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Trenching Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cemetery Caretaker

Memphis, TN

$19 - $22.75/hr

Hand digs/trenching * Facilities Cleaning: * Maintains overall appearance and cleanliness of funeral homes and/or mausoleum facilities. * Cleans and maintains the facility, performs minor repairs ...

Cemetery Caretaker

Memphis, TN

$20.75 - $24.50/hr

Hand digs/trenching * Facilities Cleaning: * Maintains overall appearance and cleanliness of funeral homes and/or mausoleum facilities. * Cleans and maintains the facility, performs minor repairs ...

Equipment Operator (Class B CDL)

Bluff City, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Class B CDL Driver's License with Air Brake Certification required Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Operate excavation, trenching, and lifting equipment. • Assist with pipeline, water main ...

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Irrigation Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Able to perform heavy outdoor labor (digging, trenching, lifting 50+ lbs) in standard Tennessee climate variations. * Team Skills : Strong communication skills to report field statuses to Account ...

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Irrigation Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Able to perform heavy outdoor labor (digging, trenching, lifting 50+ lbs) in standard Tennessee climate variations. * Team Skills : Strong communication skills to report field statuses to Account ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may ...

General Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

As a General Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The General ...

Backfill Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Operator may ...

Lead Excavator Operator- Pipe

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

As an Excavator Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The operator may ...

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Perform daylighting, potholing, trenching, and debris removal in accordance with project requirements and safety standards. * Safely locate and expose underground utilities, minimizing risk of damage ...

Hydrovac Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, slot trenching, and digging * Operate Hydrovac trucks and equipment in a safe ...

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Demolition Worker

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... with trenching, backfilling, and general site preparation Ability to handle physically demanding work in all weather conditions Ability to lift, push, pull, and move heavy objects (50+ lbs ...

Backfill Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, trenching, ditching, clearing, looming, fine grading, and final clean up. The Backfill ...

Showing results 41-60

Trenching information

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Trenching jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Trenching jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Trenching job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Street Light Technician

Nashville, TN • On-site


Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. is seeking to hire a Street Light Technician in the Nashville, TN area.

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Street Light Technician will be expected to trouble shoot street lights and run maintenance, change streetlight heads while working in buckets or off pole, replace overhead and underground light wire, and operate equipment including digger and bucket trucks, mini excavators, and trenching equipment. Applicants should be comfortable working multiple light circuits on busy roads and highways, climbing poles - or be willing to learn, pouring concrete, and handling and installing product into ditches per consumer specifications. This position includes hand digging to various depths due to congestion or in areas where equipment cannot access.

Qualifications

  • Experience in street lighting systems and electrical utilities
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • 1 year Commercial Motor Vehicle Driving Experience required
  • Valid Interstate Class A CDL and medical card required
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical (employer paid), Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided


What Davis H. Elliot employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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