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Trenching Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Network Connex

Equipment Operator - Trenching

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

The Equipment Operator - Trenching is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment to install underground utilities including fiber optic cable, conduit, and other telecom ...

Ferguson Trenching Company

Be Seen First

Controller - Construction

Odenton, MD · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

About Us For over 60 years, Ferguson Trenching Co., Inc. has built more than underground infrastructure; we've built a reputation for quality, safety, and excellence. Since 1966, we've served and ...

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm). * Shored Trenching ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm). * Shored Trenching ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm). * Shored Trenching ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm). * Shored Trenching ...

New

Talent Corps

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Equipment Operator - Commercial

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Digging and trenching for electrical conduit and underground utilities * Read and interpret blueprints and site plans to execute precise trench locations and depths * Maintain daily equipment ...

New

Digital Installation Group LLC

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Safety Coordinator II

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

This position requires demonstrated knowledge of OSHA standards, trenching and excavation safety, and utility industry hazards. The Safety Coordinator II is expected to lead training, audits, and ...

C&I Staffing

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Heavy Equipment Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for operating excavators for trenching duck banks. Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour Responsibilities * Operate heavy equipment such as excavators for trenching.

Prim

Dominion Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

The Dominion Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment used in trenching, excavation, and backfilling activities for utility construction projects, primarily ...

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Trenching information

See Washington salary details

$16

$27

$40

How much do trenching jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for trenching in Washington is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $29.95 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 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 popular job titles related to Trenching jobs in Washington?

For Trenching jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trenching jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Trenching jobs in Washington are:

Trenching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trenching job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,710 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Trenching

Network Connex

Manassas, VA • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate trenching, excavating, backhoe, and other heavy equipment for underground utility installation.

  • Perform pre-operational checks, routine maintenance, and ensure equipment safety and functionality.

  • Read and interpret utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings to guide work activities.

Job description

Network Connex has been serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to provide our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration.  

 In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a robust set of benefits from health, dental, vision, short & long-term disability and more. What sets us apart is you are eligible to participate in our benefits programs the first of the month following your start date. One of the shortest benefits eligibility waiting periods in the industry!

Our Vanguard 401(k) plan comes with a 5% company match, which you are immediately vested in, and you can start participating at the same time as all the other benefits! We have 10 (ten) paid company holidays, a generous PTO (Paid Time-Off) accrual schedule, and robust health & wellness programs that can help you earn discounts on your health premiums and more! We go beyond base compensation and give you total rewards!  

Position Summary:

The Equipment Operator - Trenching is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment to install underground utilities including fiber optic cable, conduit, and other telecom infrastructure. This role requires precision, safety awareness, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate trenchers, excavators, backhoes, and other heavy equipment for underground utility installation.
  • Perform pre-operational checks and routine maintenance on equipment.
  • Read and interpret utility locates, site plans, and construction drawings.
  • Safely expose existing utilities and avoid utility strikes.
  • Maintain accurate daily logs of work performed and equipment usage.
  • Follow all safety protocols including use of PPE and traffic control measures.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and inspectors.
  • Assist with hand digging, potholing, and other manual labor as needed.
  • Ensure trench depth, width, and alignment meet project specifications.
  • Restore job site to original or improved condition upon completion.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating trenching or excavation equipment in utility or telecom environments.
  • Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).
  • Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and safety standards.
  • Ability to read and understand utility locates and construction drawings.
  • Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and operating equipment.
  • Exposure to noise, dust, and heavy machinery.

 

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.