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Underground Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$51 - $79/hr

About MGE MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support ...

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$51 - $79/hr

About MGE MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support ...

About MGE MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support ...

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$51 - $79/hr

About MGE MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support ...

Be Seen First

Midwest Contracting specializes in underground wet utilities - Storm, Sewer, Fire, Water. You will be in charge of running your crew of operators, pipelayers and laborers to maintain a thorough and ...

New

Be Seen First

Midwest Contracting specializes in underground wet utilities - Storm, Sewer, Fire, Water. You will be in charge of running your crew of operators, pipelayers and laborers to maintain a thorough and ...

New

CA ยท On-site

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Foreman for our Underground Division for full-time employment. Emphasis for the position will be on meeting the project quality and ...

Be Seen First

Company Description FPS Civil, LLC is a civil underground contractor specializing in civil infrastructure, water/wastewater, piping/mechanical, underground excavation and grading projects. The work ...

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Underground Contractor information

See salary details

$17

$25

$42

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Contractor, and why are they important?

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 are underground contractors?

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 jobs will boom in 2026?

Underground contractors are expected to see growth in infrastructure development, including tunnel construction, utility installation, and transportation projects. Skills in excavation, safety protocols, and equipment operation will be in higher demand as urban infrastructure expands and modernizes over the coming years.

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.

More about Underground Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Underground Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Underground Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Contractor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,564 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Underground Superintendent

Barminco Mining Services USA LLC

Elko, NV โ€ข On-site

Other

PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:
Barminco forms part of the Perenti Group, a diversified global mining services company. Barminco can offer you opportunities to take your career to the next level as one of the world's largest hard-rock underground mining companies, with operations in Australia, Africa and North America. The Perenti Group operates across a wide range of mining sectors and offers unique career progression opportunities.

Barminco is looking for dedicated people that are eager to start a career in underground mining and join our vibrant team. The collective talent and expertise of our people is the key to our success, and we are looking for talented people to join us. We seek to build teams who are loyal, committed to our values and dedicated to delivering for our clients. In return, we provide state of the art facilities, equipment, technology and exciting opportunities to work on projects around the world.

Job Title: Underground Superintendent

The Opportunity:
Barminco Mining Services. has an exciting opportunity for an Underground Superintendent to join our team at a project location 65 miles outside of Elko, Nevada. Reporting to the Project Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations of the underground mine. This role manages daily production activities, ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards, leads operational teams, and supports long-term mine planning in alignment with corporate goals.

Location: 65 Miles outside of Elko, Nevada
Shift: 30-days on / 26-days off rotation

Accommodation: Charter transportation from muster point. Camp and meals provided.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure full understanding and compliance with company policies/procedures and work in accordance with the Mining Safety and Health Act and other local regulatory agencies to promote safe work behaviour.
  • Lead and manage all aspects of underground hard rock mining operations, including drilling, blasting, mucking, backfilling, and ground support.
  • Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and corporate policies.
  • Coordinate with internally and externally with engineering, maintenance, geology, and other departments to optimize production and minimize downtime.
  • Manage workforce planning, scheduling, and supervision of shift supervisors, miners, and contractors.
  • Implement and enforce mine standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliver operational reports to management.
  • Promote continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and cost control.
  • Assist in developing and executing short- and long-term mine plans in collaboration with technical teams.
  • Mentor and develop frontline supervisors and crew members to build a high-performance team.
  • Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement for underground operations.
  • Act as a liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections and audits.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in underground mining, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
  • Proven experience in mechanised hard rock mining and high speed development (e.g., gold, copper, nickel).
  • Post-secondary education in Mining Engineering, Geology, or a related field preferred.
  • Underground Supervisor Certificate or equivalent regulatory certification (as applicable by jurisdiction).
  • Strong understanding of mining software, safety systems, and operational technologies.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Strong knowledge of ground control, ventilation, dewatering, and mine development practices.
  • Able to effectively prioritize workload/activities.
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, cross-cultural environment with high degree of professionalism, leadership, and self-motivation.
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Mining Safety and Health Act and Regulations
  • Maintain a valid Driverโ€™s License; manual transmission experience an asset
  • Effective and respectful communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization, both verbal and written
  • Computer skills; Microsoft Word & Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to analyze, resolve problems and make decisions in a logical and effective manner
  • Ability to be organized while simultaneously managing multiple job assignments
  • Strong commitment to be a team player, build trust, be accountable and hold crews accountable.
  • Leading and mentoring those around you through the Barminco principles.
  • Eagerness to learn and grow

Work Conditions:

  • Ability to do shift camp work on a rotational basis (dayshift/nightshift), typically the rotations are 30-days on site (minimum 12-hour days), followed by 26-days off โ€“ working statutory holidays as they fall within the rotation [TB1]
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to communicate, sit, stand, walk, climb, reach, push/pull, manipulate objects and work in awkward positions
  • Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Manual dexterity and good eye-hand coordination are required
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Noise level in the work environment is moderate to high

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary, paid time off and comprehensive benefits.
  • Opportunities for career development and advancement within the company.
  • A supportive, dynamic work environment focused on growth and success.

Additional Information:
The health and safety of our employees is our top priority. Selected candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment Fit-for-Duty medical, including alcohol and drug screening.