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Earthwork Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Inspect earthwork, grading, trail surfacing, drainage improvements, culverts, and retaining structures. * Monitor construction sequencing and progress against approved schedules. * Prepare detailed ...

Strong knowledge and experience with site development, earthwork operations, excavation, underground utility systems, drainage systems, foundations, concrete construction, rebar and embed ...

Strong knowledge and experience with site development, earthwork operations, excavation, underground utility systems, drainage systems, foundations, concrete construction, rebar and embed ...

DOT/Heavy Civil/Earthwork experience (emphasis on road/highway projects with earthwork & underground utilities) Compensation Salary Min: $91,266 Salary Max: $156,470 Actual compensation will be ...

Senior Civil Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

Originate and check Civil Site deliverables of moderate complexity, including drawings and 3-D models for earthwork/site design. * Interpret and verify industry standards, guidelines, and codes for ...

Senior Civil Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

Originate and check Civil Site deliverables of moderate complexity, including drawings and 3-D models for earthwork/site design. * Interpret and verify industry standards, guidelines, and codes for ...

Senior Civil Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

In this role, you will produce earthwork deliverables for Combined Cycle Power Projects. You will prepare drawings, facilitate discussions, communicate complex technical issues, and prepare civil ...

Ability to take-off and price earthwork projects. * Comfortable working phones and discussing detailed scopes with subcontractors. * Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Ability to take-off and price earthwork projects. * Comfortable working phones and discussing detailed scopes with subcontractors. * Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

SUPERINTENDENT

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$91K - $156K/yr

DOT/Heavy Civil/Earthwork experience (emphasis on road/highway projects with earthwork & underground utilities) Compensation Salary Min: $91,266 Salary Max: $156,470 Actual compensation will be ...

Knowledge of earthwork, grading and drainage work. Trench safety experience is a priority. * Ability to read and interpret construction documents * Effective communication skills * Knowledge of ...

Showing results 41-60

Earthwork information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$27

$35

How much do earthwork jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for earthwork in Virginia is $27.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $33.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Earthwork job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,189 per year, or $27 per hour.

Trail/Roadway Inspector

Alpha Corporation

Damascus, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Alpha Corporation established in 1979, is a full-service woman-owned firm, providing civil, and structural engineering, program and construction management, project controls, and technology services for various building types, transportation, and heavy infrastructure projects. We provide services to a broad spectrum of clients, including all levels of government agencies, public and private enterprises/partnerships.
Alpha has been performing civil engineering design services since the firm's inception. Our vision is to be recognized by our clients for responsive, innovative, and quality services in the building, transportation, and infrastructure sectors, and to be the employer of choice. Alpha was awarded the ENR Mid-Atlantic 2022 Design Firm of the Year and Top 100 PM/CM firm.
If you're up for the challenge to stretch, grow and excel in your career as a Civil Engineer, consider joining our award-winning team at Alpha Corporation to support our growing team in our Dulles, VA office.
About the Role
We are seeking a Trails Inspector to provide construction inspection services for the reconstruction of approximately 17 miles of multi-use trail, including grading, surfacing, drainage features, culverts, retaining walls, and trail appurtenances.
What You'll Do
  • Conduct daily inspections of trail construction activities to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and quality standards.
  • Inspect earthwork, grading, trail surfacing, drainage improvements, culverts, and retaining structures.
  • Monitor construction sequencing and progress against approved schedules.
  • Prepare detailed daily inspection reports and photographic documentation.
  • Identify and report safety concerns, non-conforming work, or construction issues promptly.
  • Coordinate with project staff, contractors, and government representatives.
  • Attend safety meetings and support site coordination efforts.

What is Required:
  • Minimum 3+ years of construction inspection experience, preferably on trails, roadways, or linear infrastructure projects.
  • Familiarity with earthwork, drainage, and surface construction inspection.
  • Experience with daily inspection reporting and field documentation.
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain and work in outdoor environments.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.

Salary: 40k - 80k.
Physical Demands
The incumbent in this position can typically expect to sit and use his/her hands to handle and feel for more than 1/3 of the day. He/she can expect to stand or walk for more than 2/3 of the day. Talking and listening are also expected for more than 2/3 of the day. The ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, or reach with arms will be needed for less than 2/3 of the day.
This position requires that the incumbent be able to lift items up to 70 pounds on an infrequent basis.
The incumbent in this position should have clear vision at 20 inches or less. He/she should be able to view various reports and forms as well as information displayed on a computer monitor and have the ability to distinguish between different colors. Depth perception, peripheral vision, the ability to focus, and the ability to see from a distance are also necessary.
EEO Statement
Alpha Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or military status, or any other protected class. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotions, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.