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Earthwork Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

Experience in construction oversight for foundation construction and earthwork observation What you can expect from us The A-Team Experience is our employee program focused on helping our people ...

Atlas

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Experience in construction oversight for foundation construction and earthwork observation What you can expect from us Health & Wellness: We offer medical, dental and vision coverage with multiple ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 18, 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.

General Superintendent - Heavy Civil Construction with AIS Infrastructure

ASRC Industrial

El Centro, CA • On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
The AIS Infrastructure Group consists of four heavy civil construction companies. Our services include infrastructure improvement, heavy civil construction, and site development for government and state agencies and private enterprise across the United States. We do a wide variety of heavy civil projects, including highways, bridges, and DOT work, power plants, dams and reservoirs, underground utilities, and more.
We are Heavy Civil Construction and Sitework experts, but we specialize in providing peace of mind.
AIS Infrastructure Group is part of a family of companies unified by purpose to deliver safe, reliable solutions to our clients' unique challenges. We are committed to providing superior service and leaving things better than we found them.
Job Summary:
The General Superintendent will lead field operations on complex heavy civil and federal construction projects. The initial assignment will support the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project (SE-5) in Fargo, North Dakota, with opportunities to transition to regional heavy civil projects throughout the United States.
We are seeking a hands-on construction leader with significant experience managing large-scale earthwork operations, GPS machine control, subcontractors, quality, safety, and production on federal and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
Candidates seeking a short-term assignment for the Fargo project are encouraged to apply. Long-term regional opportunities are also available for those interested in continued employment following project completion.
  • Lead all daily field operations on large heavy civil construction projects.
  • Manage superintendents, foremen, subcontractors, craft labor, and equipment.
  • Coordinate grading, excavation, embankment, utility installation, soil stabilization, and concrete operations.
  • Drive production while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.
  • Coordinate with Project Managers, Owners, Engineers, Inspectors, and Government Representatives.
  • Ensure compliance with project schedules, specifications, and contract requirements.
  • Utilize GPS machine control technology to maximize grading accuracy and production.
  • Support project planning, sequencing, logistics, and work plan development.
  • Mentor field leaders and develop future superintendents.

Requirements and Education:
  • 10+ years of Heavy Civil Superintendent experience.
  • Experience leading crews on projects exceeding $25M.
  • Experience with GPS grading technology.
  • Strong knowledge of heavy earthwork production.
  • Experience coordinating multiple subcontractors.
  • Ability to read construction drawings and specifications
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills

Preferred Requirements and Education:
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience with projects involving:
  • USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
  • Large federal civil construction projects
  • Flood control
  • Levees
  • Dams
  • Earthen embankments
  • Heavy highway
  • Mass excavation
  • Soil cement
  • Roller compacted earthwork

Highly Preferred:
  • Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project experience
  • Southern Embankment (SE-5) experience
  • USACE Quality Control familiarity
  • RMS experience
  • EM385 knowledge
  • Soil Cement placement experience
  • Heavy grading using Trimble Earthworks
  • HCSS HeavyBid or HeavyJob experience
  • Experience working around environmental and permitting requirements

Benefits:
We are dedicated to our employees' well-being and believe that every one of our employees has the right to work in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. Because of this, we offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401k with a Discretionary Company Match & 100% Immediate Vesting
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D policy. (Voluntary Buy-up options)
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • AND MORE!

EEO Statement
AIS Infrastructure Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

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