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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 ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Utility Locator

Findlay, OH · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

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

Benchmark, LLC

Administrative Assistant

Akron, OH · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Benchmark also provides private utility-locating services to homeowners and contractors, with 24/7 service to its clients. Benchmark is responsible for eliminating or reducing damages to underground ...

Morian Sales & Services

Mechanic

Mineral Ridge, OH · On-site

$25/hr

... underground utility, pipeline, and piping industries. With over 25 years of experience, the company provides quality products, training, and support to contractors throughout the industry. We are ...

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Underground Contractor information

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 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 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 Superintendent

Kokosing

Westerville, OH

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Kokosing rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kokosing (www.kokosing.biz) is one of America's 40 largest General Contractors and services a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction. For over 70 years, Kokosing has successfully attracted the most qualified technical personnel in the construction industry by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards. With over $2.8 billion in annual sales and a commitment to its workforce, Kokosing is the winning team.

Job Description:

In this position, you will supervise the skilled trades crews and manage onsite construction activities (primarily underground utilities) for large, extensive Heavy Highway/roadway and site projects. You will also be collaborating with the project team, as this role is responsible for the overall coordination, pre-planning, and installation of the underground utilities on a project or projects with a major focus on Safety, Production, Quality and Profitability.

  • Supervisory responsibilities, in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws, include: planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Responsibilities also include training and development of team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage Foreman on conducting work safely, productively, and focusing on quality.
  • Be a leader for the Safety 24/7 culture of your crews.
  • Assist the Project Manager/Project Superintendent in creating the project schedule.
  • Develop 90-day and 3-week schedules for crews.
  • Conduct pre-planning and goal setting with crews.
  • Oversee costs associated with your work items.
  • Coordinate manpower, heavy equipment, tooling and material needs for crews.
  • Coordinate and schedule subcontractors.
  • Train / Develop team members for the safety and productivity of the crews

Education and Experience:

  • Technical experience in complex underground utilities progressing through the ranks as a Journeyman to a Foreman to a Superintendent.
  • (6+) years similar construction Field Management experience.
  • Roadway/Highway experience is preferred and a strong plus.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Proficient in line and grade (transits, lasers, etc.)
  • Experience with shoring systems
  • Experience with dewatering/sewer bypass
  • Good understanding of specifications and blueprint reading
  • Promotes quality work
  • Understands hydrostatic testing/sewer testing
  • Understand and interpret safety laws and company policies/standards.
  • Apply innovative and effective management techniques to maximize employee performance.
  • Thorough understanding of corporate and industry practices, processes, standards, etc. and their impact on project activity's vitals.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, plus demonstrated ability to manage a team of varied self-performing trade disciplines.
  • Assemble 90-day and 3-week schedules in Microsoft Excel and use Microsoft Word for pre-planning processes.
  • Ability to assume responsibility, interface, and communicate effectively with others.

Benefits:Kokosing offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and a 401K plan.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

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