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Trenching Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Laborer

Fowler, CA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This position supports directional drilling, trenching, conduit installation, potholing, utility locating, restoration, and traffic control operations. The ideal candidate has experience working in ...

Fiber Project Manager

Moorpark, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

This role requires a deep understanding of the fiber network infrastructure, local codes and regulations, and the micro-trenching process. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of ...

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This role involves trenching support, conduit placement, spotting equipment, and assisting operators with installation of underground infrastructure such as electrical, telecom, storm drain, sewer ...

This position supports directional drilling, trenching, conduit installation, potholing, utility locating, restoration, and traffic control operations. The ideal candidate has experience working in ...

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This role involves trenching support, conduit placement, spotting equipment, and assisting operators with installation of underground infrastructure such as electrical, telecom, storm drain, sewer ...

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This role involves trenching support, conduit placement, spotting equipment, and assisting operators with installation of underground infrastructure such as electrical, telecom, storm drain, sewer ...

Ensure the high-quality installation of electrical portions of the project including but not limited to underground cabling, trenching and excavation, and cable backfill operations. * Provide drawing ...

Foreman

Corona, CA ยท On-site

Lead and supervise Mainline crews performing trenching, excavation, pipe installation, backfill, compaction, and grading. * Review daily scope, production goals, sequencing, and safety expectations ...

Laborer

North Highlands, CA ยท On-site

$24.64 - $38.15/hr

Full trenching and coordination * PG&E certified- gas line installation and welding * PG&E electric * SMUD, Roseville Electric and PG&E certified conduit (primary/secondary) and substructure ...

Laborer

North Highlands, CA ยท On-site

$24.64 - $38.15/hr

Full trenching and coordination * PG&E certified- gas line installation and welding * PG&E electric * SMUD, Roseville Electric and PG&E certified conduit (primary/secondary) and substructure ...

Laborer

North Highlands, CA ยท On-site

$24.64 - $38.15/hr

Full trenching and coordination * PG&E certified- gas line installation and welding * PG&E electric * SMUD, Roseville Electric and PG&E certified conduit (primary/secondary) and substructure ...

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Trenching information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$35

How much do trenching jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for trenching in California is $24.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.11 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 the most commonly searched types of Trenching jobs in California? The most popular types of Trenching jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Trenching jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Trenching jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Trenching jobs? Cities in California with the most Trenching job openings:
Infographic showing various Trenching job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,286 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description
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Omni Underground is seeking hardworking, dependable General Laborers to join our underground utility construction team. This position supports directional drilling, trenching, conduit installation, potholing, utility locating, restoration, and traffic control operations.
The ideal candidate has experience working in construction environments, is comfortable performing physically demanding work outdoors, and takes pride in working safely and efficiently as part of a team.
Responsibilities
โ€ข Hand dig trenches, potholes, and utility crossings
โ€ข Assist crews with underground utility installation projects
โ€ข Perform trenching, backfilling, and grading operations
โ€ข Compact soil and aggregate using walk-behind compactors ("Wackers"), jumping jacks, and plate compactors
โ€ข Set up, maintain, and remove traffic control devices according to project requirements
โ€ข Load, unload, organize, and maintain tools, materials, and equipment
โ€ข Assist operators, foremen, and drill crews as needed
โ€ข Safely work around existing underground utilities
โ€ข Perform asphalt, concrete, and landscape restoration activities
โ€ข Clean and maintain job sites daily
โ€ข Follow all company safety procedures and OSHA requirements
โ€ข Work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, dust, and wind
โ€ข Participate in daily tailgate safety meetings
โ€ข Complete other duties as assigned by supervisors
Qualifications
โ€ข Previous experience in underground utility construction
โ€ข Valid California Driver's License
โ€ข Class A CDL (preferred but not required)
โ€ข Traffic Control Certification (preferred)
โ€ข OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification (preferred)
โ€ข Utility construction experience is strongly preferred
Experience With:
โ€ข Hand digging
โ€ข Trenching
โ€ข Backfilling
โ€ข Soil compaction
โ€ข Utility potholing
โ€ข Traffic control setup and removal
โ€ข Asphalt and concrete restoration
Experience Operating:
โ€ข Walk-behind compactors (Wackers)
โ€ข Jumping jacks
โ€ข Plate compactors
โ€ข Skid steers
โ€ข Mini excavators