Trenching Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As one of the nation's leading electric transmission line construction companies, MasTec Power Delivery companies engineer and construct efficient and reliable electrical transmission, distribution, and substation & switchyard systems. Our extensive workforce includes both union and nonunion teams, which, combined with our specialized equipment fleet, allows us to effectively meet our clients' needs for power delivery, emergency restoration, and ongoing maintenance. We've been involved in some of the most challenging and recognizable electric projects across the U.S. From the electric plant to the end users, MasTec's experienced managers and crews consistently deliver transmission, distribution, and substation & switchyard services with an unfailing commitment to safety, integrity, and sustainable practices.

Job Summary

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Field Safety Specialist to support a major HighVoltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission construction project in San Jose, California. This role provides daily field safety leadership, ensures compliance with Cal/OSHA Title 8, and oversees safety performance across multiple subcontractors.

The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic field environments, communicates effectively with diverse crews, and maintains a strong presence on the jobsite.

Salary range: $110-130k

Daily Field Safety Oversight

• Conduct daily safety walks across HVDC work areas, including converter stations, cable routes, trenching, and substation construction.
• Identify hazards, unsafe behaviors, and regulatory violations; verify corrective actions are completed.
• Support implementation of the project’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in accordance with Cal/OSHA §1509.

Subcontractor Oversight

• Monitor subcontractor safety performance and verify compliance with project safety requirements and Cal/OSHA Title 8.
• Review subcontractor Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), safety plans, and training records.
• Participate in subcontractor pretask meetings and ensure hazard controls are understood and implemented.
• Coach subcontractor supervisors and crews to improve safety culture and accountability.
• Document and escalate repeated or serious violations when necessary.

Project Safety Support

• Provide oversight for operations such as: excavation and trenching, fall protection and elevated work, crane and rigging operations, hot work, electrical work, confined space entry, silicagenerating tasks, verify competent persons are present and performing required duties.
• Verify minimum approach distances, lockout/tagout, and deenergization procedures are followed.
• Support safe execution of energized testing and commissioning activities.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily inspection logs, corrective action tracking, and subcontractor safety documentation.
• Assist with incident investigations, rootcause analysis, and followup corrective actions.
• Ensure all safety documentation is accurate, timely, and available for Cal/OSHA review.

Training & Communication

• Participate in daily pretask huddles and weekly toolbox/tailgate meetings.
• Communicate new hazards, changes in site conditions, and required controls to crews.
• Support onboarding and sitespecific safety orientations for employees and subcontractors.

HighRisk Work Monitoring

• Provide oversight for: Crane and rigging operations, excavation and trenching, hot work, heavy equipment operations, verify competent persons are present and controls are in place.

Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, AEDs, rescue gear) is in place and accessible.
• Support emergency drills and response procedures.
• Assist in coordinating with local emergency services when needed.

Promote a Positive Safety Culture

• Build rapport with field crews and subcontractors.
• Encourage hazard reporting, nearmiss communication, and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example through professionalism, consistency, and strong field presence.

Required

• 5+ years of construction safety experience (utility, transmission, or electrical preferred).
• OSHA 30Hour Construction certification. OSHA 500 (preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA Title 8.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between project locations.

Preferred

• HVDC, substation, or transmission line experience.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Professional safety credential (CHST, CSP, CUSP, OHST, etc.).
• Experience with cable pulling, grounding systems, or commissioning activities.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Outdoor construction environment with exposure to weather, noise, energized equipment, and heavy machinery.

• Requires walking, climbing, standing, use arms, hands, and legs fully; push, pull, lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; stoop, kneel, balance, crouch, crawl, and climb to perform job tasks.
• Must be able to wear required PPE, including (including but not limited to- safety toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, arc-rated clothing, etc.).
• May need to work at heights and must be able to abide by all safety and fall-protection requirements; must be able to wear and utilize all safety equipment required for work at heights.
• See well (either naturally or with correction). Hear well (either naturally or with correction.) Coordinate the use of eyes, hands, and feet.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work on a cuttingedge electrical power grid infrastructure project.
• Strong safety culture and supportive leadership team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Career growth in the  electric power and renewable energy sector.

Required

• 5+ years of construction safety experience (utility, transmission, or electrical preferred).
• OSHA 30Hour Construction certification. OSHA 500 (preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA Title 8.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between project locations.

Preferred

• HVDC, substation, or transmission line experience.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Professional safety credential (CHST, CSP, CUSP, OHST, etc.).
• Experience with cable pulling, grounding systems, or commissioning activities.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Outdoor construction environment with exposure to weather, noise, energized equipment, and heavy machinery.

• Requires walking, climbing, standing, use arms, hands, and legs fully; push, pull, lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; stoop, kneel, balance, crouch, crawl, and climb to perform job tasks.
• Must be able to wear required PPE, including (including but not limited to- safety toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, arc-rated clothing, etc.).
• May need to work at heights and must be able to abide by all safety and fall-protection requirements; must be able to wear and utilize all safety equipment required for work at heights.
• See well (either naturally or with correction). Hear well (either naturally or with correction.) Coordinate the use of eyes, hands, and feet.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work on a cuttingedge electrical power grid infrastructure project.
• Strong safety culture and supportive leadership team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Career growth in the  electric power and renewable energy sector.