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Earthwork Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Senior Civil Engineer - Land Development

Irvine, CA · On-site

$107K - $156K/yr

Prepare civil layout, grading, drainage, and earthwork designs for civil sites and landfills. * Prepare engineering design reports, drawings, technical specifications, and engineer's estimates.

WSP

Senior Civil Engineer - Land Development

Irvine, CA · On-site

$107K - $156K/yr

Prepare civil layout, grading, drainage, and earthwork designs for civil sites and landfills. * Prepare engineering design reports, drawings, technical specifications, and engineer's estimates.

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All JobsEarthwork JobsEarthwork Jobs in California

Earthwork information

See California salary details

$5

$26

$35

How much do earthwork jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for earthwork in California is $26.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an earthwork?

Earthwork jobs involve the excavation, movement, and processing of soil, rocks, and other materials to prepare land for construction or landscaping projects. These jobs include tasks such as digging, grading, trenching, and compacting soil, often using heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers. Earthwork professionals play a crucial role in building roads, foundations, and other infrastructure by ensuring ground surfaces are properly shaped and stable. The work requires knowledge of soil types, safety regulations, and equipment operation.

What are some typical challenges faced by earthwork professionals on construction sites?

Earthwork professionals often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, weather disruptions, and coordinating with multiple teams to maintain project timelines. Adjusting to changes in site plans or dealing with underground obstacles like rocks or utilities requires adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication with surveyors, engineers, and equipment operators is essential to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the project.

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

To thrive in Earthwork, strong knowledge of soil types, grading, excavation techniques, and safety practices is essential, usually supported by relevant certifications or experience in construction or civil engineering. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and GPS-guided grading systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with crews and ensuring project accuracy. These skills and qualities are critical for completing earthmoving projects safely, efficiently, and to specification.

What is the difference between Earthwork vs Excavation Worker?

AspectEarthworkExcavation Worker
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operationOSHA safety training, equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, large-scale projectsConstruction sites, outdoor, focused on digging and trenching
Industry UsageBroad term covering site preparation, grading, and earth movingSpecific role within earthwork, mainly digging and trenching tasks
Common Search IntentUnderstanding earthwork processes and rolesJobs involving excavation tasks

Earthwork is a broad term encompassing all activities related to moving and shaping soil and rock on construction sites, including grading, leveling, and site preparation. Excavation Worker is a specific role within earthwork focused primarily on digging trenches, holes, and foundations. While both require similar certifications and work in outdoor construction environments, earthwork covers a wider range of tasks, whereas excavation workers specialize in digging operations.

What are popular job titles related to Earthwork jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Earthwork jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Earthwork jobs in California are:

Earthwork jobs near you
Infographic showing various Earthwork job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,933 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Project Engineer - Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Grading

Everforth, Cybercoders

Lodi, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Project Engineer - Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Grading
Location: Stockton/Lodi, CA
Job Title: Project Engineer
Salary: $80k - $120k DOE, Benefits, 401k, Car Allowance, etc..
Requirements: 1+ Years of Project Management experience in Heavy Civil Construction; project values up to $30M
Top Reasons to Work with Us
We are an established civil engineering contractor providing technical engineering and construction solutions for private & public clients across the state. We have a highly-trained and experienced staff of like-minded individuals that aim to build long-term, mutually-beneficial relationships with our clients. 
In preparation for upcoming projects, we are looking to hire a Project Engineer with 1+ years of Heavy Civil Construction experience to our team.
If this sounds like an opportunity you would like to learn more about, please read the description below and apply today! We are actively interviewing for this high profile position.
What You Will Be Doing
- GPS, design / 3D modeling
- Takeoffs, Support estimating team on projects
- Manage plans, project cost controls, etc..
PROJECTS 
- Project Size: 100K - 20 Million 
- Earthworks, Landfills, Levees
 
AUTOCAD PROFICIENT 
- AGTEK CAD Software 
- Trimble Business Center Software 
- Digital Terrain Models creation (DTM) for Rovers and Heavy Equipment 
 
TRIMBLE GPS 
- Knowledge of surveying and Trimble GPS equipment (Base station, rover, GPS guided equipment) 
- Field topography, Ground Control Calibration, As-built Surveying 
- Setting up GPS dozers/excavators/blades prior to job start 
- Ordering and Maintaining GPS equipment 
 
DRONE SURVEYING 
- FAA Licensed Drone Pilot 
- Photogrammetry / Point Cloud surveying  
- Drones are used for surveying and tracking quantities in the field 
- Identify design conflicts and potential change orders prior to job start
Work balance: 50% field and 50% office. 
Projects will be focused on heavy civil and earthwork construction
What You Need for this Position
- 1+ years of project management experience in Civil Construction 
- Problem solving, organizational, and analytical decision-making skills 
- Proficient in scheduling, cost control, subcontract docs and more
- Desire to lead teams through large civil projects
 
If you are a Project Engineer with experience in Heavy Civil Construction, please apply today!

Benefits

Vacation/PTO
 

Medical
 

Dental
 

Vision
 

401k
 

Bonus
 


 

- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. CyberCoders will consider for Employment in the City of Los Angeles qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box) Ordinance.This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 08/13/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at Benefits@CyberCoders.com to make arrangements.

Salary

$80000 - $120000 USD per year