1

Trenching Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Safety team with JSAs, trenching/shoring compliance, and traffic control setups. Recommends/Prepares: * Equipment or tooling needs to complete tasks safely and efficiently. * Field notes on obstacles ...

Equipment Operator

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Safety team with JSAs, trenching/shoring compliance, and traffic control setups. Recommends/Prepares: * Equipment or tooling needs to complete tasks safely and efficiently. * Field notes on obstacles ...

The Micro-Trenching Technician I is an entry-level role that supports micro-trenching operations under direct supervision. This position assists with site setup, equipment staging, traffic control ...

The Micro-Trenching Technician I is an entry-level role that supports micro-trenching operations under direct supervision. This position assists with site setup, equipment staging, traffic control ...

The Micro-Trenching Technician I is an entry-level role that supports micro-trenching operations under direct supervision. This position assists with site setup, equipment staging, traffic control ...

The Micro-Trenching Technician I is an entry-level role that supports micro-trenching operations under direct supervision. This position assists with site setup, equipment staging, traffic control ...

The Micro-Trenching Technician I is an entry-level role that supports micro-trenching operations under direct supervision. This position assists with site setup, equipment staging, traffic control ...

CDL Operator

El Mirage, AZ ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Perform trenching, potholing, leak spotting, line exposure, tank cleaning, and more * Travel to job sites as needed * Work in outdoor and physically demanding environments * Represent Riley ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Trenching information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do trenching jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for trenching in Arizona is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trenching?

A trenching job involves excavating narrow, deep ditches in the ground, typically for laying utilities such as pipes, cables, or drainage systems. Trenching requires specialized equipment like trenchers or excavators to dig safely and efficiently. Workers must follow safety regulations to prevent cave-ins, equipment accidents, and other hazards. It is commonly used in construction, utility installation, and landscaping projects. Proper planning and protective measures, such as trench shoring or sloping, are crucial for worker safety.

What are some common challenges faced in trenching?

One of the main challenges in a Trenching role is dealing with varying soil conditions and unexpected underground obstacles, which can require rapid problem-solving and adaptation on the job. Workers also need to maintain strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent cave-ins and other hazards. Communication and collaboration with utility crews, supervisors, and other construction specialists are critical for safely completing projects. Additionally, working outdoors in changing weather conditions can be demanding, but proper training and teamwork help make these challenges manageable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in trenching?

To thrive in Trenching, you need strong physical stamina, knowledge of site safety practices, and experience operating excavation equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with trenching machines, utility locators, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure job site safety and efficiency. These skills are essential because trenching work involves physical demands, technical precision, and close coordination with crew members to prevent accidents and complete projects successfully.

What are popular job titles related to Trenching jobs in Arizona? For Trenching jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Trenching jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Trenching job openings:
Infographic showing various Trenching job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,483 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Utility Scale UG Trenching Superintendent

R-2 Contractors

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!
R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Underground Trenching Superintendent to lead field operations performing high-production trenching and underground conduit installation on utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of underground trenching operations while delivering exceptional quality, developing field leaders, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Leadership, the Underground Trenching Superintendent oversees day-to-day field operations, including production planning, crew leadership, high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, underground conduit installation, backfilling, restoration, quality control, scheduling, equipment utilization, and customer coordination. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.
Position: Utility-Scale UG Trenching Superintendent
Location: Nationwide Project sites
Travel Requirements:
• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands
Salary: $140-200k
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead all field operations for utility-scale underground trenching and conduit installation projects
• Plan and coordinate manpower, trenching equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules
• Supervise Foremen, equipment operators, craft personnel, subcontractors, and field teams to ensure safe and productive project execution
• Oversee high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, underground conduit installation, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, restoration, and quality control activities
• Ensure underground infrastructure is installed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, trench profiles, utility layouts, and construction documents
• Coordinate daily activities with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and utility representatives
• Monitor production, manpower, equipment utilization, budgets, schedules, and overall project performance
• Oversee the efficient utilization of trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, and support equipment
• Identify field challenges early and proactively implement solutions to minimize impacts to safety, quality, and production
• Develop Foremen and future Superintendents through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and leadership by example
• Maintain complete project documentation, daily reports, production tracking, quality records, and inspection documentation
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
• Minimum 10 years of underground utility, trenching, heavy civil, or utility-scale construction experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading underground trenching operations as a
Superintendent or Senior Superintendent

• Extensive knowledge of high-production trenching, underground conduit installation, single-pass mechanical laying, trench safety, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, restoration, and utility-scale underground construction
• Experience managing Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, GPS grade control systems, and associated support equipment
• Strong understanding of production planning, operational scheduling, equipment utilization, quality control, and project execution
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, utility layouts, trench profiles, specifications, and construction documents
• Proven ability to lead multiple crews while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, suppliers, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check
What Success Looks Like:
The successful Utility-Scale Underground Trenching Superintendent:
• Builds high-performing field teams that consistently work safely and efficiently
• Delivers underground trenching and conduit installation projects that meet or exceed project specifications, production goals, and quality expectations
• Successfully leads high-production single-pass mechanical laying operations that improve safety, productivity, and project performance
• Develops strong Foremen and future Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates proactively, and resolves challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 through continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and leadership development
Our Leadership Philosophy:
At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door—but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.
Our leaders are expected to:
• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it
The R-2 Core Values
PRIDE – We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.
• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die
GRIT – We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.
• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication
OWN IT! – We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.
• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position
Benefits:
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're ready to lead utility-scale concrete crews, develop exceptional field personnel, and help build some of the nation's most critical power infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.
At R-2 Contractors, we don't simply place concrete—we build infrastructure, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and create a culture that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
 

R2 Contractors Terms and Conditions:

By applying, candidates may receive SMS text messages regarding job opportunities, interview scheduling, application updates, and recruiting communications from R2 Contractors.

You can cancel the SMS service at any time by replying STOP. After you send “STOP,” you will receive confirmation that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us.

For assistance, reply HELP or contact HR at HR@r2contractors.com.

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Privacy Policy:
We collect your mobile number and related opt-in data for the delivery of SMS messages. Your mobile opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Powered by JazzHR

honpyrFjeL