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Earthwork Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clear Companies

General Manager

Cypress, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

This individual will oversee a large team responsible for earthwork, grading, underground utilities, paving coordination, and overall project execution across multiple commercial and industrial ...

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.

SRS

Mid -Level Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

Provide onsite engineering oversight of construction contractor activities, including earthwork, excavation, grading, material placement, compaction, hauling, and other heavy-equipment-supported ...

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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 28, 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 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,933 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Public Works Field Coordinator/Project Assistant

LCR Earthwork & Engineering, Corp.

Jurupa Valley, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

LCR Earthwork & Engineering Corp. is seeking a reliable, organized, and motivated Public Works Field Coordinator / Project Assistant to support our construction projects throughout Southern California.

This is a field-based position ideal for someone who is comfortable working around active construction operations, communicating with field personnel, keeping accurate records, and traveling between project locations.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver construction notices to residents and businesses prior to scheduled work.
  • Post temporary No Parking signs in accordance with project requirements.
  • Take clear, time-stamped photos documenting when and where notices and signs were posted.
  • Assist as Truck Boss during trucking, paving, excavation, and material-hauling operations.
  • Maintain daily truck logs, including:
    • Truck/company and driver information
    • Arrival and departure times
    • Number of loads
    • Material hauled
    • Material source and/or destination
  • Collect, review, and sign trucking, dump, delivery, and load tickets as required.
  • Reconcile daily tickets against truck logs and identify missing or inconsistent documentation.
  • Communicate with the superintendent and/or foreman regarding truck flow, delays, staging, and field needs.
  • Assist with coordination of traffic control, deliveries, subcontractors, trucking, and other field logistics.
  • Take progress and documentation photos as requested.
  • Maintain organized field records and submit documentation to the office/project team.
  • Drive between LCR project locations, vendors, material plants, dump sites, and the office as needed.
  • Perform other project and field coordination duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Valid California Driver’s License required.
  • Clean driving record required.
  • Must be eligible and able to safely operate a company-provided vehicle for travel between project locations.
  • Must be comfortable driving throughout Southern California as needed for project assignments.
  • Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
  • Ability to accurately track times, quantities, tickets, and other field information.
  • Comfortable using a smartphone for photos, email, text messages, and document sharing.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work with superintendents, foremen, truck drivers, subcontractors, inspectors, and office staff.
  • Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently with limited supervision.
  • Comfortable working outdoors and around active construction equipment and traffic.
  • Construction or public works experience is preferred but not required.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Schedule

  • Full-time position.
  • Monday through Friday, with start and end times depending on project operations.
  • Early mornings, overtime, and occasional weekend work may be required.
  • Must be flexible as project locations and daily assignments may change.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who is dependable, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable being in the field. This position requires someone who can keep accurate documentation while also communicating effectively with field crews and helping keep daily operations organized.

Position: Public Works Field Coordinator / Project Assistant
Company: LCR Earthwork & Engineering Corp.
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: Field / Construction Projects

Company Description

Prime Contractor