Open Cut / Ditch (Non-Exempt)

About PURIS:

PURIS operates across North America as the largest independent trenchless rehabilitation provider with 1,300+ employees dedicated to building lasting infrastructure with smart, sustainable resource management. The PURIS Family of Companies provide trenchless renewal solutions in the water, wastewater, and stormwater markets. Our environmentally friendly solutions work within the existing infrastructure to save time, minimize environmental impact, and cause fewer community disruptions. With an unrivaled toolbox of technologies, PURIS has the RIGHT solution for each project.

Job Summary Description:

The Top Man (Deck Man) is responsible for supporting open cut and underground utility construction operations by assisting with project layout, grade verification, documentation, material coordination, and communication between field crews. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate grade control, maintaining project records, supporting pipe installation activities, and providing field leadership when designated as a Lead Top Man.

Essential Job Accountabilities:

  • Verify and communicate project grades, elevations, shots, and layout information to support accurate utility installation.
  • Ensure all shots and field measurements are accurate and properly documented.
  • Record and maintain detailed information regarding shots, station numbers, redlines, grade changes, field variations, and other project documentation.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and accurate survey book that documents project progress, field notes, and redline changes.
  • Submit survey documentation for Foreman review and maintain records for project closeout requirements.
  • Assist with project layout activities, including pipe laser setup and grade verification.
  • Calculate grades, slopes, percentages, and measurements necessary to support utility installation activities.
  • Coordinate materials, tools, water, and supplies needed by Pipe Layers and Ditch Laborers to maintain productivity.
  • Safely handle, measure, mark, and prepare pipe materials for installation.
  • Perform clean and accurate cuts on reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), PVC, ductile iron (DI), and other utility materials using appropriate tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain a clean and organized jobsite and work area.
  • Report project issues, discrepancies, safety concerns, and field conflicts to the Foreman promptly.
  • Support daily construction activities to ensure project schedules and production goals are met.
  • Maintain compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience:

  • Experience in underground utility construction, open cut construction, pipeline installation, or related field operations preferred.
  • Experience working with sewer, water, and storm utility installations preferred.
  • Experience using pipe lasers, grade control equipment, and field layout tools preferred.
  • Experience maintaining construction documentation, field notes, and redline records preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong mathematical skills and ability to perform construction-related calculations.
  • Knowledge of grades, elevations, shots, cut/fill calculations, and utility construction practices.
  • Knowledge of benchmarks and surveying principles preferred.
  • Ability to calculate percentages, slopes, grades, and measurements accurately.
  • Ability to set and operate pipe lasers; experience with line transit equipment preferred.
  • Ability to read and maintain accurate field documentation, survey books, stationing records, and redline drawings.
  • Clear, legible handwriting and strong attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of proper pipe handling, measuring, marking, and cutting techniques.
  • Understanding of appropriate PPE requirements and safe work practices for various construction tasks.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with crew members, supervisors, inspectors, and management.
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced construction environment.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for extended periods as required by project needs.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality.
  • Must successfully pass required pre-employment screenings, including drug testing.
  • Ability and willingness to comply with all company policies, procedures, and PURIS's Code of Conduct on a daily basis.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and perform manual labor in outdoor environments. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and work around excavation sites, underground utilities, heavy equipment, and active construction operations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lead Top Man Responsibilities (If Assigned):

  • Assume temporary leadership responsibilities when the Foreman is unavailable.
  • Coordinate daily field activities and provide direction to crew members in the Foreman's absence.
  • Communicate and coordinate with inspectors regarding project activities and field requirements.
  • Serve as the point of contact between the crew, Foreman, Project Manager, Construction Manager, and Operations Manager when designated.
  • Complete daily reports, production documentation, and employee timesheets when required.
  • Assist with maintaining project productivity, quality standards, and safety compliance.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabled.