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Underground Contractor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Utility Locator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

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

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All JobsUnderground Contractor JobsUnderground Contractor Jobs in Ohio

Underground Contractor information

What is an underground contractor?

Underground contractors are specialized construction professionals who install, repair, and maintain infrastructure systems below ground level. This includes utilities such as water and sewer lines, storm drains, electrical conduits, and telecommunications cables. They are responsible for tasks like trenching, pipe laying, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. Underground contractors often work with municipalities, utility companies, and private developers to ensure essential services are safely and efficiently delivered to homes and businesses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground contractor?

To thrive as an Underground Contractor, you need strong knowledge of excavation, utility installation, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant licenses or certifications in construction or heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with tools such as trenchers, backhoes, pipe lasers, and project management software is essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating crews and managing unexpected site challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by underground contractors on construction projects?

Underground contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected subsurface conditions, utility conflicts, and coordinating with other trades working above ground. Managing groundwater, ensuring worker safety in confined spaces, and maintaining project timelines despite weather or permitting delays are also typical hurdles. Effective communication with project managers, engineers, and municipal inspectors is crucial to address these issues quickly and keep the project on track.

What is the difference between Underground Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsOSHA certifications, specialized underground work licensesOSHA certifications, basic excavation safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground construction sites, tunnels, utility installationsOpen trenches, surface excavation sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, utility, infrastructure projectsConstruction, landscaping, infrastructure projects

Underground Contractors focus on planning, managing, and executing underground projects, often requiring specialized licenses and safety protocols. Excavation Workers perform the physical digging and site preparation, typically with less specialized licensing. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Contractor jobs in Ohio?

For Underground Contractor jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Contractor jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Contractor jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Underground Contractor job openings:

Underground Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Underground Utility Foreman

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Cogent Talent Solutions
See more jobs at Cogent Talent Solutionsexternal

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Underground Utility General Foreman
We are seeking an experienced Underground Utility General Foreman to lead underground wet-utility crews and take full ownership of field production, coordination, and day-to-day execution. This role is for a true field leader-someone who understands underground utility construction, anticipates needs, organizes people and equipment effectively, and drives safe, high-quality production from start to finish.
Position Overview
The General Foreman is responsible for delivering underground wet-utility projects safely, correctly, and on schedule. This includes planning daily work, setting production goals, coordinating manpower and equipment, ensuring materials and inspections are ready when needed, and maintaining accountability across all field personnel. The ideal candidate thinks several steps ahead, identifies obstacles early, and keeps crews productive without compromising safety or workmanship.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead underground wet-utility projects from mobilization through completion.
  • Establish daily/weekly production targets and ensure crews meet them.
  • Coordinate plumbers/pipefitters, operators, laborers, subcontractors, and equipment.
  • Plan work sequences, manage job pacing, and minimize downtime.
  • Oversee installation of water mains, fire mains, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, hydrants, valves, vaults, and related systems.
  • Enforce trench safety, competent-person requirements, and OSHA standards.
  • Ensure proper bedding, installation, restraint, backfill, compaction, and grade control.
  • Review drawings and specifications; communicate field conditions and schedule impacts promptly.
  • Maintain high workmanship standards while driving production and meeting schedule goals.

Qualifications
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of underground wet-utility or heavy-civil experience; strong field leadership preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage crews, equipment, materials, inspections, and daily production.
  • Strong knowledge of ductile iron, C900/C909, MJ fittings, restraints, valves, hydrants, bedding/backfill, and utility installation practices.
  • Ability to read plans, understand elevations/grades, and plan work efficiently.
  • Effective communication with field teams, inspectors, project managers, and general contractors.
  • Experience with underground utility, site, water/sewer, or fire-main contractors is highly desirable.

$35 - $45 an hour
Health insurance
401k
PTO / holidays
What Success Looks Like
A successful General Foreman knows the production target for the day, understands whether the crew is ahead or behind, anticipates tomorrow's material needs, keeps equipment working, identifies issues before they become delays, and maintains safety and quality while increasing production. This role requires someone who owns the job in the field and delivers results-not just activity.
Ideal Candidate
You are a seasoned underground-utility professional who has earned leadership through knowledge, preparation, consistency, and accountability. You think ahead, communicate clearly, solve problems proactively, and treat each project as if its success is personally yours to deliver.
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.

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