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Excavation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Island Excavation Inc

Be Seen First

Equipment Operator and Supervisor

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Must also be able to operate skid steers and excavators and have a valid drivers license. Knowledge of safe working practices and policies, customer service skills and good organizational skills is ...

Arrow Construction

Safety Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Monitor compliance with PPE, fall protection, trenching/excavation, traffic control, and equipment ... Keep management informed of safety issues, trends, incidents, and regulatory changes. * Travel to ...

The Contractor Consultants

Project Manager

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$105K - $120K/yr

Aberle Concrete, Excavating & Grading Inc. * Salary/Pay Rate: $105,000 - $120,000 per year plus ... Manage submittals, RFIs, change orders, and subcontractor contracts to ensure projects stay on ...

New

MONTEITH CONSTRUCTION INC

Office/Project Manager

Felton, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

The position consists of plan and specification review, site visits, estimation, project management ... Company Description Monteith Construction primarily works in excavation, grading & underground in ...

MONTEITH CONSTRUCTION INC

Office/Project Manager

Felton, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

The position consists of plan and specification review, site visits, estimation, project management ... Company Description Monteith Construction primarily works in excavation, grading & underground in ...

Deacon Construction

SAFETY MANAGER

Citrus Heights, CA · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

This position works independently and reports to the Operations Managers, while working ... Mass excavation and hauling * Heavy Equipment operations * Chemical storage and handling * Material ...

Penhall

Project Safety Manager (Full-Time)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

The Project Safety Manager will focus primarily on industrial construction safety, heavy civil ... Excavation and trenching * Fall protection systems * Silica exposure and dust control * Confined ...

FlavorGrid Solutions

Warehouse Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Warehouse Manager Location: Long Beach, CA, 90806 Required Skill: Experience in a Manufacturing ... Excavator Operation * Skid Steer Operation * Forklift Licensed * Packaging Experience * Meets ...

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Excavation Manager information

What does an excavation manager do?

An Excavation Manager oversees and coordinates all activities related to digging, grading, and site preparation on construction projects. They are responsible for planning excavation operations, managing crews and equipment, ensuring safety regulations are followed, and staying on schedule and budget. Excavation Managers also communicate with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure that excavation work meets project specifications. Their role is crucial for preparing a construction site for foundations, utilities, or landscaping.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation manager?

To thrive as an Excavation Manager, you need expertise in civil engineering, site management, and construction safety, usually supported by relevant degrees or certifications in construction management. Familiarity with project management software, GPS-guided excavation equipment, and OSHA safety regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These competencies are critical for ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

What are the most common challenges faced by an excavation manager, and how can they be addressed?

Excavation Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules with multiple contractors, managing unexpected site conditions, and ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations. Effective communication and proactive planning are essential to handle scheduling conflicts, while thorough site assessments help minimize surprises during excavation. Staying up-to-date with safety training and fostering a safety-first culture on-site can significantly reduce risks and improve team performance.

What is the difference between Excavation Manager vs Excavator Operator?

AspectExcavation ManagerExcavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, project management certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, overseeing projectsConstruction sites, operating excavators
ResponsibilitiesPlanning, supervising, coordinating excavation projectsOperating excavators safely and efficiently

The Excavation Manager focuses on project oversight, planning, and supervision, ensuring safety and timely completion. In contrast, the Excavator Operator specializes in operating heavy machinery on-site. Both roles require safety certifications, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly, with the manager overseeing the project and the operator executing specific tasks.

What is an excavation manager?

An excavation manager oversees construction projects involving digging and earth-moving activities. They coordinate crews, ensure safety protocols, and manage equipment and schedules to complete excavation work efficiently and according to plans.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Excavation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Manager jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Excavation Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Excavation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Excavation Manager job openings:

Excavation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Program Manager - Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating

H. T. PROF Group

Riverside, CA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day operations of the Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Division, managing multiple crews and support personnel.

  • Coordinate manpower, equipment, and project schedules across multiple active jobs to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and within budget.

  • Develop and implement operating procedures, monitor project performance, and support business development activities to grow the division.

Job description

Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating

Location Riverside, CA

Type Direct Hire

Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating to lead, build, and grow a specialized underground utility services division throughout Southern California.

This is a senior, hands‑on leadership position combining operations management, project management, business development, estimating, financial performance, fleet management, and strategic growth.

The Program Manager will oversee multiple hydrovac trucks, utility locating crews, field supervisors, and underground support operations while developing relationships with utility owners, municipalities, heavy civil contractors, and engineering firms.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in hydro excavation, utility locating, underground utilities, or heavy civil construction and understands how to build a safe, productive, and profitable field operation.

Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership
  • Lead day-to-day operations of the Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Division.
  • Manage multiple hydrovac trucks, utility locating crews, operators, field supervisors, and support personnel.
  • Coordinate manpower, equipment, trucks, and project schedules across multiple active jobs.
  • Develop daily and weekly schedules that maximize crew productivity and fleet utilization.
  • Monitor project execution to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.
  • Coordinate hydro excavation and locating activities with active heavy civil and underground utility construction operations.
  • Develop and implement operating procedures that support consistent execution and continued growth.
  • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements to increase efficiency and profitability.
  • Support emergency and priority utility response operations when required.
  • Oversee multiple projects and service contracts simultaneously.
  • Develop annual budgets, revenue forecasts, and operating plans for the division.
  • Monitor job costs, labor productivity, equipment utilization, revenue, margins, and profitability.
  • Review project financial performance and identify corrective actions when costs or production deviate from expectations.
  • Establish and track operational KPIs for crews, equipment, and projects.
  • Support estimating, pricing, proposals, and contract negotiations.
  • Review labor, equipment, disposal, travel, and operational costs when developing project pricing.
  • Maintain accurate forecasting for staffing, fleet requirements, and future workload.
Business Development & Growth
  • Take an active role in expanding the division's customer base and revenue.
  • Develop relationships with:
    • Utility Companies
    • Municipalities
    • Public Agencies
    • Heavy Civil Contractors
    • Underground Utility Contractors
    • General Engineering Contractors
    • Engineering & Consulting Firms
  • Identify new hydro excavation, utility locating, and underground support opportunities.
  • Develop proposals and pricing for new and existing clients.
  • Expand service capabilities and identify complementary revenue opportunities.
  • Participate in client meetings, networking, and business development activities.
  • Partner with executive leadership on market expansion, fleet growth, capital investments, and strategic planning.
Client Management
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for key customers and contracts.
  • Develop long‑term relationships with utility owners, contractors, municipalities, and engineering firms.
  • Coordinate project schedules and customer requirements.
  • Resolve field and operational issues quickly and professionally.
  • Manage customer expectations regarding schedule, production, safety, and project execution.
  • Identify opportunities for additional services and repeat business.
Team Development
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and retain field and operations personnel.
  • Provide leadership to Project Managers, Supervisors, Hydrovac Operators, Utility Locators, and field crews.
  • Establish clear expectations for safety, productivity, customer service, and accountability.
  • Develop future supervisors and operational leaders as the division grows.
  • Build staffing plans based on current workload and projected growth.
Core Service Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

  • Hydrovac Operations
  • Utility Locating
  • Pole Excavation
  • Utility Exposure
  • Underground Utility Construction
  • Water & Sewer Utilities
  • Gas Utilities
  • Electrical Utilities
  • Telecommunications
  • Utility Coordination
  • Trenching & ExcavationEmergency Utility Response
Safety & Compliance

The Program Manager will be responsible for maintaining a strong safety and compliance culture throughout the division.

Candidates should have knowledge of:

  • OSHA Requirements
  • Excavation & Trenching Safety
  • Utility Owner Requirements
  • Traffic Control Requirements
  • Public Works Requirements
  • Client‑Specific Safety Programs
  • Job Hazard Analysis / JHA
  • Field Documentation
  • Equipment & Fleet Safety

The Program Manager will ensure field teams maintain required safety documentation, environmental records, project reporting, incident documentation, and quality standards.

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, hydro excavation, utility locating, or related infrastructure services.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple field crews and projects simultaneously.
  • Strong understanding of underground utility construction and excavation operations.
  • Experience managing project schedules, budgets, job costs, and financial performance.
  • Strong knowledge of field production, equipment utilization, and workforce planning.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop field and operations personnel.
  • Strong customer relationship and communication skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced field‑services environment.
  • Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
  • Valid driver's license required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct management experience in hydro excavation / hydrovac operations.
  • Utility locating experience.
  • Underground utility construction experience.
  • Experience working with major utility owners.
  • Public utility contract experience.
  • Southern California utility market experience.
  • Heavy civil construction background.
  • Estimating and proposal development experience.
  • Experience building or expanding a construction or utility services division.

The ideal candidate will have experience with:

  • Division / Program Budgeting
  • Revenue Forecasting
  • Job Costing
  • Profitability Analysis
  • Project Cost Control
  • Labor Productivity
  • Equipment Cost Management
  • Workforce Planning
  • Project Scheduling
  • KPI Development & Tracking
  • Proposal Development
  • Contract Management
Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a builder and operator, not simply someone to maintain an existing operation.

The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between field operations, financial management, customer relationships, estimating, and business development.

One day may involve reviewing fleet utilization and job profitability; another may require resolving a field issue with a hydrovac crew, meeting with a utility client, recruiting a new supervisor, or developing pricing for a major service contract.

This person should have the entrepreneurial mindset to treat the division like a business while having the construction knowledge to understand how the work is actually performed in the field.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the Program Manager will be expected to:

  • Successfully manage multiple hydro excavation and utility locating crews.
  • Improve hydrovac fleet utilization and crew productivity.
  • Establish consistent operating procedures and performance standards.
  • Strengthen relationships with existing utility and contractor clients.
  • Develop new customer relationships and revenue opportunities.
  • Expand hydro excavation and utility locating capabilities.
  • Recruit and develop a strong field and operations team.
  • Improve project visibility through meaningful KPIs and financial reporting.
  • Increase division revenue and profitability.
  • Maintain high standards for safety, quality, and customer service.
Location

Southern California

Regional travel to active projects, client locations, offices, and construction yards will be required.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to do more than manage projects — you'll have the ability to build and grow an entire business unit.

You'll have direct influence over operations, people, fleet, customers, estimating, revenue, profitability, and strategic growth, with the resources and leadership support needed to expand a specialized hydro excavation and utility locating operation throughout Southern California.

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