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Earthworks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merritt Contracting

Earthworks Foreman

Lebanon, IN · On-site

Position Summary We're looking for an experienced Earthworks Foreman to lead crews on civil construction projects involving sitework, grading, excavation, and utilities support. This is a hands-on ...

Pugh's Earthworks

Be Seen First

Design Build/Enhancement Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K/yr

Design Build Manager Full-Time | 40 Hours Per Week Pugh's Earthworks is seeking a Design Build Manager to assist with design-build projects for current clients and enhancement projects for existing ...

Urgent

Merritt Contracting

Earthworks Foreman

Lebanon, IN · On-site

Position Summary Were looking for an experienced Earthworks Foreman to lead crews on civil construction projects involving sitework, grading, excavation, and utilities support. This is a hands-on ...

Merritt Contracting

Earthworks Foreman

Lebanon, IN

Position Summary We're looking for an experienced Earthworks Foreman to lead crews on civil construction projects involving sitework, grading, excavation, and utilities support. This is a hands-on ...

Earthworks Inc

Staff Accountant

Alvarado, TX · On-site

$65K - $72K/hr

Earthworks is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Staff Accountant to join our Finance and Accounting team. This position reports directly to the Accounting Manager and plays a key role in ...

Pugh's Earthworks

Be Seen First

Design Build/Enhancement Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K/yr

Design Build Manager Full-Time | 40 Hours Per Week Pugh's Earthworks is seeking a Design Build Manager to assist with design-build projects for current clients and enhancement projects for existing ...

Urgent

Earthworks, Inc

Staff Accountant

Alvarado, TX · On-site

$65K - $72K/hr

Earthworks is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Staff Accountant to join our Finance and Accounting team. This position reports directly to the Accounting Manager and plays a key role in ...

Earthworks Inc

Branch Administrator

Alvarado, TX · On-site

$53K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Branch Administrator Summary EarthWorks fosters strong relationships and makes business decisions that positively impact our employees, clients, and communities. We are ...

WSP

Civil & Earthworks Drafter I

Lakewood, CO · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Civil & Earthworks Drafter I for our US Mine Waste Civil Design and Drafting Team for our Lakewood, CO office. Participate in projects with ...

WSP

Civil & Earthworks Drafter I

Lakewood, CO

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for a Civil & Earthworks Drafter I for our US Mine Waste Civil Design and Drafting Team for our Lakewood, CO office. Participate in projects with ...

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Earthworks information

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How much do earthworks jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for earthworks in the United States is $22.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Earthworks vs Excavation?

AspectEarthworksExcavation
Primary FocusLarge-scale site preparation, grading, and land developmentRemoving soil or rock to create holes, trenches, or foundations
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, civil engineering projectsConstruction sites, utility installations, foundation work
CredentialsHeavy equipment operation certifications, OSHA safety trainingHeavy equipment operation certifications, OSHA safety training

Earthworks involve large-scale land modification, including grading and site preparation, while excavation focuses on digging trenches or holes for foundations and utilities. Both roles require similar certifications and are performed in construction environments, but their scope and purpose differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Earthworks roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Earthworks often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, site safety concerns, and managing tight project deadlines. Adapting to changing site conditions requires flexibility and proactive planning. Effective communication with team members and close collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and equipment operators are key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring projects stay on track. Utilizing technology like GPS-guided machinery and regularly reviewing safety protocols can also help address these challenges and improve efficiency.

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

To thrive in Earthworks, you need a solid understanding of excavation techniques, soil mechanics, and construction safety, often supported by certifications in heavy equipment operation or civil engineering. Familiarity with tools like excavators, bulldozers, GPS grading systems, and project management software is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating with crews and ensuring project accuracy. These skills ensure safe, efficient site preparation and compliance with engineering plans, which are vital for successful construction projects.

What are earthworks?

Earthworks refer to engineering works that involve the movement, processing, or shaping of large quantities of soil or unformed rock. These activities are commonly used in construction projects such as roads, railways, dams, and foundations, where the land needs to be leveled, excavated, or filled. Earthworks can include tasks like grading, trenching, embankment construction, and land reclamation. The primary goal is to prepare the ground to meet the specifications needed for building or infrastructure projects. Modern earthworks use heavy machinery and precise planning to ensure stability and safety.
More about Earthworks jobs
What cities are hiring for Earthworks jobs? Cities with the most Earthworks job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Earthworks jobs? The most popular types of Earthworks jobs are:
What states have the most Earthworks jobs? States with the most job openings for Earthworks jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Earthworks jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Earthworks jobs are:
Earthworks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Earthworks job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,542 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Takeoff Technician - Earthworks & Site Development

Takeoff Technician - Earthworks & Site Development

TerraFirma, Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

At TerraFirma, we're redefining how the world moves earth for construction. Founded by former SpaceX engineers and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, TerraFirma is automating construction to make it faster, cheaper, and safer.
Our Story & Mission
At SpaceX, we were part of the teams that built the largest rocket in human history, launched the largest constellation of satellites ever made, and delivered connectivity to millions of people worldwide. What we learned was simple: infrastructure is everything.
At Starbase, the biggest barrier to launching missions to Mars was not building the rocket. It was how slow, expensive, and complex it was to build the infrastructure around it. We lacked buildings, roads, water, power, communications, and waste management, and constructing them took far more time and resources than it should have.
From a first-principles perspective, that doesn't make sense. It shouldn't be this hard or costly to create the foundations for progress. That's when we realized something important: the same engineering mindset that enabled us to tackle space exploration and mass manufacturing could be applied to infrastructure. By bringing the principles of simplification, iteration, acceleration, and automation to construction, we can unlock a new era in how the world builds.
Accelerating infrastructure unlocks progress across every domain, creating a self-sustaining engine for tackling humanity's toughest challenges. The innovations we develop on Earth will lay the groundwork for the technologies that one day make settlement on Mars possible.
Job Overview
You will produce the quantity takeoffs that drive TerraFirma's estimating process for earthworks and site development projects. You will work closely with estimators, engineers, and project managers to translate civil plans and field conditions into accurate, decision-ready quantities that shape how we bid work.
This role is highly detail-oriented and execution-focused. You will own takeoff outputs across grading, excavation, utilities, paving, and related scopes, while helping improve the speed, accuracy, and repeatability of how TerraFirma prices jobs. As our internal estimating tools and workflows evolve, you will also help refine the systems that make takeoff faster and more reliable.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for earthworks and site development scopes, including grading, excavation, fill, utilities, and paving
  • Review civil drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and related bid documents to define scope accurately
  • Generate cut/fill quantities, haul assumptions, and material volume calculations that can be translated directly into estimates
  • Work closely with estimators to structure takeoff outputs into clear, usable estimating inputs
  • Identify scope gaps, quantity risks, and plan inconsistencies early in the bid process
  • Support pre-bid planning through site visits, walkthroughs, and coordination with project stakeholders when required
  • Maintain organized, traceable documentation for takeoffs, assumptions, and bid packages
  • Improve internal templates, standards, and workflows to increase takeoff speed, consistency, and accuracy
  • Provide feedback on software tools and internal systems used in estimating and project planning

Basic Qualifications
  • 2-5 years of experience performing construction takeoffs, preferably in earthworks, grading, site development, or heavy civil construction
  • Strong experience with takeoff or earthwork software such as AGTEK, Trimble Business Center, B2W Estimate, Bluebeam, Civil 3D, or similar tools
  • Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, specifications, and supporting project documents
  • Strong understanding of grading plans, cut/fill analysis, and site development scope
  • High attention to detail and strong analytical skills
  • Ability to work effectively with estimators, engineers, and project teams in a fast-moving environment

Additional Requirements
  • Comfortable with working in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance
  • Ability to travel occasionally to job sites across Texas
  • Interest in construction technology, robotics, and automation

Compensation & Benefits
Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case-by-case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.

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