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Trenching Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Operate hydraulic excavators (e.g., Cat 330, 336, 349, or similar) to perform precise digging, trenching, and grading. * Excavate for utility installation, including water, sewer, and storm drainage ...

New

Field Laborer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... trenching tools Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials Team oriented and able to work well with and communicate with crew ...

R.B. Hinkle - Lead Diesel Mechanic

Sterling, VA · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

About Us- We are an underground and overhead utility contractor, specializing in the installation of conduit, manholes and streetlights through trenching, directional, drilling and moling. The ...

Skilled Utilities Laborer

Bowie, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Perform trenching, pipe laying, backfilling, and site cleanup * Operate and maintain small hand tools and power tools safely * Support Equipment Operators and Foreman as needed * Follow all company ...

Skilled Utilities Laborer

Bowie, MD · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Perform trenching, pipe laying, backfilling, and site cleanup * Operate and maintain small hand tools and power tools safely * Support Equipment Operators and Foreman as needed * Follow all company ...

Showing results 41-60

Trenching information

See Washington salary details

$16

$27

$40

How much do trenching jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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.

Pipe Crew Superintendent - Underground Utilities

S.J. Louis

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Pipe Crew Superintendent - Underground Utilities
S.J. Louis Construction, Inc. | Nationwide (Traveling Role) | Full-Time
Position Overview
S.J. Louis Construction is seeking an experienced Pipe Crew Superintendent to lead field operations on heavy civil and underground infrastructure projects across the country. You will be the boots-on-the-ground leader responsible for safety, production, quality, and schedule on complex municipal and industrial projects including pump stations, large-diameter sewer and water pipelines, deep utility installation, and heavy civil infrastructure.
This is a traveling position. Project locations vary; S.J. Louis provides per diem, travel support, and competitive compensation to reflect the demands of the role.
What You'll Do
  • Supervise daily field construction activities; coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors
  • Oversee trenching, excavation, utility installation, bedding, backfill, testing, and site restoration
  • Manage installation of gravity sewer, force mains, water mains, storm drainage, and underground structures
  • Coordinate utility tie-ins, shutdowns, bypass systems, and sequencing in active municipal environments
  • Review drawings and specs; identify and resolve field conflicts before they impact schedule
  • Enforce OSHA standards and company safety policies; lead daily toolbox talks and site inspections
  • Maintain daily reports, look-ahead schedules, and project documentation
  • Work closely with project managers, engineers, and owner representatives to keep projects on time and on budget
  • Reporting directly to either the general superintendent or project superintendent, depending on the size of project

Required Experience
  • 10+ years of heavy civil construction experience, with 5+ years as a Superintendent on municipal utility projects
  • Proven experience managing crews on projects valued at $5M-$50M+
  • Hands-on expertise with: gravity sewer, force mains, water mains, large-diameter pipelines (48-inch+), and pump stations
  • Deep understanding of trenching, shoring, dewatering, excavation support, and OSHA trench safety
  • Experience with Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe, Ductile Iron, HDPE, and Steel Pipe Systems
  • Familiarity with jack-and-bore, directional drilling, and other trenchless methods (preferred)
  • Ability to manage work within active municipal environments and public right-of-way while maintaining safety and operational continuity

Technical Knowledge & Tools
  • Strong working knowledge of utility construction sequencing, testing, and restoration requirements
  • Familiar with municipal utility standards and specifications
  • Proficient in Procore, Bluebeam, HCSS and Microsoft Office
  • Able to read and interpret civil/mechanical drawings and project specifications

Preferred Qualifications
  • OSHA 30 Certification
  • Excavation competent person training

Salary, Benefits & Total Compensation
S.J. Louis offers a competitive total compensation package designed to reward experienced field leaders. Salary starts at $120,000 and scales with experience and qualifications.
  • Base Salary: Starting at $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience
  • Company-paid travel: travel expenses covered when working away from home base
  • Daily per diem provided for all overnight project assignments
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Who We're Looking For
You are a proven field leader who takes ownership of safety, quality, and production. You know how to build complex underground infrastructure safely and efficiently, communicate clearly with project teams and owners, and solve problems in the field before they become schedule or cost impacts. You are comfortable traveling and thrive on the challenge of diverse, complex projects.
Apply at :https://sjlouis.com/employment/sjlouis.com
EOE/M/W/VET/Disability/Drug-free/E-VERIFY