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Underground Contractor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Congruex

Field Inspector

Bartlett, TN · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

You will perform aerial and underground field surveys, inspect completed construction, validate ... Inspect completed construction, fiber placement, splicing, contractor work, and telecommunications ...

JPS Services

Petroleum Service Technician

Lobelville, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $23.50/hr

... underground and aboveground storage tanks, point-of-sale systems, leak detection systems, and ... JPS Services LLC Company provides a wide range of contracting services for our clients. Our ...

JARBO

Equipment Operator - CDL

Nashville, TN

$25 - $31.50/hr

A well-established utility contractor is seeking CDL Equipment Operators to support expanding ... Perform underground utility inspection, cleaning, and maintenance work in field construction ...

JARBO

Equipment Operator - CDL

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

A well-established utility contractor is seeking CDL Equipment Operators to support expanding ... Perform underground utility inspection, cleaning, and maintenance work in field construction ...

JARBO

Equipment Operator - CDL

Nashville, TN

$25 - $31.50/hr

A well-established utility contractor is seeking CDL Equipment Operators to support expanding ... Perform underground utility inspection, cleaning, and maintenance work in field construction ...

Future Ventures

Senior Civil Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Ensure safe and precise underground work by coordinating with survey, utility locating, and ... Interface with local jurisdictions, permitting agencies, and contractors to maintain compliance and ...

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Underground Contractor information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$24

$37

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in Tennessee is $24.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Underground Contractor job openings:

Underground Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,686 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager

State Systems

Memphis, TN • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager
Position Title
Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager
Reports To
Regional Sprinkler Manager or COO
Position Summary
The Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, field execution, manpower coordination, scheduling, profitability, and overall performance of the fire sprinkler division. This role manages installation, service, inspections, underground, fabrication coordination, subcontractors, and field leadership to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable codes and company standards.
The Operations Manager serves as the bridge between ownership, office staff, project management, and field operations while driving operational excellence, accountability, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management
  • Oversee day-to-day fire sprinkler operations including:
    • New construction
    • Tenant improvement projects
    • Service work
    • Inspections & testing
    • Underground fire line operations
  • Coordinate manpower allocation and workforce planning.
  • Develop and manage project schedules with Superintendents and Project Managers.
  • Monitor labor productivity and job cost performance.
  • Ensure proper material procurement and equipment availability.
  • Manage fleet, tools, and operational assets.
  • Improve workflow efficiency and operational systems.

Field Leadership
  • Lead Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel.
  • Conduct regular jobsite visits and operational reviews.
  • Ensure field teams maintain high workmanship standards.
  • Provide coaching, accountability, and performance evaluations.
  • Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention of field employees.
  • Support apprenticeship and training development.

Financial Oversight
  • Review project budgets, labor hours, and production tracking.
  • Analyze job cost reports and identify cost overruns early.
  • Assist ownership with forecasting revenue, backlog, labor needs, and cash flow.
  • Improve gross profit performance through labor efficiency and operational planning.
  • Review change orders and operational impacts.
  • Help establish production goals and KPI metrics.

Safety & Compliance
  • Enforce OSHA safety standards and company safety policies.
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • NFPA standards
    • Local AHJ requirements
    • State licensing requirements
    • Company quality standards
  • Conduct safety meetings and incident investigations.
  • Promote a strong safety culture throughout operations.

Customer & Vendor Relations
  • Maintain strong relationships with:
    • General Contractors
    • Building Owners
    • Facility Managers
    • Inspectors & AHJs
    • Vendors & Suppliers
  • Resolve customer concerns and operational issues professionally.
  • Attend project meetings and client coordination meetings.

Strategic Leadership
  • Assist ownership with operational growth planning.
  • Help develop scalable operational systems and procedures.
  • Support expansion of service, inspections, and underground divisions.
  • Identify opportunities for operational improvement and profitability growth.

Qualifications
Required
  • 5-10+ years of fire sprinkler industry experience.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems
    • Underground fire mains
    • NFPA standards
    • Installation and service operations
  • Proven leadership experience managing field personnel.
  • Ability to read blueprints and sprinkler plans.
  • Strong scheduling and coordination skills.
  • Knowledge of labor tracking and job costing.
  • Valid driver's license.

Preferred
  • NICET Certification preferred.
  • OSHA 30 Certification preferred.
  • Experience with inspection and service operations.
  • Experience using:
    • ServiceTrade
    • BuildOps
    • ServiceTitan
    • QuickBooks
    • Viewpoint
    • Microsoft Project
    • Excel
  • Experience in multi-branch or high-growth operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Gross profit margin performance
  • Labor productivity
  • On-time project completion
  • Safety performance
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Change order capture rate
  • Employee retention
  • Backlog execution
  • Inspection deficiency conversion rates
  • Service response times

Compensation Structure (Example)
  • Base Salary: $90,000-$150,000+ (depending on market and experience)
  • Performance Bonus Program
  • Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance
  • Fuel Card
  • Phone & Laptop
  • Health Benefits
  • PTO & Paid Holidays
  • Retirement Plan / 401(k)

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to visit active construction jobsites.
  • Ability to climb ladders and navigate construction environments.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to travel locally and occasionally overnight if needed.

Ideal Candidate Traits
  • Strong leader and communicator
  • Highly organized
  • Problem solver
  • Results-driven
  • Calm under pressure
  • Financially aware
  • Team-oriented
  • Operationally minded
  • Customer-focused

Apply