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Earthwork Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Earthwork Modeler

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

The Earthwork Modeler plays an important role in bid accuracy, project planning, and the ... Education A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or a ...

Earthwork Modeler

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

The Earthwork Modeler plays an important role in bid accuracy, project planning, and the ... Education A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or a ...

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Grading & Earthwork Estimator to join our team. The ... Prepare bid proposals, scope clarifications, and value engineering recommendations. * Participate ...

Construction Estimator - Earthwork

Orem, UT ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Coordinate with operations, survey, and engineering during bid reviews. * Mentor estimators and ... heavy-civil earthwork projects. * In-depth knowledge of mass excavation, site balancing, and ...

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Foreman - Grading & Earthwork

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Foreman - Grading & Earthwork Location: Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Competitive Salary ... Coordinate with Superintendents, Project Managers, Project Engineers, survey crews, subcontractors ...

$30 - $38/hr

Your expertise will bridge the gap between engineering plans and field execution, driving precision grading, high-quality earthwork, site development, and asphalt production. This position gives you ...

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Earthwork Engineer information

See salary details

$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do earthwork engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for earthwork engineer in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an earthwork engineer do?

An Earthwork Engineer is a civil engineering professional who specializes in the planning, design, and supervision of earth-moving operations such as excavation, grading, and soil stabilization. Their work is crucial in preparing sites for construction projects like roads, dams, and buildings by analyzing soil conditions, managing slopes, and ensuring stability and safety. They collaborate closely with construction teams to implement efficient and cost-effective earthwork solutions while adhering to environmental and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an earthwork engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Earthwork Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, geotechnical analysis, and construction methods, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, geotechnical modeling tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers coordinate with project teams and address site-specific challenges. These competencies are vital to ensure projects are designed, managed, and executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges an earthwork engineer faces during large-scale construction projects?

Earthwork Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, adverse weather impacting excavation schedules, and coordinating with multiple teams to ensure site safety and efficiency. Managing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with contractors, surveyors, and project managers. Staying proactive and leveraging technology like GPS-guided machinery can help mitigate delays and maintain project timelines.

What is the difference between Earthwork Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectEarthwork EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, certifications in earthwork or construction managementBachelor's in Civil Engineering, often with licensure or PE certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projects, earthmoving operationsDesign offices, construction sites, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in earthmoving, grading, excavation, and site preparationBroader scope including structural design, transportation, and infrastructure

Earthwork Engineers focus specifically on excavation, grading, and site preparation, working closely on earthmoving projects. Civil Engineers have a broader role, encompassing design, planning, and oversight of various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in scope and daily tasks.

More about Earthwork Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Earthwork Engineer jobs?

For Earthwork Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Earthwork Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Earthwork Modeler

Brea, CA โ€ข On-site

Griffith Company
Constructionย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$71K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Griffith Company, we recognize that people are our most valuable resource. We nurture that resource by fostering a work environment that encourages communication, respect and recognition. In this environment, Griffith Company employees flourish, taking their careers to new levels. In addition to offering a nearly 125 year history of quality, safety and excellence, Griffith Company has a dynamic, exciting and supportive culture where opportunity for growth abounds.
We are looking for an experienced Earthwork Modeler to join our Southern Region team. This position is responsible for performing earthwork quantity calculations, analyzing grading plans, supporting field teams, and providing estimating support for competitive bids. The Earthwork Modeler plays an important role in bid accuracy, project planning, and the development of reliable earthwork models and quantity analyses.
Essential Functions
  • Perform earthwork modeling and quantity takeoffs for civil, site development, roadway, highway, and heavy civil construction projects.
  • Create accurate cut/fill analyses, mass haul plans, and earthwork quantity reports.
  • Interpret and analyze civil construction drawings, grading plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
  • Review and validate survey data, existing ground models, and digital terrain models.
  • Utilize GPS machine control systems and modeling technology to support earthwork operations.
  • Use drone, LiDAR, and other reality-capture technologies for existing-condition modeling and quantity verification.
  • Analyze site preparation, excavation, embankment, grading, and related construction activities.
  • Identify design conflicts, quantity discrepancies, and potential value-engineering opportunities.
  • Create exhibits, graphics, and visualizations to support bid reviews and project planning.
  • Coordinate closely with estimators, project managers, field operations personnel, and other project stakeholders.
  • Present earthwork models, quantity analyses, and findings to project teams and leadership.
  • Maintain accurate project files, models, calculations, and supporting documentation.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of technical training and relevant experience will also be considered.
Experience
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience performing earthwork modeling and quantity takeoffs for civil, site development, roadway, highway, or heavy civil construction projects.
  • Demonstrated experience creating accurate cut/fill analyses, mass haul plans, and earthwork quantity reports.
  • Experience reviewing survey data, existing ground models, and digital terrain models.
  • Experience supporting estimating, bidding, or field operations within the heavy civil construction industry preferred.

Specific Job Knowledge, Skills And Ability
  • Proficiency with Agtek, Carlson, or similar earthwork modeling platforms.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings, grading plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
  • Knowledge of construction methods related to site preparation, excavation, embankment, and grading.
  • Understanding of GPS machine control systems.
  • Familiarity with drone, LiDAR, and other reality-capture technologies.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other estimating-related software.
  • Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to identify design conflicts and quantity discrepancies.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with estimators, project managers, field operations personnel, and executives.
  • Ability to create clear exhibits, graphics, reports, and visualizations.

Competencies
  • Collaboration Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Results Driven
  • Process Oriented
  • Analysis/Solution Driven
  • Communication Proficiency
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Time Management
  • Organization Skills
  • Applied Mathematical Skills
  • Technical Proficiency
  • Problem Solving

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.
  • Regularly required to sit.
  • Frequently required to stand and walk at jobsites.
  • Must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 20 pounds.

Company Benefits Package
In addition to offering a comprehensive benefits package for all employees - including a superior health benefits package - Griffith Company also offers generous performance-based compensation. As part of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Corporation, Griffith Company employees have the opportunity to directly and financially benefit from the Company's success. Other benefits include vacation time, sick days, paid holidays, and a 401K program. (Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements)
Annual Salary Range: $71,000 - $120,000. Depending on qualifications and experience.
Relocation assistance will be provided to candidates outside of the local area on a case-by-case basis.
Visit us at: www.griffithcompany.net
Griffith Company is an equal opportunity employer and an employee-owned company.
Important Notice to Staffing Agencies/Recruiting Firms
Griffith Company will not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from a candidate, Griffith Company employee or any of our external recruiting partners whom we already have an executed written agreement with. Any unsolicited resumes sent to any of the following will be considered Griffith Company property: Griffith Company mailing address, fax machine or email address; Griffith Company employees; or to Griffith Company's applicant/candidate database. Griffith Company will NOT pay a fee for any candidate placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Griffith Company will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Griffith Company's Human Resources team to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Griffith Company will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Griffith Company's CEO, Executive Vice President or Human Resources Director. No other Griffith Company employee is authorized to bind Griffith Company to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.