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Trench Digger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Gas Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to trench for ... digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform service, safety checks, and minor ...

Job Summary The Gas Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to trench for ... digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform service, safety checks, and minor ...

Field Mechanic

Cocoa, FL

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... digger derricks, aerial lift equipment, motor graders, trench-digging machines, conveyors, bulldozers, pumps, compressors, portable generators, portable power supplies, hydraulic press heads and ...

Job Summary The Gas Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to trench for ... digger-derricks, or other construction equipment. * Perform service, safety checks, and minor ...

Showing results 41-44

Trench Digger information

See salary details

$15

$34

$50

How much do trench digger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for trench digger in the United States is $34.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $42.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trench digger?

Trench diggers are workers or specialized machines used to excavate trenches in the ground, typically for the installation of utilities like pipes, cables, or drainage systems. Human trench diggers manually use tools like shovels or powered equipment to create precise, narrow ditches according to project specifications. The job often requires physical strength, attention to safety protocols, and knowledge of soil conditions. Trench diggers play a crucial role in construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects by enabling the safe and efficient routing of essential services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trench digger?

To thrive as a Trench Digger, you need physical stamina, basic construction knowledge, and experience with manual labor, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as shovels, trenchers, and sometimes small excavating machinery is typically required, along with safety certifications like OSHA training. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and precise completion of excavation projects, often under demanding and variable site conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by trench diggers on construction sites?

Trench diggers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy machinery safely, and maintaining proper communication with team members to ensure safety and efficiency. Navigating underground utilities and adhering to strict safety protocols are also key aspects of the job. Teamwork and alertness are essential, as trench digging frequently involves collaborating closely with site supervisors, equipment operators, and utility locators to complete projects on schedule and avoid hazards.

What is the difference between Trench Digger vs Excavator Operator?

AspectTrench DiggerExcavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, on-the-job trainingOSHA certification, operator license
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground utilitiesConstruction, mining, demolition sites
Industry UsageSpecialized in trenching for utilitiesGeneral excavation for various projects

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, a Trench Digger specializes in creating trenches for utilities, whereas an Excavator Operator handles broader excavation tasks across different industries. The skills and certifications overlap, but their focus and typical work environments differ.

More about Trench Digger jobs
Infographic showing various Trench Digger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,849 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Gas Operator

MasTec Inc

Atascosa, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The Gas Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to trench for natural gas pipelines. Must be able to dig safely around underground utilities, install natural gas pipelines in the ditch, and provide for sufficient backfill. This position supports the Line team and works with personnel within the department.

*** Candidate MUST have backhoe experience; MUST be able to move 500' of earth per day.

Responsibilities
  • Operate jobsite equipment safely, such mobile cranes, bulldozers, angle dozers, front end loaders, backhoes, excavators, track hoe, trenchers, digger-derricks, or other construction equipment.
  • Perform service, safety checks, and minor repairs on machines, check oil and fluids.
  • Inspect work area to ensure it has been staked/located prior to digging.
  • Work with maintenance crew or assist as laborer when not operating equipment.
  • Dig around all live utilities, both underground and overhead.
  • Train, guide, or oversee work of lower graded operators and laborers when needed.
  • Comply with proper safety standards/procedures and work practices according to MasTec or the customer, whichever standard is higher.
  • Load trucks in a safe and accident-free manner.
  • Work to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless customer service with quality timeliness.
  • Perform other duties as required and/or assigned. 

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating Heavy Equipment.
  • Current and valid state Driver’s License.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Bilingual in Spanish – English. Strongly preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating Heavy Equipment.
  • Current and valid state Driver’s License.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Bilingual in Spanish – English. Strongly preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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